The Spice Girls have ended weeks of speculation by confirming that their much-teased 30th anniversary announcement is a merchandise collection, not a reunion tour. The revelation, made on Thursday, has left fans who hoped for a live comeback feeling let down.
Cryptic Teaser Sparks Reunion Rumours
The band had sent social media into overdrive after posting a mysterious video hinting at a major announcement to mark three decades since their debut single "Wannabe." The clip featured the iconic staircase at London's St Pancras Hotel, made famous in the group's first music video, before focusing on a newspaper advert asking: "R u a Spice Girls fan with the ability to sing and dance?"
The teaser fuelled intense speculation that the chart-topping group were preparing to reunite after years of rumours. However, instead of announcing a tour or live comeback, the band unveiled a special anniversary merchandise collection.
Deluxe Box Set Details
Fans will be able to purchase a deluxe box set featuring 14 individually coloured seven-inch vinyl singles, complete with original B-sides, artwork, and bonus material from the band's archive. The bonus discs include "Step To Me" and "Tell Me Why," as well as two unreleased demos of "Do You Think About Me," one of the Spice Girls' earliest recordings taken from their archive.
Also included are five collectable art cards and a 28-page booklet featuring messages from all five band members.
Fan Reaction: Disappointment and Frustration
The reaction from fans was mixed, with one posting on social media: "Rule No. 1 of a Spice Girls announcement/countdown: It's always anniversary merch. Don't get too excited." A second added: "This is not what the fans wanted." "More plastic," fumed another. A fourth disgruntled fan typed: "I know y'all fenna riot. Rightfully so." "Major disappointment, we wanted a concert with the 5 of you," said another.
The group, who gained worldwide fame with "Wannabe," haven't performed publicly since 2019. As a four-piece, minus Victoria Beckham, comprised of Melanie Brown MBE, Melanie C, Emma Bunton, and Geri Horner, they embarked on a stadium tour of the UK and Ireland. Victoria cited business matters as the reason she did not join the group.
Past Performances and Future Hopes
Posh Spice last performed with the group at the London 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony, where they played a medley of some of their biggest hits. Mel B later revealed that the group were slated to perform at the late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, but pulled out before the event.
Victoria has previously ruled out touring, though fans have been encouraged by recent hints that she would reunite with the band as part of a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Mel B, however, has spoken openly about her desire to reunite the band.
"I do think we should be doing something. Whether that actually happens or not is another story, but we're all talking about it because, if not anything, just for our fans," she said of celebrating the 30th anniversary. She added: "They've been so loyal, and they're just there all the time – even now, 30 years on. For that, we should be doing something, but I can't say what that is right now, because nothing has been confirmed or signed off on."
Melanie C also said in a separate interview: "We want to do something – who knows when. But I still feel very optimistic, and I keep my fingers crossed that you will see the Spice Girls together at some point in the future."
She confirmed in November last year that the band were in talks to see what "opportunities" were available, but they wouldn't be rushing into making any decisions. "The thing that stops us is we feel so precious about it, we want to make sure it's the right thing and agree on the right thing," she said.
Geri Horner previously told The Sunday Times that there "will be something," involving all five members for the first time since 2012. She said: "My hope is we come back together as a collective. It's more respectful to come as one. We'll come as one."
