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Spiceworld Tour 1998
Debut tour by Spice Girls
Tour programme cover
Location
  • North America
  • Europe
Associated album
Start date24 February 1998 (1998-02-24)
End date20 September 1998 (1998-09-20)
Legs3
No. of shows56 in Europe
40 in North America
96 in total
Attendance2.1 million (estimated)
Spice Girls concert chronology

The Spiceworld Tour (also known as Spice Girls in Concert and the Girl Power Tour '98) was the debut concert tour by English girl group the Spice Girls. It was launched in support of their first two studio albums, Spice (1996) and Spiceworld (1997). The sell-out European/North American tour ran from February to August 1998, after which it returned to the UK in September 1998 for a series of stadium shows. The final concert at London's Wembley Stadium was filmed and broadcast live on pay-per-view, for later VHS release in 1998 and eventual DVD release in 2008.

The tour saw the group perform to an estimated 2.1 million fans over 97 total shows, covering the UK, continental Europe and North America.[1] The 41-date sold-out North American leg of the tour played to over 720,000 fans and grossed $60 million.[2][3] The first UK portion of the tour saw the group play 20 arena shows to over 350,000 fans;[4] the second UK portion of the tour saw the group play two Don Valley Stadium shows to 76,000 fans,[5] and two Wembley Stadium shows to 150,000 fans.[6] The 1998 Spiceworld Tour remains the highest-grossing tour ever by a female group.[1]

Background

[edit]

The Spiceworld Tour was the first global tour staged by the group, and proved to be an almost instant sell-out. Tickets for the first two shows in Ireland sold out within 2 hours,[7] and various shows on the North American leg such as Los Angeles, Toronto and Philadelphia sold out within mere minutes of sale.[citation needed] In New York City, the group set the record for the quickest ever sell-out, selling 13,000 tickets for Madison Square Garden in less than 12 minutes. Such was the interest, it led to State Attorney General Dennis Vacco (together with the co-operation of the group) to investigate whether illegal scalping to ticket brokers had taken place – a claim that was later dropped by the Attorney General's office.[8][9]

The tour kicked off in Dublin, Ireland on 24 February 1998 before moving on to mainland Europe. Days before the end of the European portion of the tour, Geri Halliwell did not appear for shows in Oslo, Norway.[10][11] Halliwell's final performances occurred in Helsinki, Finland at the Hartwall Arena. Promotional appearances with the new 4-piece promoting the release of 'Viva Forever' on the National Lottery also claimed that Halliwell was ill. On 31 May 1998, Halliwell announced her departure from the Spice Girls. Through her solicitor she stated: "Sadly I would like to confirm that I have left the Spice Girls. This is because of differences between us. I'm sure the group will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best."[12] The Spice Girls quickly released a statement which stated that the North American leg of the tour would continue as planned with the remaining group members.[13]

The Spice Girls finally wrapped up the tour by performing to 150,000 fans over two gigs at Wembley Stadium in September 1998.[6]

Concert synopsis

[edit]

Against a futuristic space-age themed backdrop, the show began with a CGI video introduction of a spaceship flying through the galaxy. The introduction included William Shatner as the narrator in a parody of his famous Star Trek title sequence speech,[14][15] and included samples from "Wannabe", "Say You'll Be There", "2 Become 1" and "Mama". The spaceship was shown to land on earth and as its doors appeared to open so did the door at the back of the stage to reveal the Spice Girls. The group members were dressed in futuristic costumes, the first of 11 costume changes.[15] They entered the stage performing "If U Can't Dance", followed by "Who Do You Think You Are", which included an introduction sample from Club 69's "Diva" and RuPaul's "Supermodel (You Better Work)". Accompanied by the tour dancers, referred to as the "Spice Boys",[15] the group then performed "Do It" as their third song during the European leg of the tour; for the North American leg the third song was changed to "Step To Me".

After a brief costume change, the group returns to the stage to perform "Denying". In this performance, Geri Halliwell played the role of a waitress, Mel B the role of a gambler, Victoria Adams the role of a dancer, Emma Bunton the role of a gangster's girlfriend and Melanie C the role of a club owner. The group then sang "Too Much" sat down on chairs. After another costume change, the group performed "Stop". Kenny Ho, their stylist and costume designer, dressed the group in '60s themed clothing to fit the Motown-influenced song. Halliwell's costume was inspired by Madonna's "Holiday section from her Blond Ambition World Tour. After "Stop", Bunton sang a solo rendition of "Where Did Our Love Go?" by The Supremes.[15] Bunton had stated that "I've always been a fan of Diana Ross, that song is perfect for me, it's just the right pitch. I wouldn't want to do a song I found hard to sing." The group then performed "Move Over", portraying supermodels on a runway, dressed in outrageous, outlandish clothes. The dancers, dressed in black, play the role of photographers. Originally, they were going to have Adams wear a chainmail Versace dress with linked gold squares. However, the dress was too heavy and too impractical for maintenance. After the performance of "Move Over", there was a thirty-minute intermission.[15]

The second segment begins with "The Lady Is a Vamp". For this performance, the group wore tailcoats while the dancers wore bowler hats. Then they perform Say You'll Be There, dancing with canes. The group performed "Naked" next, singing from behind chairs to give the illusion that they were naked.[15] The group then sang "2 become 1" wearing velvet catsuits. Ho wanted something luxurious, but not too over the top and felt that velvet was perfect, and it matched the song's feel as well, which was quiet and atmospheric. After "2 Become 1", they performed "Walk of Life". Mel B & Melanie C then covered "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves", which was originally sung by Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin. The group then returned to the stage and sang "Wannabe", "Spice Up Your Life" and "Mama". For their performance of "Mama", they set on steps above the stage, with three huge video screens projecting childhood photos of each member.[14] In their next performance of "Viva Forever", all five group members were dressed in white clothing,[14] as their costume designer Ho wanted their outfits to reflect a sense of purity and spirituality to fit the song. They were originally going to put dry ice on the stage, but the idea was dropped because it would have made the stage slippery, dangerous and very hard to dance on. During later performances of "Viva Forever", Chisholm would ad-lib the line "Spice Girls forever", in place of the lines "Viva Forever", towards the end of the song.[14] The show ended with a '70s theme, with each group member dressed in a colour scheme arranged by their costume designer Ho to fit their style and character. Brown had a lot of patches of animal prints and greens; Halliwell's tones were different reds and purples; Bunton's were almost entirely bright red, pale blues and pink; Chisholm had very bright colours and Adams had patchwork on her corset. During the encore of the show, they sang "Never Give Up On The Good Times" and a cover of the Sister Sledge song "We Are Family". The Spice Girls exited the stage via the same doors from which they entered on top of the staircase.[16]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Total attendance for the Spiceworld Tour was estimated to be 2.1 million over the 97 shows in the UK, mainland Europe and North America.[1] The 41-date North American leg of the tour grossed $60 million and saw the group perform to over 720,000 fans.[2][3] The first UK portion of the tour saw the group play 20 arena shows to over 350,000 fans;[4] the second UK portion of the tour saw the group play two Don Valley Stadium shows to 76,000 fans,[5] and two Wembley Stadium shows to 150,000 fans.[6]

Critical reception

[edit]

The tour received mixed to positive reviews. Natalie Nichols of the Los Angeles Times wrote that "[t]heir energy and dedication were sincere, even though the music was all unconvincing dance grooves and slick soul-pop, lightly seasoned with funk, hip-hop and rock by a bland six-piece band."[17] On the other hand, The New York Times Jon Pareles felt that "the songs, more than the act, are their real asset. [...] These numbers are exuberant, direct and immediately likeable, and they've turned a group of hard-working but only moderately gifted performers into stars."[18]

