Never Forget

The music industry and 90s fans worldwide were dealt a huge blow when news broke of Steven Gately’s death in 2009. The Boyzone star will be missed by many, however the incredible era he was a part of during the nineties will live on. If you’re a fan of the Irish lads, you’ll be pleased to hear that ITV are broadcasting a one off  music special in memory of Stephen Gately later this month.

During the hour long show, Boyzone will be performing a medley of their greatest hits, including; Love Me For A Reason, Picture of You, No Matter What, When the Going Gets Tough and their new single, Gave It All Away. The show will also feature a number of world stars paying tribute to Stephen, plus memories, stories, and documentary footage of Stephens early days before and during his time with Boyzone.

Boyzone: A Tribute to Stephen Gately can be seen on ITV1 this Sunday, 21st March, from 8:30PM.

Robbie & Take That Aren’t Back For Good…Just Yet.

Will they or won't they?

So much has been said, written and broadcast about the on / off collaboration between Robbie and his former band Take That. Will it ever get off the ground? We’d like to think so.

However the latest in this ongoing saga is that the much hyped reunion is now on hold whilst Mark Owen sorts out his private life. Apparently all five former bandmates started writing new material together in January.

Fingers crossed, once this blip is out of the way, we’ll finally get that dream comeback!

Toni Braxton ‘Breathes Again’.

Toni Braxton is set for a comeback

90s singing sensation – Toni Braxton – has announced details of her musical comeback after being away for almost seven years!

Toni Braxton first came to our attention in 1994 with her debut single ‘Breathe Again’, followed by a string of top 40 hits including ‘Un-Break My Heart’ and You’re Makin’ Me High. In that time, Braxton has sold around 40 million records!

The 90s R&B star will release new single ‘Yesterday’ in the UK on May 3, followed by a new album entitled ‘Pulse’ which is set to be released in the UK on May 10th.

Find out more on the Official Toni Braxton website: www.tonibraxton.com

And finally: Back in February, you may recall that Gateway FM spoke exclusivly with 90s popstar, Peter Andre. Just in case you missed it, here’s your chance to listen again to the interview with Danny Lawrence. Peter was visiting Essex a on a promotions tour of his new CD.

Every now and again something comes along which changes our life completley. In the late ish 90s, mobile phones took our world by storm.

Whilst I was at school , mobiles were the big craze you couldn’t avoid. You could  buy different removeable covers and choose annoying ringtones. Just a shame the phones looked like bricks.

Wind the clock on a decade or so and I don’t think you’ll find Snake on any modern handset. So for the nostalgia lovers of us, here’s a chance for you to fill your lunch hour with some retro arcade fun. 

The 90s Revival thinks that Snakes isn’t quite Pacman or Space Invaders, but it’s a classic all the same. Enjoy the flashback.

Snake made by Neave Games

*Gateway FM is not responsable for the content of external websites*

Here are five films from the 90s which I think would make great musicals!

1)  The Wedding Singer

If you’ve seen this comedy flick from 1998, you’ll be raising an eyebrow and telling me that it’s full of 80s music. True enough, and not a bad thing, because I’m also a huge fan of that decade too. However, I honestly believe that the Wedding Singer, (Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore) is screaming out to be transformed into an all singing foot tapping musical.

In case you’ve forgotten the story line; Robbie Hart (Sandler) is singing the hits of the 1980s at weddings and other celebrations. He gets dumped at the altar, meets Julia (Barrymore), who is engaged to the wrong guy, and he falls in love with her.

The Wedding Singer was a brilliant musical comedy and featured an impressive soundtrack, including hits from Spandau Ballet, Culture Club, Dead or Alive, Billy Idol and the Thomson Twins. Think I’d pay to see this one!

2) Pretty Woman

This romantic comedy drama from right at the start of the decade is now a true classic – and requires no  explanation. It made Julia Roberts a star and the soundtrack is full of power hits including ‘It Must Have  Been Love’, ‘Show Me Heaven’.

