02.10.00

STEPS MISS OUT ON MTV AWARDS!

STEPS have missed out on being nominated for the MTV Europe Music Awards again this year. Viewers of Select were asked to vote for their fave band and STEPS didn't have enough votes to qualify for the nominations.


BETTER GET READY FOR MOTOWN MANIA!

LWT's forthcoming 'Motown Mania' TV extravaganza was recorded this weekend and will be transmitted on Saturday December 16th 2000. Artists lined up to appear (along with the tracks that they have recorded), are as follows:
STEPS "Too Busy Thinking"
Lulu "Heaven Must Have Sent You"
Westlife "My Girl"
Dane Bowers "I'll Be There"
Samantha Mumba "Signed, Sealed, Delivered"
Erasure "Baby Love"
A1 "Three Times A Lady"
Lisa Stansfield "You Keep Me Hanging On"
Chris Rea "RoadRunner"
Yazz "Love Hangover"
S Club 7 "Lately"
In addition to this, all acts will appear onstage for the finale, which will be a rousing rendition on "Ain't No Mountain High Enough".
(PWL)


03.10.00

HELP GIVE LISA THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!

LISA'S WORLD and The Ultimate Lisa Scott-Lee site have joined forces to make the biggest Birthday card for LISA ever!
When it's completed the card will be given to a friend of ours at Jive records and passed onto LISA, so if you want to take part just mail us your name and your message at
lisascottlee@birthdaymail.co.uk


H AND LEE OUT OF SEXIEST BOY IN POP POLL!

Well unfortunatly H and LEE ahave both been knocked out of the Pop World Cup for the sexiest boy in pop! Both boys made it through to the second round with brillaint results, but they were knocked out this week! Thanks to everyone who voted for them, at least we all know they are the sexiest boys in the world!

04.10.00

WATERMAN SPLITS WITH STEPS!

Pete Waterman, the musical mastermind behind STEPS, has admitted that he's bored with the band and won't be working with them in the future.
Formerly of the Stock Aitken Waterman hitmaking empire, Waterman co-wrote most of the STEPS' biggest hits but this week told worldpop: 'My time with STEPS is over. I've done my bit but I'm bored. I want to do something new, so I'm handing the baton over.'
Waterman, whose autobiography I Wish I Was Me is out on 5 October, only worked on a third of the tracks on the forthcoming third STEPS album, BUZZ, as the group decided to collaborate with new writers including Cyndi Lauper. But he insists there is no bad feeling. 'They're a great group and I wish them all the best,' he told worldpop.
The songwriter and producer also denied reports that he claimed STEPS' success was solely due to him. 'I didn't put STEPS together, he explained. 'They came to me as a unit - I just came up with the concept of presenting them as Abba on speed rather than Mixed Spice.'
Waterman added that when their management wanted to follow up their debut hit 5,6,7,8, with a song called A,B,C,D he insisted they recorded an old Banararama song instead. The song was called LAST THING ON MY MIND and the rest is history.
(Worldpop)


WISH FAYE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOO!

Make sure you sign Faye's Birthday card! For details on how to take part e-mail fayetozer@birthdymail.co.uk


06.10.00

STOMP TRACKLISTING!

The single is released on Monday 16th October and the tracklisting is as follows:
1. Stomp
2. Stomp WIP Mix
3. Tragedy Mix
STOMP has been recieved well by DJs and seems to have done a lot better with radio play than any other STEPS single for a long time, so hopefully STEPS could be onto their second UK No.1!

STEPS WIN PLACE IN ALL TIME TOP 4O!

Top Of The Pops spin off UK Play comissioned the Guiness Book of records to compile their all time Top 40 records and STEPS came in at No.30 with HEARTBEAT/TRAGEDY!


07.10.00

STEPS ABBA TRIBUTE AT XMAS CONCERTS!

STEPS will be paying tribute to ABBA in their string of UK Xmas 2000 concerts. It is believed STEPS will finish their shows with an encore of the Swedish supergroups greatest hits including:
Mamma Mia
S.O.S
Voulez-Vous
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
Dancing Queen
We're sure that this will go down brilliantly with their fans!


HUNKY H'S NEW HAIR!

Well it's not unusual to see FAYE, LISA or CLAIRE on TV with a new hairstyle, but today was the turn of STEPS resident blue eyed boy H to shock fans with a new look.
H as gone for the chop and got rid of his famous floppy blond locks in favour of an up to date spiky creation that has more brown in it,and we think it looks great!


