Going their separate ways. Back in 1994, the Spice Girls were the epitome of female empowerment and friendship. However, the ladies’ once-tight bond seemingly hit a snag after the group disbanded and they all tackled solo careers.
The Spice Girls — comprised of Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice), Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice), Mel B (Scary Spice), Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice) and Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) — debuted on the pop scene in July 1996 with the release of “Wannabe.” After dropping three albums, the group announced an indefinite hiatus in December 2000.
Since the band broke up, several of its former members have gone on to release solo records or appear on reality TV shows such as Dancing With the Stars, while Beckham launched an eponymous fashion and beauty empire.
After briefly reuniting in 2008 to coincide with their Greatest Hits album release and later during the 2012 London Olympics’ closing ceremony, the group — sans Beckham — planned a new tour in 2019.
“We have enjoyed a wonderful afternoon catching up and reminiscing about the amazing times we have spent together. We are always overwhelmed at how much interest there is across the whole world for the Spice Girls,” the women announced in a joint statement in November 2018. “The time now feels right to explore some incredible new opportunities together. We all agree that there are many exciting possibilities that will once again embrace the original essence of the Spice Girls while reinforcing our message of female empowerment for future generations.”
However, the beauty entrepreneur made headlines several days later when she shut down the reunion plans.
“I’m not going on tour. The girls aren’t going on tour,” Beckham told Vogue at the time.
While Beckham made it clear that she wasn’t involved, her fellow singers continued discussing her absence from their agenda.
“It is tough because, obviously, she’s a huge part of the band,” Chisholm said during an appearance on Bunton’s Heart FM radio show that November. “As Geri always says, because you know, there were times as I mentioned earlier, that I wasn’t sure. And we really support each other on that, on the decisions that we make, and we really support her and she’s really supporting us. I really think that’s a big part of our ethos. She’s very excited for us and it’s going to be strange because none of us can watch The Spice Girls on stage —but she will be able to.”
While the Learning to Fly author bowed out of the planned tour, she still looks back fondly on her years as Posh Spice.
“Today marks a special day for the girls as they announce the first tour dates since we performed together in 2012!” the fashion designer — who married David Beckham in 1999 — wrote via Instagram in 2018. “I won’t be joining my girls on stage again but being in the Spice Girls was a hugely important part of my life and I wish them so much love and fun as they go back on tour next year. I know they will put on an amazing show and the fantastic fans past and present are going to have a wonderful time!”
Scroll below to see everything the Spice Girls have said about Victoria since the group’s disbandment:
The foursome insisted that Beckham “still is” a member of the group during a November 2018 Heart FM interview. Matt Crossick/PA Images/INSTARimages.com
After Beckham’s 2018 Vogue remarks, Scary Spice paid tribute to her former girl group member that Halloween as she donned a VB face mask and held a “No, I am not going on tour” sign. Her spokesperson, Gary Madatyan, dressed as Victoria’s husband to complete the impression. Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock; Wong Maye-E/AP/Shutterstock
“No one is replacing [Victoria], but guest Spice Girl, Adele,” Bunton exclusively joked to Us Weekly in December 2018, noting that they “couldn’t replace [her] ever.” Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock; Dennis Van Tine/UPI/Shutterstock
When Victoria failed to stop by one of the group’s reunion concerts, her absence was felt. “I expected her to come and just say hi at least. Not even on stage, just as an audience member supporting,” Mel B admitted on Good Morning Britain in June 2019. “I don’t know [why] she hasn’t. I’m sure she has her reasons for not. Yeah, I was upset. I still am a little bit. But it is what it is. And us girls, we all support each other no matter what. But yeah, it is disappointing.” Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/Shutterstock; Kin Cheung/AP/Shutterstock
“I’m sure, Victoria wouldn’t mind me saying, the Olympics was hard for her,” Sporty Spice revealed during a March 2019 “Out to Lunch” podcast appearance. “You know, she’s moved on, her life has changed, and she just doesn’t have that love of performing, and in fact, it completely petrifies her. … She’s extremely busy and successful in what she’s doing. She has put her heart and soul into her business, and to step away from that, and not give it the time that she does at the moment would be difficult. But also, I’m sure if she felt passionate about being on stage and loved it, then she’d be there.” The DWTS season 30 alum added: “We’re all very sensitive of that, and we completely understand. We’re all sad that Victoria won’t be joining us, but it’s all genuinely very supportive you know, obviously understand and support her.” ITV/Rachel Joseph/Shutterstock; Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
As Chisholm appeared as a guest judge on Drag Race UK vs The World in February 2022, she couldn’t help but diss Victoria’s vocals while lauding competitor Baga Chipz’s attempt. “Baga, I think you completely embody the humor of British drag and I love that,” she said during the episode. “You are giving me lots of Spice Girl inspiration tonight. You lip-synced badly, but when you were performing, I was like, ‘There’s a resemblance [to] Posh Spice!’ But you know what? Your vocals are much better!” Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP/Shutterstock; James Shaw/Shutterstock
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