Steps

Steps biography

Steps are a British group created by manager Paul Byrne and writers Steve Crosby and Barry Upton. Consisting of members Lisa Scott-Lee, Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Lee Latchford-Evans, and Ian "H" Watkins, the group formed on 7 May 1997. Steps recorded three studio albums and two compilation albums, and released sixteen singles. Their musical approach throughout their career had a strong 1990s pop sound, similar to many artists of their time. Their name was based on a simple marketing gimmick: each of their music videos was choreographed, and the dance steps were included with most of their single releases.

Over the five years they were together, Steps achieved a series of charting singles between 1997 and 2001 including 2 number one singles in the UK (one a double A-Side), 2 number one albums in the UK, 14 consecutive top 5 singles in the UK and a string of hits throughout Europe. The group has sold over 20 million records and over 2 million concert tickets worldwide in addition to acquiring a BRIT Award nomination in 1999 for Best Newcomer while supporting Britney Spears on the UK leg of her tour the same year. When Claire Richards and Ian "H" Watkins departed, the group disbanded on 26 December 2001. Their penultimate single reached number-five in the UK charts while their final album of greatest hits, Gold (2001), scored the band their second number one album in the UK.

The group reformed in May 2011 for a four-part documentary series on Sky Living titled Steps: The Reunion. The series started airing on 28 September, following an announcement of a second Greatest Hits album, The Ultimate Collection, that was released on 10 October. The album entered the charts at #1, becoming the band's third UK #1 album. Series 2 of the "STEPS ON THE ROAD AGAIN" will air on Sky Living in April 2012; this series will follow the band as they embark on their sellout 22-date UK tour.

History

1997-99: Commercial success and Step One

Steps were formed by Steve Crosby & Barry Upton (writers of "5, 6, 7, 8") alongside Manager Tim Byrne after auditioning hopefuls who answered an ad in The Stage newspaper. Byrne had previously been involved in the production of the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, the BBC collaboration with the pop magazine, Smash Hits. Byrne was looking to manufacture a band in order to release "5, 6, 7, 8" as a one-hit wonder. However, Maddy, Derek and Mitch left, as they wanted more than a one-hit wonder, and saw no long-term future with Steps. New auditions were held on 7 May 1997, this time with H and Lisa acting as the judging panel, and they selected Faye, Lee and Claire as the remaining members.

Their first single "5, 6, 7, 8" was a techno line dance song. Though not typical of what became their style, it was their first hit both in the UK and internationally. Despite only peaking at number 14, the single achieved considerable longevity in the fast-paced singles climate of 1998, racking up over four months on the UK chart. The track remains one of the highest selling singles never to reach the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart. Its release in Australia gave the group their first number one in 1997.

Biography from , the free encyclopedia.
It may not have been reviewed by a professional editor, and recent changes may not show up straight away. See the latest version of this article. Used under licence. Subject to disclaimers.