The storyline was powerful, touching and memorable. I’ve heard rumours of a possible sequel too. For me  this is the most likely 90s movie to be a transferred onto the West End. Although you wouldn’t get any of he  original cast to reprise their roles for the stage version, Pretty Woman: The Musical would be a smash hit for sure!

3) Aladdin

It’s been a staple of the pantomime season for years, has been a hit on Broadway and a Disney movie in the 90s too. Having said that , I’m still including it in my top five, because the story has so much charm and magic which makes it ideal to be shown on stage beyond the  panto. Sure, we’ve all seen Aladdin at some point, so maybe we’re bored of it now.

I hear that the current musical spectacular is closing on Broadway in August to make way for a stage version of Toy Story (?!) Theatre land is thriving right now and a new version of Aladdin wouldn’t do it any harm.

4) Austin Powers

Perhaps this is the least likely in my list to be transformed from movie to musical. Mike Myers creation ‘the  international man of mystery’ grooved his way onto the silver screen in 1997, with an incredibly funny and  clever parody of James Bond. It wasn’t a favourite of the critics at the time, but Austin Powers has been a  cult hit with audiences ever since.

If you include a few more 60s and 70s hits, mix in some classic moments from the original movie and  condense the storyline down, this might just work. I can just picture the cast breaking out into song and  dance at random moments with someone shouting ‘groovy baby’, and then shaking their tail feathers to some Chubby Checker.

5) Clueless

You can really smell the 90s in this classic teen movie from 1995. It captured the student culture  and the fashions perfectly. Jane Austin’s novel ‘Emma’ is given  a new twist in this comedy which  starred Alicia Silverstone and the now late Brittany Murphy. Clueless also enjoyed a spin off  TV  show, a few books and has to be the next musical for sure.

Clueless is now an iconic film and a convincing argument to be written for the stage.  It also features  a rather diverse soundtrack with songs from Radiohead, Supergrass and the Counting Crows.

So which 90s films or bands do you think would make a brilliant musical?

Next week…part two of ‘Eat My 90s DVDs’. The ‘must own’ collection.

If  all the excitement from the Winter Olympics wasn’t enough and you’re wondering what to do now  that the athletes are dusting off the snow from their ski’s – you’ll be pleased to hear I’ve spotted a movie  gem from 1993 currently riding high in the DVD charts. Cool Running’s, is a comedy about a group of Jamaicans who are chasing an impossible dream  - to win gold in a sport they know nothing about – bobsled racing!

The movie was directed by Jon Turteltaub, who was also behind the camera for While You Were Sleeping (1995), National Treasure (2004) and the forthcoming Disney movie, ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’. Cool Running’s is funny and light-hearted, without losing your attention. It’s actually very loosely based upon on the true story of the Jamaica national bobsled team’s inspirational debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

The late John Candy stars as a former Olympic champion turned bookie who’s persuaded to coach four unlikely athletes (Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, Malik Yoba and Rawle D. Lewis) with their dream of winning gold! Until recently I’d forgotten about this classic movie, and if you’ve not seen it before, it’s certainly worth a go!

If only for the fact it stars the legendary John Candy or that it’s available for under £5!

New Kids On The Block ‘Coming Home’ (DVD):


Altogether now… Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh…Oh, oh, oh, oh.

In 1989, New Kids on the Block stormed the UK charts with their debut single ‘You Got It’ (The Right Stuff) and followed that with a second chart topper ‘Hangin Tough’. Totalling  an impressive 8 top ten hits in less than a year, the 90s heart-throbs went onto sell a  whopping 70 million records!

After 15 years away from the charts, in 2008, NKOTB reformed to release a new album and   embark on highly successful tour. If you missed it or were one of the many screaming fans at   their gigs, you’ll be pleased to know that they are set to release a DVD of their concerts later  this month.

‘Coming Home’  documents the many journeys the band went on as they toured the globe,    playing over 140 sold out arena concerts and features many live performance and behind the scenes footage. It’s released on March 15^th.

