Spiceworld Tour
The Spiceworld Tour was the debut concert tour by the English girl group the Spice Girls, undertaken in support of their second studio album Spiceworld (1997) and the related feature film Spice World (1997).[1] Launching on 24 February 1998 at the Point Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, the tour encompassed 97 performances across the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and North America, drawing an estimated 2.1 million attendees worldwide.[1] It marked the group's first major live outing amid their peak global popularity, emphasizing their "Girl Power" ethos through high-energy pop performances, elaborate staging, and interactive elements tailored to a predominantly young, female audience.[2] The tour's production drew comparisons to a Las Vegas revue, featuring synchronized choreography, colorful costumes, and a setlist dominated by hits from Spice (1996) and Spiceworld, including "Wannabe," "Spice Up Your Life," and "Stop."[2] Comprising arena and stadium shows, it began with a European leg of over 50 dates before shifting to North America in June 1998, where the 41-date run alone grossed $60 million and played to more than 720,000 fans.[1] Financially, the overall tour was a commercial triumph, generating tens of millions in revenue and solidifying the Spice Girls as one of the era's top live acts, though exact global figures vary by report.[3] A pivotal event during the tour was Geri Halliwell's abrupt departure, announced on 31 May 1998 after missing shows in Oslo, Norway, following her last performance on 26 May 1998 in Gothenburg, Sweden, which she attributed to exhaustion but later described as stemming from creative differences and personal frustrations; the remaining four members—Melanie Brown, Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, and Melanie Chisholm—continued the North American dates without her, adapting the show dynamically.[1] Despite the upheaval, the tour received positive reception for its spectacle and the group's charisma, boosting their merchandising empire and cultural influence, though critics occasionally noted its polished, formulaic nature over raw musical depth.[2] It concluded on 20 September 1998 at Wembley Stadium in London, serving as a high-water mark before the group's temporary hiatus.[1]Background and Planning
Tour Development
The Spiceworld Tour originated as the Spice Girls' first major concert endeavor, conceived to capitalize on the global success of their debut album Spice (1996) and follow-up Spiceworld (1997), while extending promotion to the accompanying feature film Spiceworld, which premiered on December 15, 1997, in the United Kingdom.[4] The group's rapid rise, marked by over 19 million copies sold of Spice alone by late 1997, necessitated a live component to their multimedia strategy, shifting from recorded music and visual media to arena-scale performances that emphasized their "girl power" persona and fan engagement.[5] Planning for the tour accelerated in the second half of 1997, with the group securing a multimillion-dollar endorsement deal with PepsiCo in early 1997 that integrated brand tie-ins, including sponsorship of initial promotional events.[6] This partnership facilitated the tour's logistical foundation, including budget allocations for production elements tailored to a 97-show itinerary spanning Europe, North America, and the UK. The European leg was prioritized as the starting point, reflecting the band's strong home-market base, before expansion to international markets. SFX Entertainment was selected as the primary promoter for the North American portion, handling venue bookings and ticketing for dates beginning in June 1998.[7] Pre-tour preparations included intensive rehearsals in London, where the Spice Girls adapted their studio-recorded pop sound to a live arena format, honing group choreography, vocal harmonies, and interactive elements to maintain their high-energy dynamic.[8] Under tour manager Richard Jones, the team focused on seamless transitions between songs and audience participation segments, ensuring the production could scale for diverse venues. The tour was formally announced in late October 1997, aligning with the release of early dates and building anticipation ahead of the film's debut. Initial revenue projections estimated significant returns from ticket sales and sponsorships, positioning the venture as a cornerstone of the group's 1998 career trajectory, though these plans were later disrupted by Geri Halliwell's departure in May 1998.Announcement and Promotion
