{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/65ca9bd9e89a1700160e4a83/6802f25c38088415698b0e2d?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"60 - The Spice Girls with Michael Cragg (Maidenhead)","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/65ca9bd9e89a1700160e4a83/1745017347594-7aac8c12-1ad8-4817-99bb-95e69beae51c.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode of Music Maps we are joined by Penderyn Prize winning writer Michael Cragg to dig into the history and impact of the Spice Girls.</p><p><br></p><p>We explore their formation in 1994 via an audition process &amp; their early days sharing a house in Maidenhead. Originally they are known as Touch &amp; original member Michelle Stephenson leaves after 3 months &amp; Emma Bunton completes the lineup. </p><p><br></p><p>They part company with original handlers Chris &amp; Bob Herbert (also known for Bros, 5ive, Bewitched &amp; Hearsay) &amp; bring in Simon Fuller. </p><p><br></p><p>The Spice Girls sign to Virgin Records in 1996 'Wannabe' becomes their debut single. The subsequent debut album quickly breaks 20 million in sales. </p><p><br></p><p>We also touch on the concept of 'Girl Power', who came up with 'zig-a-zig-ah', the BRIT Awards appearance, the huge tours, their significant success in America, the Spice World movie, Geri Halliwell's departure, the struggles surrounding their final album 'Forever' &amp; more. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs &amp; time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: </strong><a href=\"http://ko-fi.com/musicmaps\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>ko-fi.com/musicmaps</strong></a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews &amp; star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps &amp; can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>You can see our upcoming live events here: </strong><a href=\"https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/</strong></a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Instagram: <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/rocknrollbookclube17/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@rocknrollbookclube17</a></p><p><br></p><p>Blue Sky: <a href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/musicmaps.bsky.social\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@musicmaps.bsky.social</a></p><p><br></p><p>X: <a href=\"https://x.com/simonmusicmaps\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@simonmusicmaps</a></p><p><br></p><p>Facebook: <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/E17rockbookclub/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">E17rockbookclub</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hosted by Mark Hart &amp; Simon Cardwell</strong></p><p><strong>Written &amp; Produced by Simon Cardwell</strong></p><p><strong>Edited, mixed &amp; spruced up by Andy Maxwell&nbsp;</strong></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Rock n Roll Book Club"}