Now, it is important to note that girlbands are, of course, not the only artists in the world to perform their music and “put on a show”. However, they have unashamedly capitalised on their captivating choreography, on-stage chemistry, clever costume changes and jaw-dropping visuals.
Perhaps the band that first comes to mind when thinking about how girlbands have come to redefine the art of live performance is the Spice Girls. Formed in 1994, they were arguably the first girlband to move beyond the music in terms of branding—even earlier girlbands such as Bananarama were heavily judged, often solely and unfairly, on the quality of their live vocal performances as opposed to their image.
Each member of the Spice Girls was given an individual nickname: Ginger, Sporty, Scary, Baby and Posh. As a result, fans and commentators alike attended their gigs not to see well-rounded harmonies and riffing vocals but instead to see these personas come to life. They were desperate to see Victoria Beckham and Melanie B Moonwalk the Foxtrot in tracksuits and Gucci black dresses.
The ‘Spiceworld Tour’ had a show-stopping futuristic space-age theme, filled with groundbreaking CGI and eleven costume changes, making it one of the highest-grossing concert tours that has ever been performed by contemporary female artists.
Then came along the Sugababes. This trio proved that less really does mean more. They opted for low-fi sounds and laidback guitar solos, which accompanied their understated choreography and casual clothing with ease. This allowed for chic performances shrouded in melancholy and moody lighting to become their trademark image—just take a look at their Top Of The Pops performance of ‘Overload’ back in 2000!
So, like the Spice Girls, the Sugababes’ on-stage presence became central to their overall success and moved them away from just being three female musicians—fans were invested in them due to their slick styling and staging. This was a trend that continued with Girls Aloud. They changed the landscape when it came to girlbands and live performing even further.
Performativity was embedded into this band’s DNA with them having been formed on TV Talent Show, Popstars: The Rivals, back in 2002. They performed live every week to gain an audience vote, so they were always aware of how important the art of performance was when trying to connect with fans. This only appeared to become more of a priority to the band as their career progressed.
Their 2008 ‘Tangled Up Tour’ opened with the band 12ft above the stage in black bondage super capes. It included £250,000 worth of pyrotechnics and involved them performing a highly praised ballad section on a catwalk in the middle of each arena. The tour was predicted to cost around £3 million to stage.
It wasn’t just British girlbands who helped redefine the art of live performances, either. Both Destiny’s Child and later the Pussycat Dolls used their combination of group chemistry, excellent vocals, and flawless dance routines to entertain millions of fans across the world. The latter’s 2009 world tour, ‘Doll Domination’ received great critical acclaim for the way in which it combined on-screen media, risqué costumes, high-octane performances, along with frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger’s dazzling vocals.
Finally, K-pop girlband, BLACKPINK has also been credited with transforming the art of live performance. Their 2022-2023 ‘Born Pink World Tour’ is the highest-grossing concert tour by a female group of all time. The show’s staging and overall production were full of dystopian imagery, multiple video interludes, and intensely complex, synchronised dance routines. The Evening Standard's Ali Shutler explained that: “it felt like the four performers continued pop's long-standing legacy of girl power.”
So, over time, girlbands have played their part in redefining how music is performed. They have unashamedly exercised their group sexuality and chemistry as well as the power that comes with exceptional mass choreography and wickedly original staging.
Thanks to them, fans now expect to see their favourite ballads performed alongside a good helping of fireworks and acrobatics.
It’s safe to say, girlbands have spiced up the art of live performing forever!
Cory Gourley
Image: Sugababes by Greg Gutbezahl
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