The Spice Girls officially announced the Spiceworld Tour on October 28, 1997, during a press conference in London, unveiling an initial 40-date European schedule commencing in February 1998 to support their second album, Spiceworld. Promotional efforts were closely tied to the release of the Spiceworld film, with a promotional event on January 14, 1998, at Planet Hollywood in New York serving as a major hype-building occasion that highlighted tour visuals and performances to generate international excitement.[9] The group made numerous TV appearances, including on BBC's Top of the Pops, to showcase new material and build anticipation, while merchandise such as tour programs, T-shirts, and posters featuring photography from the film's promotion was launched to capitalize on fan enthusiasm.[10] Tickets went on sale shortly after the announcement and sold out rapidly in major cities, including London and Dublin, where the opening shows at The Point Theatre were snapped up in minutes, reflecting the group's massive popularity. Media coverage was extensive, with outlets like Billboard reporting on the tour's scale and The Sun featuring daily updates on the frenzy, amplifying the global buzz.[11] To extend reach into the US market ahead of the North American leg, the Spice Girls conducted press junkets in several cities, including interviews and photo sessions to familiarize American audiences with the tour concept. Collaborations with radio stations, such as contests for VIP tickets and meet-and-greets, further engaged fans and drove pre-tour excitement across Europe and beyond.[10]Geri Halliwell's Departure
During the European leg of the Spiceworld Tour, Geri Halliwell missed the two scheduled performances at Oslo Spektrum in Oslo, Norway, on May 28 and 29, 1998, officially attributed to illness.[12] On May 31, 1998, Halliwell announced her departure from the Spice Girls through her solicitors at Lee & Thompson in London, stating, "Sadly I would like to confirm that I have left the Spice Girls. This is because of differences between us. I'm sure the group will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best."[12] The announcement cited creative disagreements and personal exhaustion as key factors, amid reports of internal tensions, including a reported power struggle with bandmate Melanie Brown.[12] The remaining Spice Girls—Victoria Adams, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, and Melanie Chisholm—issued a joint statement expressing shock, saying they were "upset and saddened by Geri’s departure, but we are very supportive," while reaffirming their commitment to the tour with the message, "The Spice Girls are here to stay ... Friendship never ends."[12] They directly addressed fans in the statement, apologizing for the disruption and promising to continue performing, which helped mitigate immediate concerns about the tour's viability.[13] The departure led to swift adjustments for the ongoing Spiceworld Tour, which proceeded without cancellations, including the upcoming 40-date North American leg starting June 15, 1998, a charity concert in Modena, Italy, and four UK dates.[12] The four members adapted by redistributing Halliwell's vocal lines—such as dividing her parts in songs like "Wannabe"—and using pre-recorded backing tracks for specific segments, like her Spanish rap in "If U Can't Dance," while modifying choreography to suit the quartet formation.[14] The sudden exit drew intense media scrutiny, amplifying global attention on the group's dynamics during the tour's peak.[12] Following her departure, Halliwell pivoted to a solo career, signing a recording contract with Chrysalis Records (an EMI imprint) in October 1998, leading to her debut single "Look at Me" and album Schizophonic in 1999.[15]Concert Production
Performance Synopsis
The Spiceworld Tour concerts were structured as high-energy, 90-minute pop spectacles divided into themed segments that emphasized the group's "Girl Power" ethos through empowering lyrics and interactive elements. A typical show opened with a dynamic video montage showcasing the Spice Girls in various empowering scenarios, transitioning into their entrance on a multi-level stage amid flashing lights and pyrotechnics, launching straight into the upbeat "Spice Up Your Life" to ignite the crowd's enthusiasm. This opener set the tone for a fast-paced flow of hit-driven performances, blending medleys of fan favorites like "Wannabe" and "Say You'll Be There" with covers in a theatrical, Vegas-inspired revue style.