BBC News noted the audiences were mostly composed of families, and that even "most of the parents there seemed to be enjoying themselves".[19] Gilbert Garcia of the Phoenix New Times wrote that: "Rarely has any concert experience so carefully worked so many marketing angles at once. For one thing, the Spice Girls have managed to carve out a niche as a pop group that even moms can love, and they offered just enough nostalgia to keep beleaguered parents happy. When Baby Spice embarked on a solo version of The Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go", or when the group launched into a spirited take on the Annie Lennox-Aretha Franklin duet "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves", you could see the mothers in the crowd jump up in appreciation."[14]

Throughout the American leg of the tour, commercials were played on large concert screens before the shows and during intermissions. It was the first time advertising had been used in pop concerts and was met with mixed reactions in the music industry.[20] Garcia wrote that the adverts were a "strange note" in a show that otherwise "delivered what it promised". He also criticised the group's performance of "Move Over", their Pepsi advert song, saying that the "rampant, near-subliminal Pepsi imagery on the video screen, seemed a tad too mercenary for even this ultracommercial setting."[14] On the other hand, tour promoter John Scher acknowledged that, "[T]he cost of touring has become somewhat obscene. If it allows corporate sponsors to put more money into the entertainment world and allows us to see more shows, it's positive." By opening up a whole new source of revenue, industry experts predicted more acts would follow the Spice Girls' lead.[21]

Broadcasts and recordings

[edit]

The audio of the full show at Birmingham's NEC Arena was broadcast live on BBC Radio 1.[22] Originally, Molly Dineen was meant to film a behind-the-scenes documentary with the Spice Girls during their American leg of the tour. When Geri Halliwell departed from the group, she called Dineen to film a completely separate documentary with her instead.[23] She was replaced by Ian Denyer who directed the documentary, broadcast on Channel 4 and subsequently released on VHS under the title Spice Girls In America: A Tour Story.[24][25]

The final show at Wembley Stadium was broadcast live on 20 September 1998 on Sky Box Office and presented by Dani Behr and Georgie Stait.[26] A full behind the scenes tour of the stage was also aired prior to the broadcast of the Wembley Stadium concert on MuchMusic in Canada. Live at Wembley Stadium, a video release of the group's show at Wembley Stadium, was released on VHS on 16 November 1998 and on DVD on 6 October 2008.[27]

Setlist

[edit]

Main set (February 24 – July 22, 1998)

[edit]
  1. "Video Introduction" (contains samples of Wannabe, Say You'll Be There, 2 Become 1 and Mama)
  2. "If U Can't Dance"
  3. "Who Do You Think You Are" (contains elements of "Diva" and "Supermodel")"
  4. "Do It"
  6. "Denying"
  8. "Too Much"
  10. "Stop"
  12. "Where Did Our Love Go?" (Emma Bunton solo)
  14. "Move Over"
Intermission
  2. "The Lady Is a Vamp"
  4. "Say You'll Be There"
  6. "Naked"
  8. "2 Become 1"
  10. "Walk of Life"
  12. "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" (Mel B & Melanie C duet)
  14. "Wannabe"
  16. "Spice Up Your Life"
  18. "Mama"
Encore
  2. "Viva Forever" (contains excerpts from the film Blade Runner)
  4. "Never Give Up on the Good Times"
  6. "We Are Family"

Alternate setlist (July 24 – August 26, 1998)

[edit]
  1. "Video Introduction" (contains samples of Wannabe, Say You'll Be There, 2 Become 1 and Mama)
  2. "If U Can't Dance"
  3. "Who Do You Think You Are" (contains elements of "Diva" and "Supermodel")"
  4. "Step to Me"
  6. "Denying"
  8. "Too Much"
  10. "Stop"
  12. "Where Did Our Love Go?" (Emma Bunton solo)
  14. "Move Over"
Intermission
  2. "The Lady Is a Vamp"
  4. "Say You'll Be There"
  6. "Naked"
  8. "2 Become 1"
  10. "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" (Mel B & Melanie C duet)
  12. "Wannabe"
  14. "Spice Up Your Life"
  16. "Mama"
Encore
  2. "Viva Forever" (contains excerpts from the film Blade Runner)
  4. "Never Give Up on the Good Times"
  6. "We Are Family"

Back in Britain setlist (September 11 – September 20, 1998)

[edit]
  1. "Video Introduction" (contains samples of Wannabe, Say You'll Be There, 2 Become 1 and Mama)
  2. "If U Can't Dance"
  3. "Who Do You Think You Are" (contains elements of "Diva" and "Supermodel")"
  5. "Something Kinda Funny"
  7. "Do It"
  9. "Too Much"
  11. "Stop"
  13. "Where Did Our Love Go?" (Emma Bunton solo)
  15. "Love Thing"
  17. "The Lady Is a Vamp"
  19. "Say You'll Be There"
  21. "Naked"
  23. "2 Become 1"
  25. "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" (Mel B & Melanie C duet)
  27. "Wannabe"
  29. "Spice Up Your Life"
  31. "Mama"
Encore
  2. "Viva Forever" (contains excerpts from the film Blade Runner)
  4. "Never Give Up on the Good Times"
  6. "We Are Family"

Setlist background

[edit]
  • "Who Do You Think You Are" contained a sound bite from the song "Diva" by Club 69 & "Supermodel (You Better Work)" by RuPaul. In the beginning of the song, the phrase "You have to work to get this good" can be heard. The same sound bite had been used previously in televised concerts in Istanbul in 1997.
  • During the European leg of the tour, "Move Over" featured some rather interesting lyrical changes. Instead of the usual "dedication, babynation etc...", the girls would alternate the lyrics with "penetration, menstruation, lubrication and masturbation" on various nights (in the predominantly non-English speaking countries).
  • "Naked" sampled two sound bites from the film Batman Forever. In the beginning of the song, dialogue from the motion picture was included, saying "Relax. Tell me your dreams, tell me your fantasies, tell me your secrets, tell me your deepest, darkest, fears." In the middle of the song, the Riddler's growls were heard.
  • The original "London town" lyric in "Walk of Life" was replaced by the name of the city the girls were performing in. The lyrics varied depending on the pronunciation of the city name, for example "Birmingham", "Antwerp Town", or "Boston City".
  • "Viva Forever" sampled a sound bite from the film Blade Runner. In the beginning of the song the famous words "The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long, and you my friend, have burned so very, very brightly" spoken by Dr. Eldon Tyrell are heard. This inspired a similar, revamped sound bite that was used during "Who Do You Think You Are" on The Return of the Spice Girls Tour. This sound bite consisted of a deep, male, American-accented voice saying "The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long, and you, my friend, have burned the brightest".
  • After Geri Halliwell's departure, a pre-recorded backing track of Geri's vocals were used during the Spanish Rap in "If U Can't Dance" and the remaining girls sang her original "Ginger" lyric in "The Lady Is a Vamp". In other songs her lines were distributed by the remaining members, with notably Victoria finally singing lead in "Wannabe" after Halliwell's departure.
  • Starting in Noblesville, Indiana on July 24, "Step to Me" replaced "Do It", and "Walk of Life" was removed from the setlist (“Walk of Life” was still performed, sporadically, during various dates for the duration of the US leg of the tour). Both of these changes were due to several dancers' injuries, as well as the (unannounced at the time) pregnancies of Mel B and Victoria Beckham, who were lifted and carried around by dancers during "Walk of Life."
  • As presented on Sky Box Office Live, there was no 30-minute intermission during the "Back in Britain" leg of the tour, and additional songs were added to the setlist. "Something Kinda Funny" replaced "Denying", and "Step to Me" was dropped. "Do It" was added back to the setlist. "Something Kinda Funny", "Do It", and "Too Much" were reimagined into their own second act, with a new set of suit-like outfits, replacing the restaurant act. "Love Thing" replaced "Move Over", in the middle of the show, as a one-song act with a dancers’ intro and another wardrobe change.[28]

