Steps: Everything you need to know about the pop group that gave us 'Tragedy'
We love Steps!
Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Lisa Scott-Lee, Lee Latchford-Evans and Ian 'H' Watkins, better known as Steps, have now announced a musical featuring many of their hit songs will take to the stage later this year.
With this exciting news, we take a trip back down memory lane from their debut hit '5, 6, 7, 8' to their iconic Bee Gees cover 'Tragedy' and the careers the group have had outside of Steps.
Let's take a look back at the amazing 25+ years they've had in the music industry...
Who are the members of the pop group Steps?
Claire Richards
Claire Richards was born on 17th August 1977. She has been a member of Steps from the start in 1997 until 2001, reuniting with the group in 2011. She is the youngest member of Steps.
As well as her career in Steps, she has released music with fellow Steps member H as a duo. 'DJ' was their debut single, which reached Number 3 in 2002. Claire has also released a solo album called, 'My Wildest Dreams' in November 2018.
In addition to her music, Claire has appeared on a number of TV shows including, Popstar to Operastar, Celebrity Big Brother and as a panelist on Loose Women.
Ian ‘H’ Watkins
Best-known simply as H, he has had huge success as part of Steps as well as also teaming up with fellow Steps member Claire between 2002 and 2003. The pair released three Top 10 singles and an album.
As well as his work with Steps, he has appeared in several musicals including the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, on the UK National Tour. He's also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2007, The Chase, and most recently Dancing On Ice in 2020, when he was paired with Matt Evers, in the first ever same sex pairing.
Faye Tozer
Although best known as part of Steps, Faye Tozer is also a dancer and actress. She was born 14th November 1975. In the years between Steps original split in 2001 and their reunion 10 years later, she worked on a number of musicals including Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tell Me on a Sunday.
In 2018, Faye also took part in Strictly Come Dancing where her professional dance partner was Giovanni Pernice. They ended the series as joint runners-up.
Lee Latchford-Evans
As well as a singer and dancer as part of Steps, Lee Latchford-Evans has worked as a personal trainer and actor. Lee was born on 28th January 1975 and married Kerry-Lucy Taylor in 2012.
Lisa Scott-Lee
Lisa Scott-Lee joined Steps at the beginning with the other members. Born on 5th November 1975, Lisa is a graduate of the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts stage school. In addition to her career with Steps she released some solo songs including, 'Lately' in 2003.
How did Steps form?
Steps formed in 1997 after the members of the group answered an advert in The Stage. The group was formed by Steve Crosby and Barry Upton who wrote their debut single, ‘5, 6, 7, 8’.
How did Steps get their name?
Steps got their name from the marketing premise that their songs were choreographed, and the steps would be included in the CD sleeves.
What was Steps' first Number 1 song?
Steps' first Number 1 song was the double A-side ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘Tragedy’. The release was their fourth song from their debut album and became a Platinum-selling single. ‘Tragedy’ was particularly popular with its iconic dance and music video, which featured the group’s families and their record producer Pete Waterman.
Who originally sang ‘Tragedy’?
Although Steps enjoyed huge success with ‘Tragedy’ the song wasn’t originally by them, it was released back in 1979, by the Bee Gees - Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb.
What are Steps’ most popular songs?
Steps have had 13 Top 5 songs including two Number 1s. Along with their double A-side ‘Heartbeat’ / ‘Tragedy’, Steps also had a Number 1 with their 2000 song, ‘Stomp’.
When it comes to Steps’ YouTube views, their debut single ‘5, 6, 7, 8’ is their most popular with 43 million views, followed by ‘Tragedy’ which has 18 million views.
Are Steps still making music?
Steps' made a comeback in 2020 with their sixth album 'What The Future Holds', which featured their single 'What The Future Holds' and its follow-up, 'Something in Your Eyes'.
They then released 'What the Future Holds Pt. 2' in September 2021, followed by their Platinum Collection in August 2022.
What is Steps latest album called?
In 2021, Steps released their most recent studio album called 'What The Future Holds Pt. 2'. The album from Lisa Scott-Lee, ‘H’, Lee Latchford-Evans, Faye Tozer and Claire Richards started off as a deluxe edition of the 2020 album, but Claire told the Official Charts:
"We see What The Future Holds Pt. 2 as the perfect companion piece to the original album. The new record is classic Steps but also explores some brand-new sounds."
