Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast

Get the b-b-buzz as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Steps poptastic 3rd studio album.Producing 6 UK Top 5 singles (including the #1 ‘Stomp’) Buzz marked a huge step up for the group — both musically and visually — featuring co-writes from all 5 members, plus recording sessions in New York and Sweden with some of pop’s biggest names, including the one and only Cyndi Lauper.It is responsible for some of the most beloved songs in there discography including ‘It’s The Way You Make Me Feel’, ‘Here & Now’, ‘Summer of Love’ and the ultimate album track ‘Paradise Lost'. Join us as we press play on the portable disc man and talk through the album track-by-track.Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @scottlove87Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GO STEPS, GO STEPS!!! Strap into the Steps space buggy and blast off with us to the glittering world of 1999, as we relive one of the most iconic pop arena tours the UK has ever seen.We take a nostalgic deep dive into The Next Step Tour, the Steptacular arena tour that didn’t just break records - it redefined what a pop concert could be. With its ground breaking staging, high-octane dance routines, and wall-to-wall hits, the tour transformed arenas into dance floors night after night.Drawing over 350,000 fans across 33 sold-out shows, The Next Step Tour earned its place in UK music history as the biggest pop tour of all time. It helped cement Steps' reputation as a live powerhouse - and earned them the BRIT Award for Best Selling Live Act of 1999.From Scotts personal memories of seeing the concert IRL, to the lasting impact it had on Shane and Brad (it was the perfect way to learn those dance routines), we rewatch a tour that laid the foundation for the group’s legacy as one of pop’s most beloved live acts.Here & Now - The Steps Musical is touring the UK and Ireland in 2025/26. Tickets are on sale now via https://thestepsmusical.com/Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @scottlove87Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is just a matter of weeks before 'Here & Now - The Steps Musical' begins its 10 month tour across the UK and Ireland, so we had to get writer of the show Shaun Kitchener back on the podcast for a little catch up before the madness begins again. We have a quick reminisce on the Birmingham run and then find out what you can expect from the HUGE 260 date UK tour. Tickets to our Here & Now Gala Night Pre-Show Fan Event available via https://www.tixtree.com/e/here-now-gala-night-pre-show-fan-event-adfaf532ddb1 Here & Now - The Steps Musical is touring the UK and Ireland in 2025/26. Tickets are on sale now via https://thestepsmusical.com/Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @scottlove87Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the supergroup you never knew you needed and the most fabulously chaotic episode we have ever done.Joining us on the pod to help celebrate our 30th episode is the iconic young divas from Right Back At Ya! Joel and David.As we manifest potential new music in 2027 for the 30th anniversary, we each bring 2 songs that we believe Steps should cover for the ultimate 10 track album. Listen to the G&G x RBAY playlist on SpotifyFollow 'Right Back At Ya!' @rightbackpod on Instagram, TikTok & XHere & Now - The Steps Musical is touring the UK and Ireland in 2025/26. Tickets are on sale now via https://thestepsmusical.com/Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @scottlove87Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steppers, this is a BIG one. THE Tony Moran, responsible for the 'One For Sorrow (Tony Moran Remix)' and who Billboard ranked as one of the most successful dance artists of ALL TIME is our very special guest on Glitter & Gold.For the first time since he created the remix back in 1999 (to coincide with the launch of Steps in America) Tony tells us about how the opportunity to remix the track came to be and the legacy his mix has 27 years on. No one has ever spoken to him specifically about this before so it was an absolute privilege to hear his story and his memories from this time.Eager Pop fans will know Tony was also responsible for producing Martine McCutcheon's debut album (he cowrote 'Perfect Moment - UK #1 Single) so you best believe we made sure to ask him about this as well.You can follow Tony Moran on Instagram @djtonymoranHere & Now - The Steps Musical is touring the UK and Ireland in 2025/26. Tickets are on sale now via https://thestepsmusical.com/Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @scottlove87Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are beyond thrilled and honoured to have the legendary Mr. Chris Fox on the podcast to talk to us about his involvement in the Steps 25 campaign in 2022. This included restoring, remastering and recreating over 60 (!!!) incredible Steps music videos, live performances and never before seen footage from the Sony music archives.He is also responsible for producing the Platinum Megamix music video which involved creating a stack of 21 colourful boxes, each intricately themed to match iconic imagery from the featured songs - drawing inspiration from the album art, music videos and performances. Chris continues to work for ICONIC acts like The Spice Girls, S Club 7 and Girls Aloud (legends only) breathing new life into there music video discography, ensuring that their online releases meet the highest standards of quality and stand the test of time.You can follow Chris Fox on Instagram @chrisfox and find out more information about his creative work via https://www.bringitallback.co.uk/Here & Now - The Steps Musical is touring the UK and Ireland in 2025/26. Tickets are on sale now via https://thestepsmusical.com/Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @scottlove87Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are back for 2025 and what better way to kick things off than popping into Better Best Bargains with our fabulous special guest Helen Colby, who absolutely stole the show in her role as Tracey in Here & Now. Helen shares all the behind the scenes gossip on how she got cast in the show, the rehearsals, the