08.10.00

LEE MIGHT BE SINGLE, BUT HE'S STILL IN LOVE!
Lee Steps is single! Well, sort of, as far as we can make out. "I am and I'm not," he told us, "I've split up with my girlfriend, but we are still very, very close. I love her loads and I always will."
(Pop Goss)


09.10.00

PAPER BACK WRITERS!

STEPS will be at the Virgin Mega Store in Picadilly, London, this afternoon to sign copies of their secind official book, STEPS In Private.
The event is enterance by ticket only for safety reasons.
The book which went on general sale on the 5th October tells about life as a member of Britain's most famous pop group and gives an insight into life on the road touring the UK with the fab five.
As well as all that you get to go shopping with H and CLAIRE and see the gang chilling out with FAYE and LEE playing basketball!

10.10.00

IS LEE TERRI'S HOLLY-BLOKE?!

STEPS' Lee Latchford-Evans also looks to have found a new companion - Hollyoaks beauty Terri Dwyer.
He had the sexy actress on his arm for the première of the new Disney animation Dinosaur in London's Leicester Square on Sunday.
It is the first time Lee has been seen out with a date since he split up with French girlfriend Vanessa last month.
An onlooker said: "Lee and Terri looked very comfortable with each other and came bounding into the cinema all smiles.
"They weren't afraid to touch each other either and I can only imagine what they were getting up to in the back row. They probably didn't see much of the film."
(The Sun)


11.10.00

GREATEST HITS ALBUM, A YEAR OFF, ARE STEPS OVER?!

According to CLAIRE, next year's plans for a greatest hits album will allow the band some much needed time off. 'we'd planned to take a year out after our spring tour' she reveals 'because of the new songs we had written, we were keen to record them instead' 'we really will need time off after our christmas tour, though, so a brand new album might be two years off. But we will still be together to make one'
(Teletext)


12.10.00

THE FULL STORY!

Yesterday we reported that CLAIRE had said STEPS would be taking a year off, here's the full story from H and CLAIRE:

H's gran and Claire's mum are partially responsible for Steps' new book. "My mum used to keep all our press cuttings", says Claire. "There's just too many of them. Our book is a way of documenting what's going on in the band on tour, so mum can keep up!" H nods in agreement. "My gran's the same. Its a huge book, but it only covers one week on tour! It even made me realise how hectic our lives are."
Steps' hectic life isn't helped when they get caught up in a row with their old producer and mentor, Pete Waterman. Pete said last week that, despite doing five tracks on the new album, he's "bored" of working with them. "He hasn't told us that," tuts Claire. "Nothing Official has been said to us at all, which I do find a little strange. I wouldn't have a problem working with him again."
Like Claire, H is mystified at comments by their producer Pete Waterman that he doesn't want to work with them. "It's typical, isn't it?" he sighs. "I went on a rare holiday for two weeks and got back home to see 'Steps in producer split' stories everywhere. We're still all trying to get to the bottom of it. I wonder if it might be connected to the fact that Pete's autobiography has just been published?"
While their former guru Pete Waterman seeming doesn't love them anymore, is it true that H himself has rejected songs he co-wrote with Gary Barlow? "Not at all" smiles H. "The songs we wrote together are fantastic, they just aren't right for the new album. Gary's a lovely bloke, very talented. The songs will appear somewhere in the future, certainly. Gary doesn't deserve the criticism he's getting right now."
Steps' new album Buzz doesn't have any H/Barlow co-writing credits - the the band have each written their own songs. "That's a custard pie in the face for our critics, isn't it?" beams H. Claire, who anxiously asks "Did you like my song?" adds: "It's out third album, so it was time we got involved more. I loved writing - we're talking about writing for other bands now. Who? Ohh ... that would be telling ..."
One highlight from Steps' tour not on Buzz is the girls' big-throated cover of weepy 80s No. 1 I Know Him So Well. "Funny you should ask about that, " says Claire, "We're looking at doing a Best Of album next year, and they may well be a new song for it." H leans forward out of his sofa to add: "Our own Greatest Hits album! Can you imagine how good that's going to sound? Even now, I can't wait to hear it all."
According to Claire, next year's plans for a Greatest Hits album will all the and some much needed time off. "We'd planned to take a year out after out Spring Tour" she reveals. "Because of the new songs we'd written, we were keen to record them quickly instead. "We really will need time off after our Christmas tour, though, so a brand new album might be two years off. But we will be still together to make one!"
(Channel 4 TELETEXT)


13.10.00

STEPS' CHRISTMAS CRACKER

Make room in your Christmas stocking for the bumper pop and R&B album Platinum Christmas. STEPS, Britney, Christina, Backstreet Boys and TLC are among stars who have contributed tracks to what promises to be one of the must-have albums for this Yule. Many of the tracks have been specially written and will only be released on this compilation, so make sure you add it to your collection. Without any further ado here's the full track list ...