The group then released a new compilation album in August 2022 to celebrate 25 years since they formed. The 'Steps Platinum Collection' features many of their biggest hits and two new tracks. Announcing the release, they also shared a 'Platinum Megamix'.
How many albums have Steps released?
Steps have released seven studio albums between 1998 and 2021. Their second album ‘Steptactular’ reached Number 1 back in 1999, and 'What The Future Holds' got to Number 2 in the charts in December 2020. In September 2021 the band then released 'What The Future Holds Pt. 2'.
They have also released seven compilation albums, including their most recent 'Platinum Collection', to celebrate 25 years since they formed.
They have also re-issued some of their classic albums, this time on vinyl for the first time.
When did Steps split up?
Despite many rumours throughout the year, it wasn't until Boxing Day 2001 that Steps finally announced their split, much to the dismay of many fans.
When did Steps reunite?
Steps reunited in 2011, on the 10th anniversary of their split as part of the TV show, Steps: Reunion. After releasing 'Light Up the World', they then had a break and came back in 2017 with their Number 2 album 'Tears on the Dancefloor'.
How many tours have Steps done?
Steps have done 11 headline tours in total, with their first being 'Step One' tour in 1999. Pretty impressive!
Step One Tour (1999)
Next Step Tour (1999)
Steptacular Tour (2000)
Steps into Christmas (2000)
Gold Tour (2001)
The Ultimate Tour (2012)
Christmas with Steps (2012)
Party on the Dancefloor Tour (2017)
Summer of Steps Tour (2018)
What The Future Holds Tour (2021)
25th Anniversary Summer Tour (2022)
Take a look through the biggest pop band comebacks:
Girls Aloud
Girls Aloud, made up of Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Nadine Coyle, were formed on ITV talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 and went on to become one of the UK's biggest girl groups, famous for songs 'The Promise', 'Sound Of The Underground' and 'Biology'.
After reigning supreme at the top of the charts for a number of years, the girls decided to take a hiatus in 2009 to pursue solo projects and promised that they would reunite in 2010 to release another album. Girls Aloud briefly interrupted the hiatus to do two shows supporting Coldplay along with Jay-Z at Wembley Stadium.
The studio album never happened, though, and it took three years for Girls Aloud to reunite for the group's 10th anniversary. In 2012, they released single 'Something New', a greatest hits album and a farewell tour called 'TEN'. After the tour, they announced that they had decided to split in a statement released on Twitter.
Although the girls had plans to reunite for their 20th anniversary, Sarah Harding was diagnosed with cancer and sadly passed away in 2021, with the girls admitting at the time they were in the right mindset.
In November 2023, Cheryl, Kimberley, Nicola and Nadine confirmed plans of a 2024, which will be 'celebration of Sarah'. The tour saw the band play dates in the UK and Ireland across May and June 2024.
Busted
In March 2023, Busted announced they would be reuniting to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Known for hits such as '3AM' and 'Crashed the Wedding', the band started in 2000, before having a hiatus between 2005 and 2015.
Busted reunited in 2015, before starting another hiatus in 2019, but as of 2023 they are back with an arena tour planned in September 2023.
Take That
Even though Take That's split in 1996 caused many heartbroken fans to take the day off school (a helpline was also created), they DELIGHTED us all in 2005 when they confirmed that they will be 'back for good' with comeback single 'Patience'.
Even though Robbie Williams has made a few appearances with the group since the comeback (he originally refused to come back after he left in 1995), Take That currently consists of Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Gary Barlow. Jason Orange also left the band for good in 2014.
Take That are still very much together and their comeback is considered to be one of the most successful of all time.
Boyzone
Irish boyband Boyzone made their way into our hearts when they were formed in 1993, but it was single 'Love Me For A Reason', released in 1994, that broke them into the British charts. The band was originally made up of Keith Duffy alongside Michael Graham, Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch and the late Stephen Gately – who sadly died in 2009 aged 33.
Boyzone split in 1999 to pursue solo projects. They did a brief tour in Ireland in early January 2000 before going their separate ways.
They reformed in 2007, announcing a tour for the following year. Boyzone toured again in 2009, their last as a five.
In 2018, Boyzone released album 'Thank You and Goodnight' with artists Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran writing for the band's final album which also marked their 25-year anniversary.