Birmingham run and if we will see her grace the stage again in the upcoming tour.Helen trained at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, where she was awarded the Dame Judi Dench Scholarship. Beyond the stage, she's the creative force behind the comedy vocal trio The Dots, who made it to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2022. Helen’s also been shortlisted for Comedy Crowd’s 2023 competition with her one-woman skit, 3 Sugars, Fanks Darlin', which she not only performed in but also wrote, directed, and brought to life on her own.You can follow Helen Colby on Instagram @helencolbyHere & Now - The Steps Musical is touring the UK and Ireland in 2025/26. Tickets are on sale now via https://thestepsmusical.com/Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @stepscollection_Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have been building up to this very special episode all year. With the opening night of 'Here & Now' just days away, we are thrilled to have writer of the show Shaun Kitchener on the podcast to tell us everything he is legally allowed to say before November 9th.Is 'Experienced' the encore in the show? Does 'Words of Wisdom' make an appearance? Is there still time to work 'Hard 2 Forget' into the show? You best believe Brad didn't let us end the Zoom call unless those hard hitting questions were answered.It was an absolute joy to chat to Shaun and we are so excited for what we know is going to be the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the Steps legacy.'Here & Now' is playing at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham 9th-30th November 2024. Tickets are still available via thestepsmusical.comFollow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @stepscollection_Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary this month, we are delving into one of the most poptastic albums of the 90s ‘Steptacular’.Steptacular undoubtedly cemented Steps reputation as being the best pop act in the UK; producing 6 top 5 singles, 2 sold out arena tours and going 4x platinum. Released on October 25th 1999, It has sold over 1.3 million copies and remains their only UK number 1 studio album to date. It also performed incredibly well across the globe, going to number 1 in Scotland, number 2 in Belgium, number 11 in Ireland, number 25 in Australia, 25 in Japan and top 50 on the Dutch album charts. It was the 7th highest selling album in the UK of 1999 as well as the 45th highest selling album in 2000.We take a HUGE deep dive into the album, our memories of this monumental time in pop history and go through every song on the album track-by-track. But most importantly we answer the question, is 'My Best Friends Girl' the sequel to 'Track 7'?Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @stepscollection_Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our H & Claire deep dive continues with Part 2 focussing on the album 'Another You, Another Me' and the conclusion of the duos story (for now...).The album had some big name songwriters on board, including swedish writer Jorgen Elofsson who wrote ‘Its The Way You Make Me Feel’ by Steps and has written for Boyzone, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears and Westlife (just to name a few). Sam Watters who wrote ‘Im Outta Love’ by Anastasia. Mark Topham and Karl Twigg were also on board and the title track was written by 2 guys from a little band called Abba, who you may have heard of.We talk through our favourite tracks, the albums roll out, why we think it didn't quite land in the charts the way it was hoped to and begin the manifesting for a vinyl release sometime in the future (H, Claire, Fascination.... if you're listening).Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @stepscollection_Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The time has finally come to take a deep dive into the 'H & Claire' story.In Part 1 we are deep diving into the formation of the duo and the 3 singles ‘DJ’, ‘Half a Heart’ and the AA side ‘All Out Of Love/Beauty and the Beast’.We went into this with the goal to celebrate an era that has been somewhat ignored or a taboo topic at times. As we look back it's hard not to appreciate the incredible body of work, performances and content they did in just 12 short months and we will forever manifest the album to get its well deserved flowers in the future with a vinyl release (hint hint H, Claire, Fascination…. If you’re listening)Part 2 focussing on the album 'Another You, Another Me' and the end of the H & Claire era, is coming in just a week's time on Monday September 16th.Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @stepscollection_Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate it's 13th anniversary, we are diving into the 2011 documentary series 'Steps Reunion', which followed the band as they celebrated their tenth anniversary since their split. The show led to the 'Ultimate Collection' topping the charts and the sold-out 'Ultimate Tour'. It also inspired the similar show 'The Big Reunion', featuring other pop acts reuniting after their own splits.Despite its success, 'Steps Reunion' stirred up controversy by revealing long-held secrets and rivalries, culminating in a tense dinner scene where the band confronted their issues. While Steps have moved on from the split, the documentary remains a crucial part of their story, contributing to the success of their 2011 reunion and their pursuit of a happy ending.Our guest today, Conor Sullivan, was the production secretary on the documentary and worked closely with the band throughout the entire filming process. Most importantly, he is a Steps enthusiast like ourselves and we know you are going to love some of the incredible behind the scenes stories Conor shares with us from this time.Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodScott: @stepscollection_Shane: @stepmeisterBrad: @bradszmerlingEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone knows Steps for their range of covers, including staple tracks like ‘Last Thing On My Mind’, ‘Tragedy’, ‘Chain Reaction’ and ‘Something In Your Eyes’ (just to name a few). But, did you know there have been a number of songs Steps recorded first (either as a group or solo tracks) that have then been covered by other artists? We deep dive into 14 versions of Steps and solo tracks that have gone on to be recorded by artists such as Agnes, Angel City, Sandy and Junior and even The Tweenies!We also have a huge news round up as usual, including an in-depth discussion about the Claire & Delta Goodrem duet at Mighty Hoopla. Shane was in the audience for the show and gives us a detailed recap of the ICONIC moment.Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate 21 years of ‘Lately’, we are thrilled to have Pete Day & Paul ‘Bronze’ Newton from Point4 on the podcast to tell the complete untold story of the making of ‘Unleashed’, the original debut album from Lisa Scott-Lee that was recorded with Mercury records. The guys tell us EVERYTHING from writing and recording the singles ‘Lately’ & ‘Too Far Gone’, the cancelled 3rd single ‘I’ll Wait For You’ and a number of other tracks, some of which have never been spoken about or heard before.After 21 years we finally get answers to questions so many of us have wanted and the boys had some of the most incredible “OMG moment” stories to tell of a time they have nothing but fond memories of.In there words “We have never spoken about this before because, simply… no one has asked us”.Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is SO much love for the b-sides from the original 1997-2001 run, so we thought it was about time we gave you our "Words of Wisdom" by taking a deep dive into them. Rather than talk through them in order of release, we asked you over on Instagram to vote for your favourite tracks so we could countdown based on your rankings and you came through with the votes (over 1200 to be precise).Do you agree with the results? Lets us know over on our socials.NOTE: Since the recording of this episode it has been confirmed the proposed statue of H in his home town of Cowbridge is false, and was part of a fake news prank for Joe Lycett's TV show 'Late Night Lycett'.B-Side Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4j5bxNkXxKQfZiSahMQS95?si=bce2d8ef021643cdFollow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us on the podcast this month is legendary remixer Gareth Shortland. Having first had the opportunity to remix tracks for Claires solo album 'My Wildest Dreams' in 2019, Gareth has since been an instrumental part of all the Steps and Claire campaigns and become the go to person for mixes for other pop legends including Will Young, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Sarah Harding and Four of Diamonds (just to name a few).We chat to Gareth in-depth about how his relationship with Fascination Management and Steps began, the process of how a remix comes to life and the joy of hearing those vocal stems. He also shares an incredible story about the time he had the opportunity to do some songwriting with the ONE and ONLY Mark Topham and play the piano that some of THE biggest Steps hits were written on. Plus, we expose which UK boyband Gareth was briefly a member of.You can follow Gareth Shortland on Instagram @garethshortlandmusic and find all his remixes via his artist page on Spotify.Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The party (on the dancefloor) continues this month with Part 2 of our birthday celebrations as we listen to more of your FABULOUS voice notes and questions. You all came through with the messages and we cannot thank each and everyone of you enough for the love and support.Along with our usual news round up, we also have a special recap from friend of the pod Frankie @justfrankstar who attended the musical launch at The Alexandra Theatre earlier in the month and was first in line to meet Steps and secure his tickets. He gives us a Steptacular run down of the whole morning including his dedication of lining up from 3am (we would do the same...)Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are BACK for 2024 and kicking things off with our 1st birthday celebrations. We put a call out for you all to send in voice notes and messages to read out and you delivered in a BIG way, with one particular voice note taking us all by surprise......While we took a break over the Christmas and New Year so much has happened in the Steps world, from the forthcoming vinyl reissues AND the BIG news of 'Here & Now: The Steps Musical' you can bet we discuss it all with a huge news round up.A MASSIVE thank you to all our loyal listeners for the support over the past year, we are just getting started. Look out for Part 2 coming in a fortnights time.Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things are getting festive on the podcast this month as we bring you the final episode for 2023, talking all things Christmas. We are covering everything from the 2000 Christmas tour (release that footage H), the one off tracks AND most importantly, we deep dive into the 'Light Up The World' album and tour.PLUS we have a very special message from 'H' (ie. Benny) from the cast of the forthcoming Steps tribute show '5,6,7,8 - The Steps Experience', to tell us all about the show and where you can see the tour coming to a venue near you in 2024 across the UK.Purchase tickets to '5,6,7,8 - The Steps Experience': https://5678.showplanr.com/tickets'Steps Into Christmas' tour audio: https://youtu.be/6cBtL_hG57U?si=xLi5xwpyam8IGkaeFollow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Claire’s recent album EUPHORIA, who better to chat to than the ONE and ONLY Mr. Steve Anderson.We chat to Steve about the entire creative process of making the record (where he served as Producer), the song selection, the ones that didn’t quite make it, hopes to take the album onto the road and most importantly, Claire’s cooking!!! We also touch on Steps recent Brighton Pride show, some burning questions we have always wanted the answers to and what the future may hold.You can follow Steve @mrsteveanderson on Instagram and X, and make sure you check out his podcast ‘Such A Good Feeling’ available on all digital platforms.Follow ‘Glitter & Gold: The Original Steps Podcast’:Instagram, TikTok & X: @glitterstepspodEmail: glitterstepspod@gmail.com Logo & Brand Design: BvrlyCreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.