Spice Girls

The Spice Girls were a late 1990s phenomenon. Their funk rhythms and ‘girl power’ ethos struck a chord with young fans, especially with pre-teen girls. In 1998, Geri Halliwell (‘Ginger Spice’) left the group and began a solo pop career. Later the same year, Victoria Adams (‘Posh Spice’), married footballer David Beckham.

British vocal pop group. Their songs combined dance and funk rhythms with lyrics extolling the virtues of what the group called ‘girl power’. Group members were Melanie Brown (or ‘Scary Spice’, 1975– ), Victoria Beckham (formerly Victoria Adams, or ‘Posh Spice’, 1975– ), Emma Bunton (or ‘Baby Spice’, 1976– ), Melanie Chisholm (or ‘Sporty Spice’, 1974– ), and Gerry Halliwell (or ‘Ginger Spice’, 1972– ), who left the group in May 1998. The remaining members carried on, but with a declining level of success. Although they never formally disbanded, the group have not released any material or performed since 2000.

The group achieved rapid success with simultaneous number one hits in the UK and US music charts with their debut single ‘Wannabe’ in 1996. Their next three singles all also debuted at number one in the UK, a feat never before achieved. Their first album, Spice, was released in 1996. This was followed in 1997 by Spice World (Spice World: the Movie was also released in 1997) and in 2000 by Forever.