1. Britney Spears - My Only Wish (This Year)
2. 'N Sync - I Don't Want To Spend One More Christmas Without You
3. Backstreet Boys - Christmas Time
4. Christina Aguilera - Silent Night
5. Whitney Houston - Who Could Imagine A King
6. TLC - Sleighride
7. Toni Braxton - The Christmas Song
8. Santana - Posada (Pilgrimage to Bethlehem)
9. Monica - My Grown Up Christmas List
10. Joe - This Christmas
11. R Kelly - World Christmas
12. Pink - Give Love On Christmas Day
13. Dave Matthews Band - Christmas Song
14. Donell Jones - My Gift to You
15. Dido - Christmas Day
16. STEPS - Merry Christmas Everybody
Platinum Christmas will be released on 14 November on Jive Records.
(World Pop)


14.10.00

STEPS MAKE HISTORY IN LEICESTER SQUARE!

STEPS will be making pop history on Monday when the famous five's hand prints become imortalised forever in the pavement in Leicester Square, London. It will be the icing on the cake for the five piece boy/girl band who are now officially the biggest pop act in the UK.

STEPS MAKE THE SUN'S LEAST LIST 2000.

Tabloid rag The Sun have blasted STEPS as 'boring and annoying'!
In today's paper they have listed the top 50 people in Britain who they think are the losers of the year 2000 and they have sensationally placed STEPS at no.32 in their chart!

They say: 'STEPS are still going strong despite FAYE and her pals being the most annoying band since The Grumbleweeds. They believe they are cutting edge, but really the are as interesting as Harold Wilkinson!'

Other celebrity casulties in their chart include succesful solo singer Geri Halliwell, Posh Spice Victoria Beckham and her pal Dane Bowers, award winning song writer Gary Barlow, Oasis brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher and teenage pop star Billie Piper.


15.10.00

STEPS ON PARTYING, SNOGGING AND KYLIE!

Lovin' Kylie
H: Stomp is a real hi-energy disco party number. It's a feel-good song that you can let you hair down to and let your feet go wild on the dance floor.
Lisa: We both like a bit of disco. I love Kylie's two singles and I think disco's really in at the moment so that's why we're going for it.

The new album Buzz
Lisa: I'm actually really proud of this album. We've written on this album which is something we've been wanting to do for years now.
H: People assume we're going to take a right turn and totally go in a different direction.
Lisa: Others think we're going to stick with the cheesy pop sound ...
H: Think of a happy medium.
Lisa: Like cheese and pineapple at a party!

Stopping Lee naming the album
Lisa: Lee came up with the last one, and he wanted to put 'Step' into the title again.
H: But we said 'uh-uh'.
Lisa: One of the tracks on the album goes 'B-B-Buzz' and we thought that was short and to the point.
H: We wanted one word that says everything. Apparently it's a great marketing tool because you can say 'Give me a buzz' or 'What's the buzz?'

Sharing a snog
H: I've had a few party disasters when I've had a bit too much fizzy pop and ended up on the floor with people dancing around me.
Lisa: Yeah, usually with me!
H: I snogged Lisa the other day! I'm a great snog, me!
Lisa: I can't believe you just told everyone that! It was minging!

Faye chats about
the video for Stomp
Faye: The story is, our manager goes away and leaves us an apartment to look after. So H and Lisa ring round everybody and we all have a bit of a disco and trash the flat!

Party hell
Faye: When I was younger I had many, many party disasters with people throwing up over the house. My parents didn't really appreciate that.
(World Pop)


16.10.00

STOMP OUT NOW!