Tour dates

[edit]
Date City Country Venue
Europe[29]
24 February 1998 Dublin Ireland Point Theatre
25 February 1998
2 March 1998 Zürich Switzerland Hallenstadion
3 March 1998 Frankfurt Germany Festhalle Frankfurt
5 March 1998 Bologna Italy PalaMalaguti
6 March 1998 Rome Palazzo dello Sport
8 March 1998 Milan FilaForum di Assago
9 March 1998
11 March 1998 Marseille France Le Dôme de Marseille
13 March 1998 Barcelona Spain Palau Sant Jordi
16 March 1998 Madrid Palacio de Deportes
19 March 1998 Lyon France Halle Tony Garnier
20 March 1998 Lausanne Switzerland Patinoire de Malley
22 March 1998 Paris France Zénith de Paris
23 March 1998
26 March 1998 Munich Germany Olympiahalle
28 March 1998 Arnhem Netherlands GelreDome
29 March 1998
31 March 1998 Antwerp Belgium Sportpaleis
1 April 1998 Dortmund Germany Westfalenhallen
4 April 1998 Glasgow Scotland SECC Concert Hall 4
5 April 1998
7 April 1998 Manchester England NYNEX Arena
8 April 1998
11 April 1998
12 April 1998
14 April 1998 London Wembley Arena
15 April 1998
18 April 1998
19 April 1998
21 April 1998
22 April 1998
25 April 1998
26 April 1998
28 April 1998 Birmingham NEC Arena
29 April 1998
2 May 1998
3 May 1998
5 May 1998
6 May 1998
12 May 1998 Paris France Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy
13 May 1998
15 May 1998 Vienna Austria Wiener Stadthalle
16 May 1998
19 May 1998 Stockholm Sweden Stockholm Globe Arena
20 May 1998
22 May 1998 Copenhagen Denmark Forum Copenhagen
23 May 1998
25 May 1998 Helsinki Finland Hartwall Areena
26 May 1998
28 May 1998 Oslo Norway Oslo Spektrum
29 May 1998
North America[30]
15 June 1998 West Palm Beach United States Coral Sky Amphitheatre
16 June 1998 Orlando Orlando Arena
18 June 1998 Atlanta Coca-Cola Lakewood Amphitheatre
20 June 1998 Charlotte Blockbuster Pavilion
21 June 1998 Bristow Nissan Pavilion
24 June 1998 Virginia Beach GTE Virginia Beach Amphitheater
25 June 1998 Holmdel PNC Bank Arts Center
27 June 1998 Philadelphia CoreStates Center
29 June 1998 Wantagh Jones Beach Amphitheater
1 July 1998 New York City Madison Square Garden
3 July 1998 Hartford Meadows Music Theatre
4 July 1998 Buffalo Darien Lake Performing Arts Center[31]
6 July 1998 Scranton Montage Mountain Performing Arts Center
8 July 1998 Mansfield Great Woods Amphitheatre
10 July 1998 Montreal Canada Molson Centre
11 July 1998 Toronto Molson Amphitheatre
14 July 1998 Cuyahoga Falls United States Blossom Music Center
15 July 1998 Burgettstown Coca-Cola Star Lake Amphitheater
18 July 1998 Nashville Starwood Amphitheatre
20 July 1998 Cincinnati Riverbend Music Center
22 July 1998 Columbus Polaris Amphitheater
24 July 1998 Noblesville Deer Creek Music Center
26 July 1998 Auburn Hills The Palace of Auburn Hills
27 July 1998 Tinley Park New World Music Theatre
29 July 1998 Milwaukee Marcus Amphitheater
31 July 1998 Minneapolis Target Center
2 August 1998 Maryland Heights Riverport Amphitheatre
3 August 1998 Bonner Springs Sandstone Amphitheater
5 August 1998 Greenwood Village Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre
8 August 1998 Tacoma Tacoma Dome
9 August 1998 Portland Rose Garden
11 August 1998 Vancouver Canada General Motors Place
13 August 1998 Mountain View United States Shoreline Amphitheatre
15 August 1998 Inglewood Great Western Forum
16 August 1998 San Bernardino Blockbuster Pavilion
19 August 1998 Las Vegas Thomas & Mack Center
21 August 1998 Chula Vista Coors Amphitheatre
22 August 1998 Phoenix Blockbuster Desert Sky Pavilion
25 August 1998 The Woodlands Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
26 August 1998 Dallas Coca-Cola Starplex Amphitheatre
Europe[29][5]
11 September 1998 Sheffield England Don Valley Stadium
12 September 1998
19 September 1998 London Wembley Stadium
20 September 1998

Personnel

[edit]

Vocals

[edit]

Band

[edit]

Dancers

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Spiceworld Tour

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Spiceworld Tour was the debut by the English the , undertaken in support of their second studio album Spiceworld (1997) and the related feature film Spice World (1997). Launching on 24 February 1998 at the Point Theatre in , , the tour encompassed 97 performances across the , , and , drawing an estimated 2.1 million attendees worldwide. It marked the group's first major live outing amid their peak global popularity, emphasizing their "" ethos through high-energy pop performances, elaborate staging, and interactive elements tailored to a predominantly young, female audience. The tour's production drew comparisons to a revue, featuring synchronized choreography, colorful costumes, and a setlist dominated by hits from (1996) and Spiceworld, including "Wannabe," "," and "Stop." Comprising arena and stadium shows, it began with a European leg of over 50 dates before shifting to in June 1998, where the 41-date run alone grossed $60 million and played to more than 720,000 fans. Financially, the overall tour was a commercial triumph, generating tens of millions in revenue and solidifying the as one of the era's top live acts, though exact global figures vary by report. A pivotal event during the tour was Geri Halliwell's abrupt departure, announced on 31 May 1998 after missing shows in , , following her last performance on 26 May 1998 in , , which she attributed to exhaustion but later described as stemming from creative differences and personal frustrations; the remaining four members—Melanie Brown, , , and Melanie Chisholm—continued the North American dates without her, adapting the show dynamically. Despite the upheaval, the tour received positive reception for its spectacle and the group's charisma, boosting their merchandising empire and cultural influence, though critics occasionally noted its polished, formulaic nature over raw musical depth. It concluded on 20 September 1998 at in , serving as a high-water mark before the group's temporary hiatus.

