East 17 are a renowned British music group known for their pop-rock, dance-pop, hip-hop, and rap sound. In the mid-1990s, they were one of the top boy bands in the UK, selling over 18 million records worldwide and topping the music charts for over a decade.
«EAST 17» - BIOGRAPHY OF THE BAND
In 1991, 20-year-old English singer and poet, Tony Mortimer, approached London Records to start his music career. The label suggested he form a "boy band," leading to the creation of East 17 with Mortimer's friends John Handy, Terry Caldwell, and Brian Harvey. The band took its name from the postal code of their hometown, Walthamstow. Mortimer primarily wrote the music and lyrics, while Harvey showcased his impressive vocals, transitioning from a dancer and backing vocalist to a soloist and frontman.
1992-1997: POPULARITY
East 17 achieved rapid fame and success, quickly garnering a loyal fan base with their "political, sharp, and stylish" music. Within a short period, the band, known for their rebellious image with tattoos, surpassed even the prominent pop group at the time, Take That, featuring Robbie Williams as their frontman.
Singles from their first album "Walthamstow," named after their hometown, were played on radios everywhere, with the track "It's Alright" climbing to the top spot not just in the UK but also across Europe and Australia. East 17's popularity among the younger generation wasn't just about their bold image; their songs' lyrics touched on political themes like war, peace, equality, and love, making them stand out.
Their subsequent albums, "Steam" and "Up All Night," released in 1994 and 1995 respectively, maintained the band's success, with extensive touring during this period.
1997-2010: A NEW PAGE IN CREATIVITY
In 1997, Tony Mortimer was left by the quartet due to irreconcilable differences. The team then changed their name to "E-17" and continued working, releasing the album "Resurrection" which had a different style without Mortimer's involvement.
After years of tension and disagreements, Mortimer returned to E-17 in 2010, replacing Harvey. The band released their fifth album "Dark Light", transitioning into the rock genre. However, Mortimer did not stay with the group for long and left in 2013.
2014 - PRESENT
Presently, East 17 is comprised of John Handy, Terry Caldwell, and Robbie Craig, who became a part of the group in 2014. The band is frequently booked for corporate events, festivals, and various gatherings, where they deliver a mix of their classic hits, triggering waves of nostalgia for many, as well as new tracks deserving of equal recognition.
Throughout the years of the band’s existence 6 albums have been released: first 3 being the most popular.
1992 – Walthamstow
This album was a strong number 1 in the UK Albums Chart, it became Platinum in Great Britain and won a prestigious Mercury Prize. Top hits – “House of Love”, “Deep” и “It’s Alright”.
1994 – Steam
This album became Platinum in the UK twice. The boy band were nominated for the Brit Awards in the category “The best single” with their song «Stay Another Day”. It remains their best song until now. A complex song «Let It Rain» was remixed multiple times and became very popular in Israel.
1995 – Up All Night
Unlike the previous albums, this one contains songs written by all the band members, not just Tony Mortimer. The album became Platinum in the UK and was a strong number 1 in the Russian Best Albums rating, “Thunder” being its most popular song.
1998 – Resurrection
The forth studio album was produced without Tony Mortimer, it also became the last one for Brian Harvey. The songs are softer and have R&B vibes, in comparison to the dance hits from the previous years.
2012 – Dark Light
The albums consists of 10 songs, most of which can be considered rock. Recorded with Blair Dreelan, who was the vocalist at the time, the album was initially called «Recharged». Blair Dreelan stayed in the band for less than a year and after his departure some of the songs we re-recorded and removed.
2017 – 24/7
This album symbolises the band’s return to pop music. The musicians have recorded several dance tracks and also included some of the most popular hits.
If you want to make your party truly unforgettable and surprise your guests with great dance music, you should consider booking a show of East 17. Their lively cheerful music and love songs will be a great final touch to any event.
You can book East 17 for a public show, festival, corporate party, New Year’s party, birthday celebration, wedding, presentation and any other type of event on the official website of East 17.
Please note that the band is popular in the UK, as well as everywhere else in Europe, advance event booking is recommended.
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