90s pop icon admits they lost out on Glastonbury performance for sad reason
Steps star Ian 'H' Watkins is one of the most memorable stars of the legendary 90's pop group who took the world by storm with a plethora of hits across the world. But now, it has come to light that there was one part of his pop career that he still holds a level of regret over - and that was missing out on performing at Glastonbury Festival.
The group's song Tragedy attracted the attention of the organisers of Glastonbury which led to an invitation to perform at the sought after Pyramid stage.
At the time, the hit song sold more than 1.2million copies in the UK.
Speaking to Metro, the pop star explained: "The Bee Gees asked us to join them on stage. But it was a really late request, and we literally couldn't get it all together in time."
He added: "Of course, some of them have passed away now, so that will never happen again. But that's another little jewel in the Steps crown."
But with the group's musical Here and Now, which is set to tour around the UK ending up at London's West End, it seems the prospect of appearing on the bill of the iconic festival is clearly still on the group's mind.
Ian continued: "We're the only ones, really, from that era that have all the original members and are still going, so it feels like we've earned our stripes by now."
At the time of the height of his career, Ian explained that his sex life was the subject of interest among the media and felt unable to come out as gay.
Recalling the moment he followed in the media footsteps of Stephen Gately and Will Young, who were revealed as gay, Ian said he received a phone call he had been desperate to avoid while on holiday.
He told the publication: "They knew where I was, who I was with, and why I was there – I had a boyfriend."
He added: "Immediately, I flew back from holiday, told my loved ones, told my family, told my parents, and then the next day, they didn't run the story, because I didn't give them quotes. But they threatened me for many years, and I felt like my coming out story was taken from me; my power was taken away, so it was a really emotional, dark time for me."
But Ian was not alone. Boyzone star Stephen Gately and N'SYNC's Lance Bass was also struggling with press attention over their sexuality.
Ian added: "If the press knew you were gay, it was a really tricky thing to be seen together or to even admit that you were friends with another closeted gay person."
He then decided to forge firm friendships with his bandmates and other stars including Britany Spears.
Ian continued: "All of her dancers were gay anyway. People thought I was dating Brittany a long time ago, but that obviously wasn't the case – that was strange."
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Some have suggested that the colours symbolise copper before and after oxidation – best highlighted by the Statue of Liberty. 'The colour scheme is copper oxidizing because a showgirl is on a pedestal for the world and over time, in the public eye they lose their shine… the weathering from being the target for the world's misogyny. #TheLifeOfAShowgirl' said fearlesskait on X. 'Exposure to air causes copper to oxidize, from orange to pale green. 'The Life of a Showgirl' is to be exposed to the world—to be put on a pedestal and observed as you change, judged as you lose your luster. Our tortured poet w/ the metaphors can't wait to listen! #taylorswift,' added camitwomeyy. Fans have spotted that searching 'Ts12' on TikTok results in orange confetti exploding across the screen. While the orange colour scheme of the album is all but confirmed now, it's a fun little addition for fans that adds to the excitement of the album's release. The Clean singer has hinted she has worked with Max Martin and Shellback on this album. Soon after the announcement landed, billboards appeared in New York and Nashville advertising the pop idol's new Spotify playlist, And, baby, that's show business for you. All 22 tracks are songs from her back catalogue produced by the two studio wizards, who she worked with on the albums Red, 1989, and Reputation, suggesting that they could be the makers of the new album. Additionally, the album features some of Taylor's most well-received pop hits, including 22, Blank Space, End Game, Style, Wildest Dreams, and We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. Before announcing the title of her twelfth album, Taylor Nation, aka the Official Taylor Swift Social Team, shared 12 images of Taylor in orange costumes during her era tour. Many connected the dots that the number of images in the post was related to a new album release, but fans also couldn't help but notice that another singer made an appearance in the post. Sabrina, who performed on the Eras tour as an opening act appeared in the twelfth and final image of the post. Could this mean that she is set to appear in the twelfth song on the album? Or was her inclusion a red herring? Supporting the rumour that she might appear, Sabrina shared a carousel image on social media of herself hanging underwear. The July 7th post from Sabrina showed a number of pastel-coloured underwear, and a bright orange pair of knickers – could this be related to the main colour in Swift's new aesthetic? She also captioned the post: 'Go put on some clothes!' The quote was famously featured in one of the sketches between the two artists during the Eras Tour. Gigi Hadid then commented on the post: 'But daddy I have nothing to wear ! !' Fans immediately speculated that this was linked to Swift's song But Daddy I Love Him, assuming Gigi had insider knowledge. 'WHAT DO U KNOW GIGI?,' said Hometoswift. 'IS THAT A LYRIC GIGI ???????' said Candyce-ee on the post. An official release date has yet to be confirmed, but Taylor's website confirmed orders will be sent out before October 13. Of course, fans have already begun speculating about the actual release date. 'The life of a showgirl is coming 10th or 17th October,' said bejeweledress. More Trending One fan posted a thread on X about why they believe the album would be shared on September 12th, linking to the time the website crashed, the time the Taylor Nation post was shared. 'Taylor's website went down at exactly 9:12pm, commencing a countdown to the announcement!!' they said. 'Taylor Nation also first teased the era by a post 'Thinking about how she said see you next era' posted at exactly 9:12pm that same day.' 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