At last it's the day that STEPS fans have been waiting for, the day that STEPS discotastic new single STOMP is released!
And there will be plenty of disco party fun with the CD which also provides a brilliant remix of No.1 smash Tragedy mixed with STEPS first ever hit single 5,6,7,8.
Charts at Woolworths reveal that they estimate that STEPS will enter the charts at No.3, which would be their higest chart postition in over a year!
Woolworths estimations are usually a pretty accurate indication of the chart and they were correct about the chart places of DEEPER SHADE OF BLUE, and WHEN I SAID GOODBYE/SUMMER OF LOVE.
The CD is priced at £3.99 and the MC is £2.29.

STEPS HAVE A BUZZY WEEK!

STEPS will be pulling out all the stops today, in fact for most of the week, as they start non stop promotion for STOMP, today alone sees them on many TV shows like Richard & Judy and Select MTV.
They will also be in Leiscester
Square at 1.00pm to place their hands in the cement outside the Rock Circus that will be a real moment in history for all their fans to treasure! (Keep checking the diary page as more TV shows and appearances may be added!)


17.10.00

STEPS ARE STARS OF THE HITMAKERS CD!

Well Pete Waterman may say he's bored of working with STEPS, but it hasn't stopped him from making them the stars of his new Greatest Hits CD. Two of STEPS classics, ONE FOR SORROW and TRAGEDY, appear on the disc as well as the video for TRAGEDY being on the enhanced part of the CD.
It's got loads of other great songs on there too including the original version of BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW by Kylie Minogue.

Tracklisting is as follows:

CD1
Kylie - I Should Be So Lucky
Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up
Jason Donovan - Too Many Broken Hearts
Bananarama - Venus
Mel & Kim - Respectable
Brother Beyond - The Harder I Try
Princess - Say I'm Your Number One
Nik Kershaw - Wouldn't It Be Good
Donna Summer - This Time I Know It's For Real
Cliff Richard - Just Don't Have The Heart
Bananarama - I Want You Back
Musical Youth - Pass The Dutchie
John Travolta & Olivia Newton John - Grease Megamix
Undercover - Baker Street
Opus III - Fine Day
2Unlimited - No Limit
Tina Cousins - Pray
Sam Fox - Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now
Big Fun - Blame It On The Boogie
Steps, Billie, Cleopatra and Tina Cousins - A Thank ABBA For The Music
Stock Aitken Waterman - Roadblock

CD2
STEPS - TRAGEDY
Kylie - Better The Devil You Know
Dead Or Alive - You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)
Bananarama - Love In The First Degree
Rick Astley - Together Forever
Mel & Kim - Showin' Out
Hazell Dean - Whatever I Do ( Wherever I Go)
Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
Sonia - You'll Never Stop Me From Loving You
Undercover - Never Let Her Slip Away
Nik Kershaw - I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Kylie & Keith Washington - If You Were With Me Now
Jason Donovan - Everyday I Love You More
STEPS - ONE FOR SORROW
Stephen Gately - Chiquitita
Jason Donovan - Sealed With A Kiss
Westlife - Seasons In The Sun
Kylie & Jason - Especially For You
Enhanced CD includes video for 'Tragedy'


18.10.00

STEPS BLAST BOY BAND!

STEPS have accused Westlife of winging it to fame because their manager is Ronan Keating.
And they said they set out to release their singles in quiet weeks to guarantee they were hits.
The TRAGEDY singers claim they have had better sales than the Irish boy band - who have soared straight to number one with all six of their singles.
CLAIRE RICHARDS from STEPS told Heat magazine: "They've done really well but we've sold more albums than them and you'll go into a room and everyone's paying attention to them and don't give a shit about us.
"Westlife get a lot of credibility - it is very hard sometimes when that happens. I won't slag anyone off who does this job, but it's like we worked for a year before we got a number one and we worked hard.
"But all of a sudden, because they've got this manager who's really famous, it all seems to come easy. They always seem to release in a week where there's nothing else or there's really low sales so they've always just been really lucky."
IAN 'H' WATKINS added: "They're seen as such a big group because they've had six number ones - but in reality we've actually sold triple what they have."

STEPS NOMINATED FOR BEST VIDEO AWARD!

STEPS stunning video for their hit single DEEPER SHADE OF BLUE has been nominated for Best Video at this years TV Hits Awards!
Last year STEPS picked up awards for Best Live Act and Best Single for the brilliant LOVE'S GOT A HOLD ON MY HEART.