No Distance Left To Run (DVD):

Don’t blink. Blink and you’ll miss it. Don’t turn your back. Don’t look away. And don’t blink. Well, even if you didn’t blink, chances are you would have missed this docu-movie about nineties brit poppers Blur. Not surprising really, as it was only released in selected cinemas.

No Distance Left To Run features all your favourite Blur classics from ‘Song 2’ and ‘Park Life’. The film also documents the Essex bands career from the early beginnings to the 2009 reunion. With contributions from band members and fans alike. It’s a two disc bonanza and includes interviews, archive footage, unseen material, plus the whole two hour comeback gig at Hyde Park.

No Distance Left To Run is out now!  Congratulations to anyone who spotted my Doctor Who reference by the way. Ahum.

To Infinity And Beyond!

It was the summer of 1995, I was about to start secondary school, no-one had heard of the Spice Girls (yet) and a ground breaking animation was about to hit the cinemas.

Toy Story was the first all-animated movie adventure we’d seen and it was breath taking. It was also accompanied with a clever script and great cast, with Tom Hanks providing the voice of Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz.

The movie spawned a craze for toys of all the characters and several catch phrases! A third installment of Toy Story is due to hit cinemas in July. However, before that, there’s a treat in store for all us nostalgia fans, because the first two movies are due for DVD release on March 8^th.  Make a note in you diary!

Third Rock From The Sun (DVD)

If any TV show of the nineties deserves to be given the DVD treatment. My vote goes to the American comedy Third Rock From The Sun. It’s long overdue in my opinion. Starring a relatively fresh and unknown cast besides John Lithgow, the plot revolves around his family (The Solomon’s) of aliens who have arrived on earth to discover more about the human race.

John Lithgow starred as the High Commander [Dick]. Kirsten Johnson was a military officer [Sally], a seasoned intelligence specialist [Tommy] and French Stewart was cast as Harry. Their adventures whilst exploring our culture and everyday life resulted in many comedy moments.

Originally screened in the UK on BBC2 during weekday evenings. I think. If you need reminding about how amazing this award winning show was or you missed it the first time – treat yourself to the DVDs. They are a must see! All six seasons are available to buy from your favourite outlet as a box set or individually.

1) Helping Haiti

The chosen song was REM’s 1993 top ten classic, ‘Everybody Hurts’. As covers go, it’s OK. It doesn’t matter whether you like it or not. The important thing to remember is that this song will raise some very much needed cash for a country which has been cruely torn apart. Could it make it to number 1 and topple the original? It’s released via download on Sunday 7th Feb.

Listen to the charity single by Helping Haiti – Everybody Hurts

2) Project Needlemouse.

There’s exciting news for anyone who grew up in the early 90s and owned a Gameboy! Sega have announced there will be a fourth release of the classic video game ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’. The original trilogy started in 1991 and the last installment was 1994. All the classic sounds and features will be included, plus a whole lot more in this new 2D adventure. So if you’re pining to run through loops and collect rings – you won’t have long to wait. Check out the official website.

3) Footballs Coming Home…

Ahhh the memories of Euro ’96 with that lovely grey football kit, english flags flying proudly outside every house and our boys crashing out of the competition. Still, we had a brilliantly catchy song  ‘Three Lions’ written by Baddiel, Skinner and The Lightning Seeds. It reached the top spot in the UK charts in 1996 and 1998 and wherever you went, someone was chanting it loudly!

So what’s the anthem for South Africa 2010? Nothing, apparently.Team England want to focus on some serious football. However in a recent interview, comedian Frank Skinner revealed that he had considered penning a follow-up to the classic footie song, ’3 Lions’. Skinner said that he does not want to re-release ’3 Lions’, but admitted that he cannot prevent the label Epic from doing it.

Go on, relive the magic of Three Lions \’96

4) Cooking MC’s Like A Pound of Bacon…

There’s a distinct theme of 90s songs becoming very popular again at the moment.  I’m not complaining. It’s fantastic! However, on that note, you can’t have missed the new that The X Factor twins ’Jedward’ have rehashed the 1990 one hit wonder ’Ice Ice Baby’. I heard a snippet on the radio this week and I’ll be honest, it’s not a great cover. Even with original vocalist Vanilla Ice making a cameo. It seems to be selling well on the downloads though, even if  mid week sales show that it’s unlikely to reach number one on Sunday.