Background and Planning

Tour Development

The Spiceworld Tour originated as the Spice Girls' first major concert endeavor, conceived to capitalize on the global success of their debut album Spice (1996) and follow-up Spiceworld (1997), while extending promotion to the accompanying feature film Spiceworld, which premiered on December 15, 1997, in the United Kingdom. The group's rapid rise, marked by over 19 million copies sold of Spice alone by late 1997, necessitated a live component to their multimedia strategy, shifting from recorded music and visual media to arena-scale performances that emphasized their "girl power" persona and fan engagement. Planning for the tour accelerated in the second half of 1997, with the group securing a multimillion-dollar endorsement deal with in early 1997 that integrated brand tie-ins, including sponsorship of initial promotional events. This partnership facilitated the tour's logistical foundation, including budget allocations for production elements tailored to a 97-show itinerary spanning , , and the . The European leg was prioritized as the starting point, reflecting the band's strong home-market base, before expansion to international markets. SFX Entertainment was selected as the primary promoter for the n portion, handling venue bookings and ticketing for dates beginning in June 1998. Pre-tour preparations included intensive rehearsals in London, where the Spice Girls adapted their studio-recorded pop sound to a live arena format, honing group choreography, vocal harmonies, and interactive elements to maintain their high-energy dynamic. Under tour manager Richard Jones, the team focused on seamless transitions between songs and audience participation segments, ensuring the production could scale for diverse venues. The tour was formally announced in late October 1997, aligning with the release of early dates and building anticipation ahead of the film's debut. Initial revenue projections estimated significant returns from ticket sales and sponsorships, positioning the venture as a cornerstone of the group's 1998 career trajectory, though these plans were later disrupted by Geri Halliwell's departure in May 1998.

Announcement and Promotion

The Spice Girls officially announced the Spiceworld Tour on October 28, 1997, during a in , unveiling an initial 40-date European schedule commencing in February 1998 to support their second album, Spiceworld. Promotional efforts were closely tied to the release of the Spiceworld film, with a promotional event on January 14, 1998, at in New York serving as a major hype-building occasion that highlighted tour visuals and performances to generate international excitement. The group made numerous TV appearances, including on BBC's , to showcase new material and build anticipation, while merchandise such as tour programs, T-shirts, and posters featuring photography from the film's promotion was launched to capitalize on fan enthusiasm. Tickets went on sale shortly after the announcement and sold out rapidly in major cities, including and , where the opening shows at The Point Theatre were snapped up in minutes, reflecting the group's massive popularity. Media coverage was extensive, with outlets like reporting on the tour's scale and The Sun featuring daily updates on the frenzy, amplifying the global buzz. To extend reach into the market ahead of the North American leg, the conducted press junkets in several cities, including interviews and photo sessions to familiarize American audiences with the tour concept. Collaborations with radio stations, such as contests for VIP tickets and meet-and-greets, further engaged fans and drove pre-tour excitement across and beyond.

Geri Halliwell's Departure

During the European leg of the Spiceworld Tour, missed the two scheduled performances at in , , on May 28 and 29, 1998, officially attributed to illness. On May 31, 1998, Halliwell announced her departure from the through her solicitors at Lee & Thompson in , stating, "Sadly I would like to confirm that I have left the . This is because of differences between us. I'm sure the group will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best." The announcement cited creative disagreements and personal exhaustion as key factors, amid reports of internal tensions, including a reported power struggle with bandmate Melanie Brown. The remaining Spice Girls—Victoria Adams, Melanie Brown, , and Melanie Chisholm—issued a joint statement expressing shock, saying they were "upset and saddened by Geri’s departure, but we are very supportive," while reaffirming their commitment to the tour with the message, "The Spice Girls are here to stay ... Friendship never ends." They directly addressed fans in the statement, apologizing for the disruption and promising to continue performing, which helped mitigate immediate concerns about the tour's viability. The departure led to swift adjustments for the ongoing Spiceworld Tour, which proceeded without cancellations, including the upcoming 40-date North American leg starting June 15, 1998, a charity in , , and four dates. The four members adapted by redistributing Halliwell's vocal lines—such as dividing her parts in songs like ""—and using pre-recorded backing tracks for specific segments, like her Spanish rap in "If U Can't Dance," while modifying to suit the quartet formation. The sudden exit drew intense media scrutiny, amplifying global attention on the group's dynamics during the tour's peak. Following her departure, Halliwell pivoted to a solo career, signing a with (an imprint) in October 1998, leading to her debut single "Look at Me" and album Schizophonic in 1999.

Concert Production

Performance Synopsis

The Spiceworld Tour concerts were structured as high-energy, 90-minute pop spectacles divided into themed segments that emphasized the group's "" ethos through empowering lyrics and interactive elements. A typical show opened with a dynamic video montage showcasing the in various empowering scenarios, transitioning into their entrance on a multi-level stage amid flashing lights and , launching straight into the upbeat "" to ignite the crowd's enthusiasm. This opener set the tone for a fast-paced flow of hit-driven performances, blending medleys of fan favorites like "" and "" with covers in a theatrical, Vegas-inspired style. Transitions between songs featured lively banter from , quick changes—often into playful outfits—and seamless by the group and backing dancers, maintaining momentum while allowing brief moments for audience engagement. Sing-alongs were a staple, particularly during anthemic tracks, where fans joined in choruses, creating a communal, celebratory vibe that reinforced themes of unity and self-expression; crowd interactions included shout-outs and fan dedications, heightening the experiential flow for predominantly young audiences. Venues spanned major arenas such as in and amphitheaters like the New World Music Theatre near , drawing average attendances exceeding 15,000 per show across the 97-date run. Following Geri Halliwell's departure in May 1998 amid the European leg, the remaining four members—Melanie Brown, , Melanie Chisholm, and Victoria Adams—adapted the format to include more duo and trio spotlights, shifting focus to their collective dynamics and individual personas while preserving the tour's core structure of medleys, banter, and encores. The show typically closed with an emotional ballad segment, such as "," evoking a sense of closure and inspiration before a high-spirited encore, leaving audiences energized and connected to the group's message of female empowerment.

Staging and Design

The staging and design of the Spiceworld Tour was led by Peter Barnes, who served as show producer, set designer, and lighting designer, bringing his expertise to create a visually engaging setup for the group's debut world tour. The stage featured a multi-level structure with elevated platforms positioned on either side, facilitating dynamic positioning for the performers and integrating the live band below. Large video screens flanked the stage, displaying montages and close-up projections of the Spice Girls to amplify the spectacle for arena audiences. Special effects included during the opening sequence, providing an explosive start to the show and heightening the energetic atmosphere. The production's modular elements enabled efficient transitions between venues across , , and the , supporting the tour's extensive schedule of 97 shows. Following Geri Halliwell's departure in May 1998, the existing stage design was retained for the remaining legs, with adjustments to refocus visuals and on the four continuing members.

Choreography and Costumes

The choreography for the Spiceworld Tour was crafted by Samuels, emphasizing synchronized pop routines that blended high-energy formations with playful, empowering gestures to amplify the group's message. These dances featured bold, accessible movements suitable for the performers' varying dance backgrounds, allowing even less experienced members like to shine through enthusiastic delivery rather than technical complexity. Supported by a team of seven male dancers known as the "Spice Boys," the routines integrated group interactions and simple, crowd-engaging steps that encouraged audience participation during key numbers. Following Geri Halliwell's departure in May 1998, the was swiftly adapted by redistributing her dance parts among the remaining four members, with pre-recorded vocals filling her lines to preserve the show's momentum and underscore the quartet's resilience. This rearrangement focused on tighter formations and unified poses, transforming potential disruptions into displays of solidarity without altering the core playful style. The tour's costumes, designed by stylist , underwent nearly a dozen changes per performance, showcasing a vibrant mix of themes that evolved with each segment to match the music's mood. Opening with futuristic silver ensembles accented by metallic details, the wardrobe shifted to '60s-inspired mod outfits for songs like "Stop," complete with mini-dresses and boots. Outfits also personalized each Spice's —Posh in sleek designer silhouettes, Scary in bold animal prints, Sporty in athletic gear, Baby in youthful pastels, and Ginger in fiery reds—often incorporating platform shoes for added height and flair. Post-departure, the costumes were minimally adjusted to suit the four members, maintaining the high-glam aesthetic while streamlining quick changes for efficiency.