The nominees are as follows:
Robbie Williams for Rock DJ
'NSync, Bye, Bye, Bye
Steps, Deeper Shade Of Blue
A1, Take On Me

STEPS will be performing at the TV Hits Awards ceremony on Sunday 29th October.


STOMPIN' IN EUROPE

It seems that STEPS won't be releasing their new single STOMP in Europe until 2001. They say they will release it earlier if STOMP enters the charts in the UK at No.1 or No.2, but it is more than likely that it will be released in 2001.
(Thanks to Sanne for that news)


19.10.00

LISA REVEALS HER SECRET LOVER!

STEPS singer LISA SCOTT-LEE has stepped out with secret boyfriend Johnny Shentall in public for the first time.
The couple have been dating for almost 18 months and former dancer Johnny says they are deeply in love.
I caught up with them at a party to launch Red Cube, a new bar in London's Leicester Square.
Johnny, who is in a six-piece band called Boom, said: "We've been together for ages but we don't really go out to get attention as a couple.
"We're in love but not thinking of marriage or anything like that."
(The Sun)

LEE'S ANGER OVER ALBUM!

STEPS singer LEE LATCHFORD-EVANS feels left out because for some reason the band keep taking his vocals off their songs. LEE told Heat magazine "I get angry because I'm not on half the songs I've actually sung!"
(The Mirror)


STEPS ARE NO.1 IN MIDWEEK CHARTS!

Pepsi Chart DJ Dr.Fox revealed yesterday that STEPS look almost certain to get to NO.1 with STOMP on Sunday, he spoke to the band on yesterdays midweek rundown and told then he expected to be phoning them again on Sunday!
Despite being the biggest selling UK album act and selling millions of singles, STEPS have only ever managed to get one UK NO.1 with the AA HEARTBEAT/TRAGEDY way back in January 1999.


20.10.00

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY!

STEPS are about to sell their millionth concert ticket - and there'll be a willy wonka style prize for whoever buys it!
If you're thinking of buying a ticket for their Christmas tour, you could be in with a chance of winning a surprise! STEPS won't reveal what it is yet, but they promise it will be very special indeed!
STEPS who won a Brit Award for the best-selling live act and have packed ot more than 75 arenas, promise their Christmas shows will have a festive theme.
"The tour will be very Christmassy - like STEPS Into Christmas" says LEE. "It ends on December 21st - how close can you get? We'll do all the hits as well as Christmas songs and we're going to involve the audience even more. I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say we're going to try and get fans up on the stage"
"We've never done a proper Christmas tour before, so I'm hoping there'll be lot's of presents, a tree and snow!" adds FAYE. "I love touring because we get a buzz out of getting up on stage".
Surely after playing to a record one million people, STEPS should be fed up with all this touring?
"NO!!!" They all agree. "I could tour all year round!" says LISA. "I can't wait for the next shows!"


21.10.00

CD:UK NO.1!

STEPS were announced the Saturday Chart No.1 on chart show CD:UK this morning, so it looks highly likely that they'll have their second UK No.1 tomorrow with STOMP!


22.10.00

STEPS STOMP INTO THE UK CHARTS AT NO.1!

STEPS have STOMPed their way straight to the top of the UK singles charts with their disco smash STOMP!
Despite being one of the biggest selling acts in the UK, STEPS have only ever hit the top spot once before and that was way back in January 1999 with HEARTBEAT/TRAGEDY.
This definately proves that the band still rule pop in the UK and gives the release of their brilliant third album, BUZZ, an extra boost!
Earlier today H, CLAIRE, FAYE and LISA were on Top Of The Pops Plus to thank their fans for making them No.1, LEE was unable to make the show as he was unwell, let's hope the news of a No.1 hit record makes him feel better!

HOW CLAIRE YOU!

Fatcat record bosses reckon STEPS beauty CLAIRE RICHARDS is looking too plump so theyve ordered her to shed a stone.
They have given CLAIRE just a month to shape up before the band start their sell-out tour on November 18 at Birmingham NEC.
A Steps insider told me: LISA and FAYE have been keeping in trim.
But it seems the late nights and showbiz lifestyle are beginning to show a little with CLAIRE.
CLAIREs pals say the bosses have gone way over the top and are sending out the wrong message especially at a time when so many girls suffer from eating disorders.
CLAIRE may have put on a few pounds, said the insider, but its not as if shes Gary Barlow or anything!
I reckon she looks hot and half the male population would agree.
I wonder if Pete Waterman, who recently handed over care of STEPS, would have done this to poor CLAIRE?
(The News Of The World)


STEPS GIRLS POP OUT FOR BREAST CANCER!