[2] Transitions between songs featured lively banter from the members, quick costume changes—often into playful outfits—and seamless choreography by the group and backing dancers, maintaining momentum while allowing brief moments for audience engagement. Sing-alongs were a staple, particularly during anthemic tracks, where fans joined in choruses, creating a communal, celebratory vibe that reinforced themes of unity and self-expression; crowd interactions included shout-outs and fan dedications, heightening the experiential flow for predominantly young audiences. Venues spanned major arenas such as Wembley Stadium in London and amphitheaters like the New World Music Theatre near Chicago, drawing average attendances exceeding 15,000 per show across the 97-date run.[2][16][17] Following Geri Halliwell's departure in May 1998 amid the European leg, the remaining four members—Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm, and Victoria Adams—adapted the format to include more duo and trio spotlights, shifting focus to their collective dynamics and individual personas while preserving the tour's core structure of medleys, banter, and encores. The show typically closed with an emotional ballad segment, such as "Viva Forever," evoking a sense of closure and inspiration before a high-spirited encore, leaving audiences energized and connected to the group's message of female empowerment.[18][2]Staging and Design
The staging and design of the Spiceworld Tour was led by Peter Barnes, who served as show producer, set designer, and lighting designer, bringing his expertise to create a visually engaging setup for the group's debut world tour.[19] The stage featured a multi-level structure with elevated platforms positioned on either side, facilitating dynamic positioning for the performers and integrating the live band below.[16] Large video screens flanked the stage, displaying montages and close-up projections of the Spice Girls to amplify the spectacle for arena audiences.[16][8] Special effects included pyrotechnics during the opening sequence, providing an explosive start to the show and heightening the energetic atmosphere.[8] The production's modular elements enabled efficient transitions between venues across Europe, North America, and the UK, supporting the tour's extensive schedule of 97 shows. Following Geri Halliwell's departure in May 1998, the existing stage design was retained for the remaining legs, with adjustments to refocus visuals and lighting on the four continuing members.[1]Choreography and Costumes
The choreography for the Spiceworld Tour was crafted by Priscilla Samuels, emphasizing synchronized pop routines that blended high-energy formations with playful, empowering gestures to amplify the group's girl power message.[20] These dances featured bold, accessible movements suitable for the performers' varying dance backgrounds, allowing even less experienced members like Emma Bunton to shine through enthusiastic delivery rather than technical complexity.[21] Supported by a team of seven male dancers known as the "Spice Boys," the routines integrated group interactions and simple, crowd-engaging steps that encouraged audience participation during key numbers.[22][23] Following Geri Halliwell's departure in May 1998, the choreography was swiftly adapted by redistributing her dance parts among the remaining four members, with pre-recorded vocals filling her lines to preserve the show's momentum and underscore the quartet's resilience.[14] This rearrangement focused on tighter formations and unified poses, transforming potential disruptions into displays of solidarity without altering the core playful style.[24] The tour's costumes, designed by stylist Kenny Ho, underwent nearly a dozen changes per performance, showcasing a vibrant mix of themes that evolved with each segment to match the music's mood.[25][2] Opening with futuristic silver ensembles accented by metallic details, the wardrobe shifted to '60s-inspired mod outfits for songs like "Stop," complete with mini-dresses and go-go boots.[26] Outfits also personalized each Spice's persona—Posh in sleek designer silhouettes, Scary in bold animal prints, Sporty in athletic gear, Baby in youthful pastels, and Ginger in fiery reds—often incorporating platform shoes for added height and flair.[27] Post-departure, the costumes were minimally adjusted to suit the four members, maintaining the high-glam aesthetic while streamlining quick changes for efficiency.[28]Setlists
Pre-Departure Setlist (February–May 1998)