Setlists

Pre-Departure Setlist (February–May 1998)

The pre-departure setlist for the Spiceworld Tour, employed during the initial European leg from February to May 1998 with all five members, debuted on February 24, 1998, at the Point Theatre in , . The performance ran for approximately 90 minutes, blending high-energy pop tracks, ballads, and covers to showcase the group's dynamic range. The setlist was meticulously structured to energize the audience from the outset with upbeat openers like "If U Can't Dance" and "Who Do You Think You Are," transitioning into mid-show ballads such as "Too Much" and "2 Become 1" for emotional depth, before climaxing with crowd-favorite hits in the closers. It comprised around 21 songs, drawing primarily from the albums Spice (1996) and Spiceworld (1997), including medleys that highlighted key tracks from both releases, such as the encore sequence weaving "Wannabe," "Spice Up Your Life," and "Mama." Full-group harmonies and synchronized choreography were integral to every segment, emphasizing the band's unity and stage presence, with elaborate costume changes and dancer interactions enhancing the visual spectacle. Geri Halliwell featured prominently in solos like "Who Do You Think You Are," a signature track that underscored her role in the group's early persona. The following is a representative track listing from a , , performance in , , which typified the pre-departure format:
  1. Intro (video interlude sampling "," "," and "")
  2. If U Can't Dance
  3. Who Do You Think You Are
  4. Do It
  5. Denying
  6. Too Much
  7. Stop
  8. ( solo; cover)
  9. Move Over
  10. The Lady Is a Vamp
  12. Naked
  15. Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves ( and Mel C duet; and cover)
  18. Mama
  20. Never Give Up on the Good Times
  21. We Are Family ( cover)
This configuration incorporated remixes and covers to add variety, such as the Motown-inspired "Where Did Our Love Go" and the empowering duet "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves," which highlighted individual member spotlights amid collective performances. The setlist persisted without alteration until Halliwell's abrupt departure on May 26, 1998, in Helsinki, prompting subsequent modifications to the show.

North American Setlist (June–August 1998)

The North American leg of the Spiceworld Tour, spanning June to August 1998, utilized a modified setlist tailored to the four remaining members—, , , and Melanie Chisholm—following Geri Halliwell's departure on May 31, 1998. This adaptation removed Halliwell's dedicated solo "Never Give Up on the Good Times," which had been a highlight in earlier shows, and redistributed vocal leads among the group to maintain energy and balance. For instance, and assumed more prominent roles in tracks like "" and "," allowing the performance to emphasize the individual personas of Scary Spice, Baby Spice, Posh Spice, and Sporty Spice while fostering tighter group dynamics. The setlist retained a comparable length and structure to the pre-departure version, typically lasting around 90 minutes across seven acts, but incorporated greater audience interaction to offset the lineup change, such as sing-alongs during upbeat numbers and fan involvement in segments like "Where Did Our Love Go." Emphasis was placed on recent hits "Stop" and "Too Much" from the Spiceworld album, which received extended choreography and vocal showcases for the remaining members, alongside core tracks popular in the US market like "Wannabe" and "Spice Up Your Life." "Viva Forever" was performed throughout the leg. Minor variations occurred for outdoor amphitheater venues, including adjustments to lighting and staging for open-air acoustics, across more than 40 shows that kicked off in mid-June and wrapped in late August. Later shows from July 24 onward replaced "Do It" with "Step to Me." The following represents a typical setlist from the North American performances, drawn from verified concert reports, with "Do It" occasionally swapped for "Step to Me" after mid-July:
ActSong TitleNotes
1If U Can't DanceOpening number with high-energy dance routine
Who Do You Think You Are
Do It (or Step to Me)Upbeat group performance
Denying
2Too MuchEmphasized with extended vocals by Brown and Chisholm
3StopInteractive audience elements added
Bunton's spotlight with fan participation
4Move Over (Generation X cover)Cover song segment
5The Lady Is a Vamp (Dominick Lambda cover)Theatrical intro
Redistributed leads for Beckham and Bunton
6NakedAcoustic-leaning ballad
7Emotional closer to main set
EncoreHigh-participation crowd favorite
Title track showcase
MamaDedication to mothers with audience call-and-response
Ballad addition
We Are Family (Sister Sledge cover)Disco finale with heightened interaction
This configuration ensured the shows remained vibrant and engaging for American audiences, prioritizing conceptual flow from playful pop to empowering anthems while adapting seamlessly to the reduced lineup.

UK Setlist (September 1998)

The leg of the Spiceworld Tour in September 1998 marked the homecoming finale for the , consisting of four stadium concerts following Geri Halliwell's departure earlier that year. These shows took place on September 11 and 12 at in , and September 19 and 20 at in , adapting the production to larger outdoor venues with a focus on fan favorites to evoke national pride and closure. The setlist for these performances evolved from earlier iterations in the tour, reincorporating tracks like "Something Kinda Funny" as the third song and adding "Do It" as the fourth to replace previously dropped elements such as "Step to Me," while extending emphasis on UK hits including a fuller rendition of "2 Become 1" during the ballad segment. Due to Halliwell's absence, her parts were performed using pre-recorded vocals, including in the re-added "Never Give Up on the Good Times." The standard sequence opened with an intro medley sampling "Wannabe," "Say You'll Be There," "2 Become 1," and "Mama," followed by "If U Can't Dance," "Who Do You Think You Are," "Something Kinda Funny," "Do It," "Too Much," "Stop," "Where Did Our Love Go" (Emma Bunton's solo), "Love Thing," "The Lady Is a Vamp," "Say You'll Be There," "Naked," "2 Become 1," "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" (Mel B and Mel C duet). This led into "Wannabe," "Spice Up Your Life," and "Mama." The encore included "Viva Forever," "Never Give Up on the Good Times," and "We Are Family" (Sister Sledge cover), often accompanied by fireworks and fan sing-alongs to heighten the nostalgic atmosphere. A cover of "Baby Love" (The Supremes) was performed during the show. Performances carried an emotional tone reflective of the band's post-departure challenges, with the remaining members—Melanie Brown, , , and Melanie Chisholm—conveying messages of perseverance during intros and encores, firmly denying split rumors and announcing plans for a 1999 album and single to affirm their continuity. The Wembley shows, in particular, featured covers like "Baby Love" by and "We Are Family" by in the encore for added communal uplift. Runtimes were streamlined to approximately two hours to suit stadium pacing, emphasizing high-energy fan favorites over extended solos. Attendance peaked at these final dates, drawing around 60,000 fans per night at for a combined total exceeding 120,000 over the two evenings, underscoring the tour's massive domestic draw amid the group's transitional phase.