Let’s all take a trip back to 1990 and soak up the nostalgia of the original music video. Vanilla Ice – Ice Ice Baby

5) Sex, Sex, Sex in the City.

Hot on the heels of the first smash hit movie adaptation of the 90s tv series Sex in the City, filming is almost complete on the sequel starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon. However, I noticed The Sun reported this week that studio bosses are keen to move forward with a third  instalment in the comedy series before the lead actresses get ‘too old’.

Can’t wait for the movie to be released in May? Take a look at the trailer…Sex & The City 2

That’s all I can squeeze in this week.  Check back next Thursday for even more Retro News from the 90s Revival on Gateway FM.

Got some nostalgic news from the 90s you want to share? Email me

This is our first update of the new year and isn’t it flying by already! So let’s crack on! 

The title of this blog has nothing to do with the 90s, I’ll admit. However, It seemed to tie in nicely with the first couple of news stories, so there.

COFFEE & TV

Well, this story has nothing to do with coffee or television, but it was a hit for Blur in the late 90s, which brings me on nicely to tell you that the former Britpoppers are about to star in a movie about their career. No Distance Left To Run, is a movie (and one of their songs)  which follows the band during their 2009 reunion and tour, the film also includes unseen archive footage and interviews. It’s really a documentary on the big screen. Isn’t it.

Actually, for me, Blur are one of the bands of the 90s I’m quite glad have made a comeback. Huge fan of their stuff and I’d love to see them LIVE. If you’re off to see the movie, why not write a review about it and we’ll publish it on the 90s Revival blog! Details of how to get in touch at the end of this page.

No Distance Left To Run is released in the UK on February 1st and will be showing at selected Odeon Cinemas. Two of them in fact. Camden and Colchester, Essex. Details of how to book your tickets can be found on their website.  I rekcon if this documentary is well recieved then it could pave the way for other 90s bands and artists to do something similar…

Here’s the trailer for No Distance Left To Run:

Viva Forever

West End Girls.

It seems bands from the 90s looking to find other forms of career extending revenue is quite trendy right now…which is why you won’t be too suprised to hear that the Spice Girls are about to hit the West End with a musical about their life. Forget Mamma Mia and Dirty Dancing, the stage show you’ll want to see in 2010 is Viva Forever. Actually, it’s being put together by the creator of Mamma Mia!  So this might not sound as bad as it seems. I really enjoyed the Abba musical and movie. If it worked for them, why not the Spice Girls?

The rumours had been flying around for sometime that these fiesty ladies were planning something else, following on from their comeback tour in 2008. So what can we expect from their latest project? According to an article in the Times, the musical will be “following the Mamma Mia! model, and concoct a new story that somehow links together the best of the Spice Girls songbook”

It’s too early to write this off as a bad idea (and people have tried) because I don’t think it is. They’ve even turned Legally Blonde into a west end smash for goodness sake. For a generation of young people (like myself) who grew up on their music through the mid and late 90s, it will be a whole lot of fun. We’ll keep you updated on it’s progress.

Spice On Ice:

In other Spice Girl related news, if you’re a fan of ITV’s Dancing on Ice (myself included) then you’ll have seen former Baby Spice Emma Bunton as one of the ice panel judges. Couple of week’s in and she’s doing a fine job. Of course the critics have been out with knifes, but remember although she might not have the skating background, she’s looking at the performance side of things. Simples.

The Show Must Go On:

We’re currently putting together a new series of the 90s Revival, which will broadcast online at gatewayfm.com  – and I’d love you to be part of the show. If you’ve got a request or an idea for a themed programme, then send a message to me via our Facebook or Twitter pages! We’ll let you know when the first one is going to be!

Viva la Nineties! Keep it retro!