The pre-departure setlist for the Spiceworld Tour, employed during the initial European leg from February to May 1998 with all five Spice Girls members, debuted on February 24, 1998, at the Point Theatre in Dublin, Ireland.[29] The performance ran for approximately 90 minutes, blending high-energy pop tracks, ballads, and covers to showcase the group's dynamic range.[30] The setlist was meticulously structured to energize the audience from the outset with upbeat openers like "If U Can't Dance" and "Who Do You Think You Are," transitioning into mid-show ballads such as "Too Much" and "2 Become 1" for emotional depth, before climaxing with crowd-favorite hits in the closers.[31] It comprised around 21 songs, drawing primarily from the albums Spice (1996) and Spiceworld (1997), including medleys that highlighted key tracks from both releases, such as the encore sequence weaving "Wannabe," "Spice Up Your Life," and "Mama."[32] Full-group harmonies and synchronized choreography were integral to every segment, emphasizing the band's unity and stage presence, with elaborate costume changes and dancer interactions enhancing the visual spectacle.[33] Geri Halliwell featured prominently in solos like "Who Do You Think You Are," a signature track that underscored her role in the group's early persona.[34] The following is a representative track listing from a March 16, 1998, performance in Madrid, Spain, which typified the pre-departure format:- Intro (video interlude sampling "Wannabe," "Say You'll Be There," and "2 Become 1")
- If U Can't Dance
- Who Do You Think You Are
- Do It
- Denying
- Too Much
- Stop
- Where Did Our Love Go (Emma Bunton solo; Supremes cover)
- Move Over
- The Lady Is a Vamp
- Say You'll Be There
- Naked
- 2 Become 1
- Walk of Life
- Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves (Mel B and Mel C duet; Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin cover)
- Wannabe
- Spice Up Your Life
- Mama
- Viva Forever
- Never Give Up on the Good Times
- We Are Family (Sister Sledge cover) [31]
North American Setlist (June–August 1998)
The North American leg of the Spiceworld Tour, spanning June to August 1998, utilized a modified setlist tailored to the four remaining members—Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, and Melanie Chisholm—following Geri Halliwell's departure on May 31, 1998. This adaptation removed Halliwell's dedicated solo "Never Give Up on the Good Times," which had been a highlight in earlier shows, and redistributed vocal leads among the group to maintain energy and balance. For instance, Brown and Bunton assumed more prominent roles in tracks like "Wannabe" and "Say You'll Be There," allowing the performance to emphasize the individual personas of Scary Spice, Baby Spice, Posh Spice, and Sporty Spice while fostering tighter group dynamics.[2] The setlist retained a comparable length and structure to the pre-departure version, typically lasting around 90 minutes across seven acts, but incorporated greater audience interaction to offset the lineup change, such as sing-alongs during upbeat numbers and fan involvement in segments like "Where Did Our Love Go." Emphasis was placed on recent hits "Stop" and "Too Much" from the Spiceworld album, which received extended choreography and vocal showcases for the remaining members, alongside core tracks popular in the US market like "Wannabe" and "Spice Up Your Life." "Viva Forever" was performed throughout the leg. Minor variations occurred for outdoor amphitheater venues, including adjustments to lighting and staging for open-air acoustics, across more than 40 shows that kicked off in mid-June and wrapped in late August. Later shows from July 24 onward replaced "Do It" with "Step to Me."[2][36][37] The following represents a typical setlist from the North American performances, drawn from verified concert reports, with "Do It" occasionally swapped for "Step to Me" after mid-July:| Act | Song Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | If U Can't Dance | Opening number with high-energy dance routine |
| Who Do You Think You Are | ||
| Do It (or Step to Me) | Upbeat group performance | |
| Denying | ||
| 2 | Too Much | Emphasized with extended vocals by Brown and Chisholm |
| 3 | Stop | Interactive audience elements added |
| Where Did Our Love Go | Bunton's spotlight with fan participation | |
| 4 | Move Over (Generation X cover) | Cover song segment |
| 5 | The Lady Is a Vamp (Dominick Lambda cover) | Theatrical intro |
| Say You'll Be There | Redistributed leads for Beckham and Bunton | |
| 6 | Naked | Acoustic-leaning ballad |
| 7 | 2 Become 1 | Emotional closer to main set |
| Encore | Wannabe | High-participation crowd favorite |
| Spice Up Your Life | Title track showcase | |
| Mama | Dedication to mothers with audience call-and-response | |
| Viva Forever | Ballad addition | |
| We Are Family (Sister Sledge cover) | Disco finale with heightened interaction |