#SPOTTED: BANANARAMA IN TORONTO AT DANFORTH MUSIC HALL

One of the year’s most anticipated tours belongs to that of iconic Girl Group Bananarama. The Trio formed in London in 1981, consists of Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin. Together, they topped charts internationally in the mid-80s with hits Cruel Summer, I Heard a Rumour, Love in the First Degree and more familiarly, their cover of Shocking Blue‘s Venus which went to #1 in North America. After Fahey left the group to create the Duo Shakespeares Sister, she found success in her native UK and stateside with smash hit Stay. While childhood friends Dallin and Woodward continued to tour and record as a Trio with Jacquie O’Sullivan and then eventually as a Duo, 30 years would pass before we would see the original Bananarama lineup unite once again.

Bananarama have the distinction of a Guinness Book of World Records record for the all-female group who have the most UK chart entries in history. Their legacy has paved the way for several other internationally-successful UK girl groups, namely Spice Girls, The Saturdays, Girls Aloud, Little Mix, All Saints and more.

Performing on only four North American dates this time including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto and New York, the Trio arrived in Toronto late last night. While Dallin and Woodward arrived together initially, Fahey would take a while longer to make it out, but her Banandmates🍌 would wait patiently out of view after signing some autographs for fans who waited a long time for this day to come.

The ladies were very specific about no photographs, Dallin reasoning “I just got off a long flight”, despite looking in wonderful form. She later would put on her sunglasses as she walked through the airport. Woodward declined too, saying “Absolutely not, I’m very tired”. Their tune was unison like in many of their songs with Fahey who stated too, “I look absolutely awful”, none of which was true however!

Woodward seemed pleased with some of the positive reviews the Tour has been garnering. Perhaps we will see an expanded version of the Tour to come seeing how all North American dates have sold-out? Fans either way are thrilled at this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see them perform together.

 

I was able to collect this memento however, for which I am grateful!

Still on cloud nine meeting tonight all three original members of #Bananarama: #KerenWoodward, #SaraDallin + #SiobhanFahey! All I have to say is we wouldn’t have had All Saints, Little Mix, The Saturdays, Girls Aloud or Spice Girls without BANANARAMA paving the way with their record-setting success! They iconic Trio play Danforth Music Hall and I’ve got my tickets! Really sad they all declined Selfies after a long flight despite looking AMAZING, but who am I to argue with legends? Do I try again tomorrow?! Reading all sorts of wonderful reviews for the nostalgic show. Stoked! 🍌

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🏮 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 22, 2018 at 7:59pm PST

 

Bananarama powered through an energetic 90-minute set at Danforth Music Hall gifting fans with that same dancey nostalgia that help them rise to fame. Dressed in form-fitting black and bedazzled in Swarovski crystals which Dallin jokes is an homage to the Olympics. The Trio performed originals and covers like Nathan Jones, Robert DeNiro’s Waiting, More Than Physical, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye to a showstopping rendition of Venus, with an encore capped-off by fan favourite Love in the First Degree which earned them a BRIT Award nomination. They had the crowd from floor to balcony on their feet start to finish. They even performed Fahey‘s Shakespeares Sister hit Stay as a pleasant surprise which the audience loved. What the Trio lacked for in actual live vocals – given away by the fact that Dallin spoke into her mic following a song inaudible – they made-up for in sizzling charm and energy. You would be hard-pressed to find a person who didn’t walk away uplifted.

 

See some Clips and Snaps from the Show. Hover cursor over left and right side of Photo Album to navigate.

 

Too much nostalgia! Too much fun at this once-in-a-lifetime #Bananarama Reunion Tour! Swipe left for more! 🍌 Recap and clips up on my site. Link in Bio. #SaraDallin #KerenWoodward #SiobhanFahey

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🏮 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 23, 2018 at 9:59pm PST

The Tour concludes tomorrow in New York City.

 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)