STEPS girls FAYE, CLAIRE and LISA will appear on Sky One's Breasts Uncupped tonight talking about boobs. They will give away signed copies of their bras.
(The People)


READY WEDDY GO SAYS LOUISE TO LISA!

POP star LOUISE was spotted telling STEPS singer LISA SCOTT-LEE about the pleasures of marriage.
My spy at top London restaurant Red Cube, sister establishment of Sugar Reef, says LISA wasn't convinced she should walk down the aisle just yet
(The People)


23.10.00

CHRISTMAS SINGLE NEWS!

Well no sooner have STEPS just reached the dizzy heights of the top spot in the singles charts then they start planning their assault on the Christmas 2000 charts! LISA has revealed that their new single is called THE WAY THAT YOU MAKE ME FEEL and will be part of a double A side Christmas extravaganza.
We think STEPS have got a third No.1 on their hands with this track, taken from their new album BUZZ, it's definately one of the best tracks they've ever recorded!


STEPS RETURN TO THE TOP!

There's a resounding return to chart glory for STEPS this week as their STOMP single bursts into the worldpop-sponsored UK chart at No 1.
STEPS' spectacular triumph comes at the expense of U2, who drop down to third spot after just one week at the top with Beautiful Day and the Baha Men, who climb an incredible - these days - 12 places to the No 2 spot with Who Let The Dogs Out? Robbie and Kylie's Kids drops two to No 4 leaving Samantha Mumba's Body II Body to debut at No 5.
(Worldpop)


STEPS STOMP TO THE TOP

Popsters STEPS have shot straight in at number one, only their second ever, with 'STOMP' pushing U2's rocktastic 'Beautiful Day' from the top spot and down to number three.
(Dotmusic)


STEPS IN AT TOP

STEPS have scored their second ever number one in the UK singles chart as their new song, 'STOMP', beat a handful of contenders to finish in the highest position yesterday.
While U2 were pushed down to number 3 with 'Beautiful Day', there was a surprise climb by Baha Men and their 'Who Let The Dogs Out' which shot from a number 14 spot last week straight into second, just behind Steps.
Three more new entries in the top ten make up the charts other notable stars this week, as Samantha Mumba goes in at 5 with 'Body II Body', 'Sunset(Bird Of Prey)' gets Fatboy Slim a number 9 and Blur make it to 10 with 'Music Is My Radar'.
(Pop-Music net)


24.10.00

U2 CLAIM POP IS DEAD!
Despite the fact that STEPS completely thrashed his band in the singles sales last week and knocked him off the top spot, U2 front man Bono, claims not to know who they are!
In a rant to tabloid Newspaper The Sun, he said that "Pop is dead" Claimed "Manufactured bands are shite" and then asked "Who are STEPS?"
George Michael has also joined the debate about manufactured pop bands like STEPS, he blasted record companies for even signing them, even though he was so impressed by H's cover of CARELESS WHISPER that he sent him a thankyou note!

Taken from The Sun:
BONO declared war on manufactured pop groups yesterday, storming: "They're dead - their time is over."
The U2 singer told me he feels fans have grown tired of bubblegum bands and now crave REAL music.
The group aim to prove they are still the world's No1 rock 'n roll act by going back on the road again next year.
Bono was speaking the the day after George Michael blasted "rubbish" manufactured acts and attacked record labels for "ignoring real talent in favour of pretty young things." Blur have also waded in to the debate, calling current chart music "a load of shite."
Bono said: "People are sick to the teeth of processed and hyped pop bands. It's crap. They want something real again and that's where we come in. The tide is turning.
"Normally people want big rock bands to fall flat, but what I'm picking up is that they want us to do well because we are flying the flag for bands who can really play.
"The state of music in Britain and Ireland hasn't been very healthy recently but you can tell it's changing by the chart positions of pop acts - they are slipping.
"We went in at No1, which surprised me. We were No1 in the singles chart and Radiohead No1 in the album chart.
"That tells me things are changing for the better. Fans are getting wiser. I mean, who are STEPS?"


25.10.00

STEPS SPOKESMAN DENIES CLAIRE IS FORCED TO DIET!