Despite the band saying they will be splitting for good following their 'Thank You and Goodnight' tour, lead singer Ronan Keating has admitted that the Boyzone book will never be fully closed and there's even talk of a Boyzone movie!
Jonas Brothers
Disney channel favourites the Jonas Brothers, made up of Joe, Nick and Kevin, enjoyed HUGE success when they burst on the pop/rock scene in 2005 but they also endured a lot of drama.
In 2013, brothers Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas decided to take a hiatus from the group and cancelled 23 tour dates between October and December, citing a "deep rift within the band" over "creative differences."
Then in February 2019, the Jonas Brothers announced their comeback via social media and released single 'Sucker'.
Jonas Brothers have continued to release music since reforming and in 2023 they are set to perform a one-off gig in London for fans called One Night Only Jonas Brothers.
Spice Girls
Girl Power ruled the 90s, didn't it? The Spice Girls, made up of Mel B, Mel C, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham, ruled the charts until 1998 when Geri decided to leave citing exhaustion and creative differences.
The group's final album, 'Forever' was released in 2000. The band have made three comebacks since, first in 2007 and 2012 with Victoria Beckham and again in 2019 without her.
To mark the 25th anniversary of debut single 'Wannabe', an EP was released in July 2021 that included previously unreleased demos. The Spice Girls then released 'Spice25', a deluxe reissue of Spice featuring previously unreleased demos and remixes.
Steps
Steps, made up of Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian 'H' Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee, delighted fans in 2020 when they announced their comeback - 23 years after their music debut.
The band exploded onto the pop music scene in 1997 with hits such as 'Tragedy' and '5,6,7,8'. They even supported Britney Spears on tour in the US in 1999.
However, the band shocked everyone on Boxing Day in 2001 when they announced that they had split.
They briefly reunited in 2011 and 2012 to perform a 12-date arena tour. They then promised fans that there was new music to come. It took a few years, but the band released their fifth studio album, Tears on the Dancefloor, on 21st April 2017.
The group are now back having released seven studio albums to date.
Westlife
Known for songs 'Swear It Again', 'If I Let You Go' and 'Flying Without Wings', Irish group Westlife, who were originally made up of Nicky Byrne, Brian McFadden, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan formed in 1998.
However, in 2004, Brian decided to leave the band to spend more time with his family and has no plans to rejoin the group despite being on 'good terms' with the boys.
Before their split in 2011, the group released 13 albums, embarked on 12 world tours, earned 28 platinum discs and sold more than 55 million records across the globe.
In October 2018, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan reunited on the band's 20th anniversary and released comeback album 'Spectrum' with the help of Ed Sheeran. They also announced a huge tour including two Belfast dates and a massive gig at Croke Park.
In November 2021, the boys released their album 'Wild Dreams' before going on tour in 2022.
ABBA
Swedish pop legends ABBA never actually split, but they 'parted ways' after winning Eurovision with 'Waterloo' in 1974 and quickly rising to global stardom.
In 2018, the band announced they were going to be releasing brand new music for the first time in 35 years. The band, made up of Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, announced the exciting news on Instagram.
In 2021, the new music was finally released and named a new project 'ABBA Voyage'. The band released an album called 'Voyage' on 5th November 2021, with tracks 'I Still Have Faith In You' and 'Don't Shut Me Down'.
Backstreet Boys
American boy band Backstreet Boys, made up of Nick Carter, A.J. McLean, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell and Howie Dorough, ruled the charts in the late 90s with hits such as 'I Want It That Way' and 'Everybody'.
In 2006, Kevin decided to leave the band to pursue other interests and although the band continued without him, it took until 2012 for Kevin to rejoin them.
The group enjoyed another stint at the top of the charts when they celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2013 and have since made surprise comebacks every few years to the delight of their fans.
In 2023, the boys are on their 'DNA' tour.
Destiny's Child
Made up Beyoncé Knowles, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland, Destiny's Child's biggest hits included 'Survivor', 'Say My Name' and 'Bills, Bills, Bills'.
The group went their separate ways following a farewell performance at the 2006 NBA All-Star Game and went on to have solo careers.
However, the girls are still close and have reunited a couple of times over the years, including at Beyonce's 2013 Super Bowl performance and again at Coachella in 2018.
Speaking about the group's unbreakable bond, Beyoncé told Entertainment Tonight: "It's 20 years. We've known each other for so long and the industry doesn't really make friendships. It's the nature of it, and we still have each other after all these years."