During the first part of the show, as another decade comes to a close, we rewind to the final year of the last decade…the 90s of course! Who can believe that was exactly ten years ago! Who was in the news, who was number one and a whole lot more!

After 1pm it’s 90s christmas number one’s and festive classics! Remember when Mr Blobby and East 17 topped the charts? We’ve got a few suprises along the way too!

And…we’ll also discuss Christmas movies of the 90s and find out what your favourite festive flicks are!

Don’t miss the 90s Revival on87.7  Gateway FM. Sunday 20th December from 12 till 2pm.

Well done to all those who guessed that the year was…1992.

In the charts, number one on the 29th November 1992 were Charles and Eddie, Would I Lie To You and the US#1 was the soundtrack to the ‘Body Guard’ by Whitney Houston, I Will always love you.

Coming up on the 90s Revival this Sunday from 12, with Mark Hardie…we relive even more classic music from the decade, take you back to the year of Cool Britannia and Toy Story! Plus – there’s another classic album (see below) and can you solve the retro anagram or beat the lyrics?

Tune into the 90s Revival, Sunday from 12 on 87.7 Gateway FM or listen online at www.gatewayfm.com

Join the 90s Revival on facebook or follow the show on twitter

Texas first arrived in the charts back in 1989 with the top 10 hit ‘ I Don’t Want a Lover’. However, it wasn’t until the mid 90s when their popularity soared and they achieved real chart success in the UK. White On Blonde was released in 1996, and became their fourth studio album. It went straight to number one and was Texas’s biggest success to date.

There are so many fantastic hits on this one album including Back Eyed Boy & Say What You Want.  On the 90s Revival this week,  we decided it was time to give this classic album a spin once more. The chosen track was Halo, released in 1997 and charted at #10. Watch the music video for it here. Without doubt, Texas are one of my favourite 90s bands and their music still sounds so fresh!

Want to choose a  ‘classic album’ track for me to play on the 90s Revival? Raid your collection and email blog @ 90srevival.co.uk  with your suggestion or message me via our facebook and twitter pages.

Playlist (29/11/09)

Here’s a run down of the songs we played this week, including the Retro Chart and your requests – with their top 40 positions.

Sabrina Johnston, Peace (#8)
Vanessa Paradis, Be My Baby (#6)
Bizarre Inc, I’m Gonna Get Ya Good (#3)
Boyz II Men, End Of The Road (#1)
Jimmy Nail, Ain’t No Doubt About It (#1)
Take That, It Only Takes A Minute (#7)
Vanessa Williams, Save The Best For Last (#3)
Kym Sims, Too Blind To See It (#5)
Billy Ray Cyrus, Achy Breaky Heart (#3)

Pulp, Disco 2000 (#7, 1995)
Colour Me Badd, I Wanna Sex You Up (#1, 1991)
Reef, Put Your Hands Up (#6, 1996)
The Real Mc Coy, Another Night (#2, 1994)
Backstreet Boys, Quit Playing Games With My Heart (#2, 1997)
John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John, Grease Megamix (1991 & 1998)
Texas, Halo (#7, 1997)
Livin’ Joy – Don’t Stop Movin’ (#5, 1996)
Berri, Sunshine After The Rain (#4, 1995)

Which is why you need to join me (Mark Hardie) from Sunday November 29th, between 12 and 2pm as we relive the fun and nostalgia of the 90s including the movies, tv shows, fads & more!

You can hear us on 87.7 FM across Basildon and East Thurrock or listen online at www.gatewayfm.com

In the first hour of each show we’ll be returning to a classic year in your life with the Retro Chart. Can you guess which one?  Then, between 1 and 2 it’s your chance to hear your favourite 90s song played on our retro jukebox.

During the show you’ll be able to call, text or email your requests and memories – however, you can also be part of the 90s Revival through this blog or by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

We’ll also post regular updates including the latest playlist, gossip from the 90s and decade discussion!

Don’t miss the 90s Revival, Sunday Novemeber 29th from 12-2pm – it’s your essential guide to the decade.