A STEPS spokesman has spoken out about claims that CLAIRE has been ordered to shed a stone weight before STEPS start their Christmas tour.
They say: "A pitiful excuse of a story from start to finish.I mean, look at CLAIRE. Who in their right mind thinks she needs to lose any weight? Total piffle, to put it politely"


SPICE GIRLS SET TO KNOCK STEPS OFF TOP OF CHARTS!

The Spice Girls look set to go to No.1 with their first single in three years. "Let Love Lead The Way/Holler" has sold over 30,000 copies already this week.
Closely following in second place is Martine McCutcheon with "I'm Over You" and Ricky Martin with "She Bangs!"
STEPS look likely to drop to about No.4.


26.10.00

STEPS MOBILE GIG!

STEPS were paid an astonishing £65,000 for a 40 minute gig for a mobile phone giant on Saturday night!
We think it would be worth every penny!


CLAIRE & CO GO CRAZY IN THE KITCHEN!

STEPS will be appearing on a Celebrity Ready Steady Cook in the near future. The show as filmed yesterday and we'll have more details as we get them.


A REVEIW ON BUZZ

Only 4 days to the release of BUZZ you'll be pleased to know.
Here's what Channel 4 Teletext think of it:
Fingers on the buzzers? Watch it, the first signs of creakiness are upon us. Stomp and Summer Of Love come early on, which only highlights the surprising lack if disco action elsewhere.

Busy Bees? Letting each member write a song has mixed results. Lisa's Never Get Over You is the best track, a whomping, frantic beast while Learn To Love Again is surprising subtle pop considering H wrote it. But Lee's Turnaround is lumpen, barely adequate funk.

Buzz Off? Faye and Claire's "Aren't we the little divas?" ballads demonstrate how "mature" is the keyword on their new sound. Growing up means a few of the faster tracks are directionless, with Buzz and the maddeningly catchy Happy Go Lucky are the only classic STEPS anthems.

Step Machines? If Claire says, they plan to take a day off then a rethink is needed. 'Cos they won't get away with such a muddled sound twice.
2 1/2 out of 5.


27.10.00

STEPS LAUNCH SINGING DOLLS
STEPS have launched a new range of singing dolls launched in their image.
The sing-along figures come complete with sparkling individual outfits and play the full version of STEPS' hit TRAGEDY.
Manufacturers Vivid Imaginations claim the dolls will prove a hit with the band's army of young fans and that they "bring the magic of STEPS to life".
The band caused a flurry of excitement as youngsters scrambled to catch a glimpse of their heroes at London's Earl's Court 2 venue as the band promoted the dolls.
LISA, H, FAYE, LEE and CLAIRE then spent almost 30 minutes signing autographs before heading off to another engagement, leaving just the dolls to amuse the youngsters.
The dolls cost £24.99 each.

BOYZONE'S BITTER BOSS!

Louis Walsh, the manager of Irish boybands Westlife and Boyzone, has hit back at claims by STEPS that Westlife had an easy ride to fame and the top of the charts.
In a series of irrate interviews
he has said...

'They are the most faceless group in pop'

'They are the most manufactured group in history'

'They are basically a girl band he has no idea why they gave these talentless people especially the boys a job. They should work in Butlins'

'They are jealous of Weslife's success'

He also described Northern Line and A1 as 'deranged'.

He said the Spice Girls are 'over' and their comeback is one of the most 'ridiculous things' he has ever heard, comparing them to Bros.

We think Mr. Walsh needs to take a step back and look at his own bands before he starts dictating to others...


28.10.00

STEPS BACK IN TIME!

STEPS' video for their forthcoming single,THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL, takes the band on a journey back in time as they ditch their trademark skimpy outfits for elaborate period costume, worldpop can reveal.
STEPS shot the video at Brocket Hall, often working up to 15 hours a day to complete the masterpiece, the follow up to last week's No 1 single, STOMP.
Be prepared to see the STEPS girls in their most revealing outfits to date, with plunging necklines, ornate corsets and more leg than KFC! The video's elaborate theme meant LISA had to spend three hours getting her hair done, with amazing results - look out for a do that covers one side of her face.
THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL is released in the UK in December, the second single from their forthcoming album, BUZZ.
(Worldpop)


STEPS MOVE RELEASE DATE TO AVOID CLASH WITH WESTLFE!