B*Witched
With Number 1 songs like 'C'est la Vie', 'Rollercoaster', 'To You I Belong' and 'Blame It on the Weatherman', Irish girl group B*Witched enjoyed a huge amount of success in the 90s.
25 years later twin sisters Edele and Keavy Lynch, along with Lindsay Armaou and Sinéad O'Carroll, announced they would be reuniting to celebrate their 25th anniversary and releasing a new song called 'Birthday'.
JLS
The X Factor has produced some pretty impressive groups over the years. In 2008, all singing and dancing JLS, consisting of Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, Oritse Williams and JB Gill, were born.
The four-piece enjoyed huge success with singles 'Beat Again' and 'Everybody in Love' but announced their intention to split in 2013 with a farewell tour and compilation album.
The boys delighted fans in 2020 when they revealed plans to reunite after seven years apart. However, their comeback 'Beat Again' tour was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and was rescheduled to October 2021.
The band have now announced another tour called: 'EVERYBODY SAY JLS: The Hits Tour'.
S Club 7
Back in the late 90s and early 2000s seven-piece pop group S Club 7, made up of Rachel Stevens, Hannah Spearritt, Tina Barrett, Jo O'Meara, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh and the late Paul Cattermole, ruled the charts. The band defined late '90s to early '00 pop music but sadly announced that they were splitting in 2003 (live on stage).
The group reunited for a brief tour in 2015, during which they released the previously unheard song 'Rain' but we've had no new music since.
Then, in 2020, Tina hinted that the band are "up for" getting back together after she thought that Giovanna Fletcher's choice to play the band's hit song 'Reach' as her luxury item on this years I'm A Celebrity was a "sign".
In February 2023, the news that fans have been waiting for was confirmed, with the original line-up would be reuniting for a reunion tour set to take place in October 2023. Sadly in April it was announced that Paul had died, at present the band have not released a statement about their tour.
Atomic Kitten
Girl band Atomic Kitten were a regular feature in the charts in the 90s and 00s, with hits like 'Whole Again' and 'The Tide Is High'. The line-up changed over the years, but has included Liz McClarnon, Natasha Hamilton, Jenny Frost, Kerry Katona and Heidi Range.
Kerry made headlines in 2002 when she announced that she would be leaving the band to focus on marriage and family.
They officially split in 2004, but came back on stage for a reunion in 2014.
In 2020, band members Natasha and Liz delighted England football fans during the World Cup with their rendition of 'Whole Again', changing the lyrics in praise of manager Gareth Southgate.
The lyrics were changed to: "Looking back on when we first met / I cannot escape and I cannot forget / Southgate, you're the one / You still turn me on / Football's coming home again".
They released the song as a single and even performed it at Boxpark in London to fans.
Sugababes
Original Sugababes members Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhan Doherty formed in the 90s and the group continued releasing hits throughout the 00s, until each of the original woman had left the band and was replaced by someone else.
Keisha, Mutya and Siobhan reunited to form a band called MKS but sadly it never took off, and they have focused on their solo careers since. But all these years later they took to Instagram to announce they were getting back together! The group announced that they are reuniting for the first time in 21 years to play at Glastonbury festival 2022.
Cheeky Girls
The Cheeky Girls were big in the early 00s with songs like 'The Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum)', 'Hooray! Hooray! It's a Cheeky Holiday' and 'Take Your Shoes Off', but it all went quiet after 2007 and they stopped making music together.
To everyone's surprise the twins announced in April 2022 that they were back with a brand new single called 'Let's Have Fun'!
Blue
Blue became household names back in the early 00s with hits like 'All Rise', 'One Love' and 'Fly By' - however the band, consisting of Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe, left fans gutted when they announced a hiatus in late 2004.
However, in May 2022, fans were buzzing when they boys announced they were getting back together. With comeback track 'Haven't Found You Yet', featuring on their new album 'Heart&Soul', Blue also went on tour in 2022!
NSYNC
NSYNC were best-known for their huge hits, 'I Want You Back', 'Bye Bye Bye' and 'Girlfriend' with Nelly, the group officially split in 2007, however they have reformed occasionally for special events.
In September 2023 they released their first new music in more than 20 years. The song was called 'Better Place' and features on the new Trolls movie, Trolls Band Together.
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