Reception

Commercial Performance

The Spiceworld Tour achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $60 million across 97 shows that attracted an estimated 2.1 million fans worldwide. This figure encompassed performances in the UK, , and , with the tour concluding in September 1998 following Geri Halliwell's departure earlier that year, which had minimal impact on overall ticket demand. The venture marked the highest-grossing concert tour by a female group at the time, surpassing other 1998 acts like the in reported U.S. earnings of $16.5 million compared to the Spice Girls' $60 million in the same market. The North American leg, comprising 41 sold-out dates from June to August 1998, alone generated $60 million in revenue while drawing over 720,000 attendees, with tickets averaging $35 to $50. Approximately 80% of all tour dates reached sold-out status, driven by rapid sales—such as Madison Square Garden's tickets moving in just 12 minutes—and strong pre-teen demand that fueled a surge in family-oriented attendance. These figures positioned the tour as the top earner among female acts for the year, outpacing contemporaries like and in group-specific metrics. Beyond direct ticket sales, the tour contributed to local economies in host cities through increased , merchandise , and related spending, though exact sponsorship figures remain undisclosed in available records. The final stadium shows at in highlighted peak earning potential, with high-capacity crowds underscoring the tour's scale despite the group's reduced lineup.

Critical Response

The Spiceworld Tour received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who generally praised its high-energy spectacle and the group's ability to connect with audiences, while noting limitations in vocal delivery and production elements. Natalie Nichols of the described the performance at the Forum in Inglewood as demonstrating "sincere" energy and dedication from the four remaining members, highlighting their effort despite a shortened first half and frequent intermissions. Similarly, a Variety review of the same show commended the "spectacle of epic proportions," with a huge stage set, precision lighting, and a tight six-man band supporting the act. Critics often pointed out vocal challenges and reliance on pre-recorded elements, which tempered enthusiasm for the artistic quality. Nichols observed that Scary and Sporty Spice carried most of the singing with passable harmonizing, but implied the use of taped backing vocals, and noted Baby Spice's solo as an imprecise of classic styles. The Variety critique echoed this, stating that while voices remained strong overall—with Sporty and Scary delivering the most punch—ballads like "Too Much" were overwhelmed by venue noise, and the show's rigid, downbeat choreography lacked spontaneity. Costume changes and intermissions were frequently cited as disrupting momentum, contributing to a sense of formulaic execution. In the UK, reviews emphasized the tour's fun, professional vibe and the group's resilience following Geri Halliwell's departure. Alfred Hickling in The Guardian covered the Sheffield finale as a "leaner, meaner" show that retained the Spice Girls' charm, with the quartet delivering hits effectively to massive crowds while promising longevity. Earlier Guardian coverage of the tour's launch phase described it as a "Las Vegas on the Bosphorus" style pop extravaganza, praising the real singing and hard-working delivery despite uneven vocal talents among members. A Rolling Stone live review portrayed the Chicago-area concert as a vibrant, Vegas-style display that thrilled multigenerational fans, underscoring the spectacle's appeal during intermission chats. Overall, initial reviews were more mixed due to production hiccups, but post-departure critiques trended positive, focusing on the performers' adaptability and crowd-pleasing execution across major outlets.

Fan Reactions

Fans expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the Spiceworld Tour, with reports of ecstatic crowds filling arenas and stadiums across and . At a July 1998 show in , thousands of screaming young girls sang along to every song, their eyes gleaming with joy, demonstrating the intense devotion of the audience despite a lengthy and pre-show delays. The tour's final performance at in September 1998 drew 60,000 attendees, primarily families, who cheered deafeningly as the group performed for two hours, culminating in fireworks and a sense of unity. Chants of "" echoed through venues, amplifying the communal energy among predominantly teenage girls and pre-pubescent children brought by parents. The audience demographics skewed heavily toward young female fans, reflecting the group's appeal to preteens and teens inspired by their message of . Many attendees arrived with homemade signs and Spice Girls-themed outfits, creating an atmosphere of shared excitement and memorabilia displays, though formal exchanges were not widely documented. Stories emerged of dedicated supporters traveling significant distances to attend sold-out dates, underscoring the tour's magnetic pull on its core fanbase. Geri Halliwell's abrupt departure in May 1998, midway through the tour, elicited mixed emotions from fans, with many expressing shock and heartbreak over the loss of their favorite member. Public reactions in media forums highlighted disappointment, as some viewed her exit as contradicting the "" ethos of solidarity, yet others rallied behind the remaining quartet. During subsequent North American and legs, crowds showed strong ongoing support, with performances adapting by editing out Halliwell's video footage, and no widespread signs of diminished loyalty at shows. Letters and comments to outlets conveyed loyalty to the group as a whole, emphasizing continued enthusiasm despite the upheaval.

Media Coverage

Broadcasts

The final concert of the Spiceworld Tour took place at in on 20 September 1998, in front of approximately 60,000 attendees, and was broadcast live on pay-per-view via . This transmission allowed broader access to the performance, which featured the group's full setlist including hits like "" and "." Accompanying the pay-per-view event, Sky One aired a television special titled Spice Girls: Live in Your Living Room on the same date, presented by Dani Behr and Georgie Stait. The program included live footage from Wembley, behind-the-scenes interviews with the Spice Girls, fan call-in segments, and highlights from the tour, providing an edited overview rather than a complete concert airing. These broadcasts marked the primary televised coverage of the tour's performances, with the Wembley event captured using multi-camera production to facilitate both the live transmission and a later commercial video release.

Recordings and Releases

The primary official recording from the Spiceworld Tour is the video release Live at Wembley Stadium, which captures the group's final performance on September 20, 1998, at in . Released on by in November 1998, the approximately 120-minute program features a complete rendition of the setlist, including hits such as "," "," and "," along with elaborate stage production elements like aerial acrobatics and costume changes. Note that while the used live vocals, the release incorporated pre-recorded studio vocals for audio consistency. Bonus content includes an exclusive interview segment titled "Back in Britain!," where the reflect on the tour's conclusion following Geri Halliwell's departure. A DVD edition of Live at Wembley Stadium followed in 2008, remastered with enhanced audio in and DTS 5.1 formats, preserving the original concert footage while adding improved visual clarity for modern viewers. This re-release maintained the full show and extras but omitted any additional tour-specific material from earlier legs. No official audio-only live from the Spiceworld Tour was ever produced by , though bootleg recordings circulated among fans. Audio snippets from the Wembley performance appeared on select compilations, such as promotional tracks integrated into later greatest-hits packages.

Legacy

Cultural Impact

The Spiceworld Tour exemplified the Spice Girls' "girl power" ethos, transforming their message of female empowerment and sisterhood into a dynamic live spectacle that inspired young audiences worldwide. By performing high-energy shows that highlighted each member's unique persona—from Sporty Spice's athletic vibe to Ginger Spice's bold flair—the tour reinforced themes of self-confidence, individuality, and mutual support, drawing parallels to the underground movement while mainstreaming these ideas for a global pop audience. Fans, particularly tween girls and young women, credited the performances with boosting their sense of agency, viewing the group as relatable "big sisters" who challenged 1990s and through playful yet assertive stage antics. The tour's broader societal ripple effects extended to the music industry and , elevating female-led productions as commercially viable and culturally potent. Its massive attendance of over 2 million across 97 dates underscored the viability of all-woman headliners, paving the way for subsequent groups like to secure high-profile tours by demonstrating that empowerment narratives could drive blockbuster success. In , the ' eclectic, over-the-top ensembles—featuring platform heels, mini-dresses, and slogan tees—filtered into mainstream wardrobes, symbolizing a youthful that blended with fun and accessibility, influencing everything from high-street trends to celebrity styling in the late . The diverse crowds at shows, encompassing young females, LGBTQ+ individuals, and multigenerational families, further promoted inclusivity, with the group's universal messages of acceptance resonating across races, genders, and sexualities. Post-tour, the Spiceworld Tour remained a touchstone in cultural retrospectives, with Geri Halliwell's abrupt departure on May 31, 1998—midway through the European leg—emerging as a defining moment that exposed internal pressures but amplified the group's narrative of authentic female autonomy. Referenced in documentaries and analyses, such as Lauren Bravo's What Would the Spice Girls Do? (2018), which dissects the tour's role in shaping , the event highlighted how "girl power" evolved from a commercial slogan into a lasting framework for inclusivity and resilience. Books like Sean Smith's : The Extraordinary Lives of Five Ordinary Women (2019) further portray the tour as a pinnacle of 1990s , crediting its diverse fanbase with broadening pop's appeal and fostering long-term discussions on .