STEPS have withdrawn from the battle for the Christmas No 1 slot by changing the release date of IT'S THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL. Instead of bringing it out on 18th December as a contender for the Christmas No 1, they are releasing on 11th December. A band spokesperson has said that this was to avoid a head to head battle with Westlife, who claim that STEPS haven't got a chance against them.
(The Mirror)


29.10.00

IS CLAIRE A LIVING DOLL?!

Just what is going on with STEPS star CLAIRE RICHARDS? The blonde singer joined her bandmates at a toy exibition yesterday to launch the bands very own dolls. But CLAIRE'S six inch minature didnt exactly mirror the singer... with her extra pounds on show for everyone to see at Earls Court, West London. Of course there are usually only 2 reasons why women pile on the pounds. But last night a STEPS spokeman denied the singer was pregnant. But whatever the reason for her more robust look, it left some STEPS fans who had bought the doll feeling rather short changed. One gutted fan who queued to have the doll signed by CLAIRE groaned "My CLAIRE doll looks nothing like her. It has the tiniest waist and it has different bobbed hair".
(The Daily Star)


STOMP DROPS TO No.5

STEPS have been knocked off the UK No.1 spot by the Spice Girls. STOMP which was STEPS second UK No.1 is currently at No.5 in the charts.


BUZZ OUT TOMORROW!

We're sure we don't have to remind you that BUZZ is out tomorrow, we'll see you in the record stores at 9am!


30.10.00

HAVE YOU GOT THE BUZZ?!

Well at last the eagerly awaited third album from STEPS is out in our stores and we have to say that we think it's the best album that the fab five have ever produced! Every song on there has the potential to be a No.1 single. H, CLAIRE, LISA, LEE and FAYE have also proved that they have what it takes to write amazing songs of their own!

Here is our track by track review:

Better The Devil You Know
This cover of the classic Kylie track was a hit for STEPS last year and is still one of their best songs, the girls really do this song proud!
Rating 10/10


Stomp
Well what can we say it was their second No.1 and it's a brilliant disco party track and totally sums up the fun that makes STEPS so popular.
Rating 10/10


Summer Of Love
This was our first glimpse of the new sound for STEPS and is pure latino pop at it's best.
Rating 10/10


It's The Way You Make Me Feel
One word..BRILLIANT. This has to be one of, if not the best song that STEPS have ever recorded. It's a definate No.1.
Rating 10/10


You'll Be Sorry
Another brilliant track, this has to be released. They all shine on this track.
10/10


Learn To Love Again
Written by our very own Mr. Watkins, this track proves that he is indeed a very talented man. The song is excellent and his vocals are brilliant as always.
10/10


Never Get Over You
You've probably heard this as Lisa's solo on the Steptacular tour, but it's had a bit of a re working and is even better (if that's possible) than the the tour version. Lisa wrote this track and it's amazing and so is she!
Rating 10/10


Hand On Your Heart
No not another Kylie cover, but a brilliantly slushy ballad by someone called Claire Richards, have you heard of her? Well our Clara certainly knows how to write a good tune, this track is great and her vocals as always make it superb.
Rating 10/10


Happy Go Lucky
STEPS doing pure pop and it's brilliant!
Rating 10/10


Buzzz
This is of course the title track of the album and it's very reggae pop inspired by the likes of Ace Of Base. It's a good little pop tune and it's quite infectious.
Rating 10/10


Here And Now
Another great track. STEPS get better and better!
Rating 10/10


Paradise Lost
The vocals on this track are spine tingling. Ot's a brilliant track and could be a future single.
10/10


Turn Around
This was Lee's writing attempt and it's very impressive. Lee and Faye take the leads on this up beat boy/girl duet. It's another possible single.
Rating 10/10


Wouldn't Hurt So Bad
Well it's getting boring saying how good all these songs are, but sorry this is fantastic as well!
Rating 10/10


If You Believe
Faye wrote this track with her boyfriend Jasper Irn and it shows in her vocals. It's a marvellously emotional track that shows off her amazing voice.
Rating 10/10


So there you have it the album is all amazing, there's not one bad track or "filler" in there. It has to be one of the best pop albums ever!
Don't forget that STEPS Live at Wembley is also out today"


31.10.00

STEPS WIN BEST LIVE ACT!

STEPS won the Best Live Act award for the second year running at the TV Hits awards on Sunday. They were also nominated for Best Band, Best Single - SUMMMER OF LOVE, Best Video - DEEPER SHADE OF BLUE and Best Album - STEPTACULAR.