Influence on Future Tours

The Spiceworld Tour's emphasis on elaborate staging, vibrant choreography, and interactive elements set a foundational template for the ' later reunion efforts, transforming their live shows into high-production pop spectacles that prioritized visual flair and audience immersion. This approach was evident in the 2007–2008 Return of the Tour, which incorporated massive LED screens, dynamic interludes, and thematic segments reminiscent of the 1998 production's bold aesthetics and energy. Similarly, the 2019 Spice World Tour built upon this legacy by featuring synchronized light shows, aerial effects, and nostalgic recreations of iconic outfits, maintaining the group's reputation for delivering larger-than-life experiences that blended with pop accessibility. On an industry level, the Spiceworld Tour pioneered the model of global arena tours for girl groups, demonstrating that such acts could headline massive venues worldwide and achieve unprecedented commercial success, thereby paving the way for contemporaries like . Beyoncé has credited the Spice Girls' "girl power" ethos and stage presence as a direct inspiration during Destiny's Child's formative years, influencing their own high-energy tours that emphasized anthems and in arena settings. This trailblazing format helped elevate girl groups from niche performers to stadium-dominating forces, with the Spiceworld Tour's 97 shows across three continents serving as a benchmark for scalability and fan engagement in the genre. The tour also provided key evolutions in managing group dynamics, particularly in handling lineup changes, as Geri Halliwell's abrupt departure midway through the 1998 run forced the remaining members to adapt and narratives on the fly while sustaining momentum—a resilience that informed their approach to the 2019 tour without . During the 2019 shows, Halliwell publicly apologized for her 1998 exit, framing it as a lesson in prioritizing personal and group , which underscored the reunions' focus on emotional authenticity over perfection. This shift emphasized through intimate and inclusive interactions, such as audience sing-alongs and personalized dedications, evolving the 1998 model's high-octane spectacle into more relational experiences that celebrated shared history. Specific nods to the Spiceworld era appeared in the 2019 setlist, including performances of "," "Who Do You Think You Are," and "If U Can't Dance," which directly referenced the 1998 production's opening sequences and thematic energy. Financially, the tours reflected enduring viability: the 2007–2008 outing grossed approximately $70 million, while the 1998 tour's North American leg grossed $60 million (equivalent to approximately $119 million in 2025 dollars), with overall estimates exceeding $100 million, highlighting the original's inflation-adjusted comparability despite economic shifts. As of 2025, reports indicate planning for a potential 2026 world tour to mark the 30th anniversary of their debut single "," potentially without , further emphasizing the Spiceworld Tour's lasting influence on the group's live performances. These elements collectively reinforced the Spiceworld Tour's role as a blueprint for sustainable, fan-centric reunions in the pop landscape.

Personnel

Vocals

The Spiceworld Tour relied exclusively on the Spice Girls for vocals, with no external singers involved in the performances. The group's five members handled all lead and backing duties during the initial European leg, drawing from their established roles in the repertoire. Melanie Brown (Mel B, Scary Spice) led on rap and uptempo segments, delivering energetic verses such as the iconic rap in "Wannabe." Melanie Chisholm (Melanie C, Sporty Spice) took primary responsibility for pop and rock-inflected leads, including key parts in "Say You'll Be There." Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) specialized in ballads, providing the emotive lead on "2 Become 1." Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) contributed harmonies throughout, supporting the ensemble with her poised delivery. Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) performed solos and leads on several tracks in the early shows, infusing numbers like the pre-chorus in "Say You'll Be There" with her spirited style until her departure on 31 May 1998. After Halliwell's exit, the remaining four members redistributed her lines across the setlist, with Brown and Chisholm shouldering much of the vocal weight while the group maintained strong harmonies. Contemporary accounts praised this adaptation, noting the quartet's effective handling of the adjusted parts during North American and later dates. Backing vocals were occasionally pre-recorded for specific elements, but the core singing remained live. The tour's vocal emphasis was on authentic live delivery, supported by a live band and minimal taped backups to preserve energy amid choreography, resulting in performances free of significant lip-syncing.

Band

The Spiceworld Tour was supported by a six-piece backing band that delivered live instrumentation to complement the Spice Girls' performances. Led by musical director Simon Ellis on keyboards, the ensemble included Michael Martin on keyboards, Paul Gendler on guitar, Steve Lewinson on bass, Andy Gangadeen on drums, and Fergus Gerrand on percussion. This touring band blended live elements with pre-recorded tracks to adapt the group's upbeat pop arrangements for the stage, ensuring a vibrant and consistent sound across the tour's demanding schedule. The setup allowed for seamless integration with the Spice Girls' live vocals, enhancing the overall concert energy without compromising the polished studio aesthetic.

Dancers

The Spiceworld Tour employed a team of seven backup dancers led by choreographer Priscilla Samuels, whose expertise in pop performances ensured tight synchronization and high-energy execution. The ensemble included , Takao Baba, (also known as Carmine Canuso), Jimmy Gulzar, Eszteca Noya, Robert Nurse, and Christian Storm, forming a diverse group that reflected international talent to amplify the tour's dynamic visual appeal. This lineup supported the across the European, North American, and legs, adapting to the production's demands despite challenges like injuries that necessitated adjustments during the US portion. The dancers' primary responsibilities involved executing intricate support routines and formations during group numbers, such as the opening "If U Can't Dance" and medley segments, where they enhanced stage presence through precise movements and thematic interactions. In performances like "Papa C," they portrayed in black attire, contributing to the narrative flair of the show while maintaining seamless integration with the group's . Their contributions were essential for the tour's high-octane , drawing from Samuels' background in crafting engaging pop routines. Costumes for the dancers, designed by stylist , aligned closely with the ' outfits to reinforce thematic unity, featuring futuristic and era-specific elements across the 11 wardrobe changes per . Ho's designs, which extended to the entire production, emphasized sparkle and cohesion, with dancers often mirroring the group's iconic styles in segments like the '60s-inspired "Stop." This visual harmony underscored the tour's polished, larger-than-life aesthetic.

Tour Itinerary

European Leg

The European leg of the Spiceworld Tour launched on 24 February 1998 at the Point Theatre in , , with two consecutive performances that drew enthusiastic crowds and set the tone for the group's debut arena tour. The venue, which had a capacity of approximately 8,500, saw tickets sell out within two hours of going on sale, originally priced at £25 each, reflecting the intense demand from fans across and the . This opening marked the beginning of a rigorous schedule spanning February to May 1998, encompassing 41 arena shows across , the , , and , all performed by the original five-member lineup to capitalize on the momentum from their albums and Spiceworld. Throughout March and April, the tour progressed through major cities, featuring high-energy arena performances that consistently sold out, building anticipation ahead of the North American extension. Venues included prominent indoor arenas such as the Hallenstadion in , , where the group played to 13,000 fans on 2 March, and the GelreDome in , , hosting sold-out crowds on 28–29 March. The leg maintained a consistent personnel from the core band and dancers, ensuring seamless execution despite the demanding pace. By late May, the tour reached Scandinavia, with shows at the Globe Arena in , , on 19 and 20 May, drawing packed audiences amid growing media attention on the group's internal dynamics. The European leg concluded with performances at the in , , on 28 and 29 May, an arena with a capacity of around 9,700 at the time; however, these were notable for the absence of , whose last performance had been on 26 May in , , missing the Oslo dates due to personal reasons that foreshadowed her departure from the group on 31 May. No other major cancellations occurred during the leg, allowing the to deliver vibrant, girl-power-themed spectacles that energized fans and solidified their status as a global pop phenomenon before shifting focus overseas. The rapid sell-outs and electric atmosphere underscored the tour's pre-departure momentum, with arenas filled to capacity night after night.

North American Leg

The North American leg of the Spiceworld Tour ran from 15 June to 26 August 1998, encompassing 41 shows across the United States and Canada, beginning at the Coral Sky Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Florida, and concluding at the Coca-Cola Starplex Amphitheatre in Dallas, Texas. This portion of the tour followed the European dates and adapted to the group's reduced lineup after Geri Halliwell's departure in May 1998, yet maintained high energy performances drawing massive audiences. Venues varied between large amphitheaters and arenas to accommodate the summer season, with many outdoor settings like the Lakewood Amphitheatre in Atlanta on 18 June and the Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, Virginia, on 21 June, alongside indoor arenas such as Madison Square Garden in New York City on 1 July. These concerts attracted the tour's largest crowds, often exceeding 15,000 to 20,000 attendees per show, and generated intense media frenzy in key cities like New York, , and , where fan hysteria led to rapid sell-outs and issues. For example, the 1 July performance, with a capacity of approximately 20,000, sold out in just 12 minutes when tickets went on sale, underscoring the unprecedented demand for the in . Similarly, the show at the Molson Amphitheatre sold 15,000 tickets in under 10 minutes, highlighting the leg's scale as the biggest commercial success of the overall tour. Overall, the Spiceworld Tour sold more than 2.1 million tickets worldwide, with the North American segment representing the largest share, estimated at over 720,000 attendees and grossing around $60 million. The group traveled between dates via private jet to manage the extensive itinerary efficiently, allowing for quick transitions across the continent despite the demanding schedule.

UK Leg

The UK leg of the Spiceworld Tour provided a poignant homecoming and conclusion to the global outing, with the —now performing as a following Geri Halliwell's departure in May 1998—delivering four stadium shows across from 11 to 20 September. This final segment built on the momentum from prior European and North American dates, shifting to massive outdoor venues that amplified the celebratory atmosphere and fan devotion in their native country. The schedule comprised double-headers at Sheffield's on 11 and 12 , followed by the tour's closing performances at London's on 19 and 20 . These iconic sites, with capacities of approximately 50,000 for and 76,000 for , hosted sold-out crowds that underscored the tour's commercial peak, including over 150,000 attendees across the Wembley shows alone. While earlier arena stops like Manchester's Evening News Arena had set the stage earlier in the year, the stadium run emphasized grand-scale spectacle and national nostalgia. The leg's highlights centered on emotional fanfare, with roaring home audiences creating an electric energy during high-octane performances of hits like "" and "." The wrap-up celebrations peaked at the final concert on 20 September, broadcast live on to an audience of approximately 75,000 at the stadium, capturing the group's triumphant farewell amid tears, confetti, and chants that highlighted their enduring bond with British fans. These dates not only drew record attendances for a female group at UK stadiums but also marked the highest-grossing segment of the tour through robust ticket sales at premium prices.

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  30. https://trakt.tv/movies/spice-girls-spiceworld-tour-live-in-madrid-1998
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDy9bxtl2wU
  32. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/spice-girls/1998/palacio-de-deportes-de-la-comunidad-de-madrid-madrid-spain-23db4057.html
  33. https://spicegirls.fandom.com/wiki/Spiceworld_%28tour%29
  34. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/spice-girls/1998/nec-arena-birmingham-england-3bdb402c.html
  35. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/spice-girls/1998/wiener-stadthalle-halle-d-vienna-austria-2bdb4006.html
  36. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ginger-spices-departure-marks-end-of-the-beginning-107320/
  37. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/spice-girls-23d6bc8b.html
  38. https://britneyinternational.tripod.com/tourdates101/id33.html
  39. https://stories.wembleystadium.com/100-history-making-moments-part-three/index.html
  40. https://www.muziekweb.nl/en/Link/JKD5409/Live-at-Wembley-Stadion
  41. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/176223.stm
  42. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/spice-girls/1998/wembley-stadium-london-england-63d0129b.html
  43. https://www.forbes.com/sites/markbeech/2019/05/25/spice-girls-defy-music-business-logic-with-record-breaking-tour/
  44. https://variety.com/1998/music/reviews/spice-girls-1200454687/
  45. https://www.stylist.co.uk/people/geri-halliwell-apologises-quitting-spice-girls-sorry-fans-bulimia-self-care-tips/34045
  46. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/104176.stm
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4368288/
  48. https://www.discogs.com/master/375786-Spice-Girls-Live-At-Wembley-Stadium-Plus-Back-In-Britain-Exclusive-Interviews-
  49. https://www.amazon.com/Spice-Girls-Live-at-Wembley/dp/B001CVMD4M
  50. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-48381340
  51. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/28/arts/music/spice-girls-girl-power.html
  52. https://numero.com/en/culture-en/how-the-spice-girls-became-icons-of-the-girl-power-movement-2/
  53. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/spice-girls-tour-girl-power-comeback-feminism-geri-halliwell-emma-bunton-a9018946.html
  54. https://grammy.com/news/spiceworld-25-anniversary-the-spice-girls-embraced-by-queer-fans-drag-queens-drag-race
  55. https://www.varsity.co.uk/fashion/14942
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  57. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40950239-what-would-the-spice-girls-do
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  59. https://www.musicweek.com/management/read/girl-power-doesn-t-go-away-simon-fuller-talks-spice-girls-reunion-the-future-of-the-music-business/076482
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  62. https://www.nme.com/news/music/beyonce-once-told-victoria-beckham-how-the-spice-girls-inspired-her-2935022
  63. https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/06/entertainment/victoria-beckham-beyonce-trnd
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  66. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/spice-girls/2019/croke-park-dublin-ireland-2b907c3a.html
  67. https://www.billboard.com/pro/spice-girls-earn-78-million-2019-reunion-tour/
  68. https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/
  69. https://www.seatunique.com/blog/spice-girls-tour-dates-venues/
  70. https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/why-did-geri-halliwell-leave-spice-girls/
  71. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qGJsYEC8zWsd4wKBOqGdQ
  72. https://entertainment-focus.com/2023/10/26/is-this-thing-on-as-fans-accuse-acts-of-miming-we-ask-if-miming-is-the-new-normal-at-pop-concerts/
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  74. https://arrow.tudublin.ie/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1017&context=aaconmusart
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  76. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpTZUQGMKis/
  77. https://oslospektrum.no/en/about-us/
  78. https://www.dailypress.com/1998/04/16/spice-girls-plan-june-stop-in-tidewater/
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  81. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/04/20/spice-girls-sell-out-in-a-new-york-minute/
  82. https://www.nydailynews.com/1998/04/18/spice-girls-fans-scalped-concert-sellout-leaves-bad-taste/
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