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00:00 – Prologue: The Reality of 90s Pop Stardom
00:55 – East 17: Redefining the Boy Band Blueprint
12:33 – Fragile Alliances: The Breaking Point for The Communards & FYC
22:03 – The Indie Gold Rush: Speculative Budgets and Corporate Excess
35:00 – Radical Transgressions: The Uncompromising Art of Goldie & Flowered Up
47:56 – Sacked by the Manager: The End of East 17

By the mid-90s, London Records is flying high, but success comes at a price. In this episode, journalist Siân Pattenden dives into the intoxicating, and sometimes destructive world of pop stardom.

At the heart of it all is East 17. Their rise is meteoric, culminating in a Christmas number one but behind the scenes, cracks are already forming. Frontman Tony Mortimer reveals the reality of sudden fame: pressure, scrutiny, and a life turned upside down overnight.

Across the label, stories of burnout and breakdown emerge. The Communards split as tensions grow. Fine Young Cannibals implode under the strain of success. But the money keeps flowing.

This is the era of the indie gold rush, with huge advances, extravagant spending, and a culture of excess. Bands like Menswear recall signing deals worth fortunes, and burning through them just as quickly. Industry insiders describe wild expense accounts, endless parties, and a sense that it might never end.

Of course, it does.

From costly creative risks to hedonistic lifestyles, the consequences begin to catch up. Acts like Flowered Up illustrate how quickly things can fall apart.

And then comes the ultimate question: is it worth it? Through candid reflections, artists and insiders confront the reality of fame: the highs, the lows, and the toll it takes.

Episode 4 is a raw, unfiltered look at the price of living the pop dream.

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Produced by Robin Leeburn. A Podmasters production for London Records.

Guests featured in this episode: Siobhan Fahey (Shakespears Sister / Bananarama), Sara Dallin (Bananarama), Tony Mortimer (East 17), Hillary Shaw, Colin Bell, Sean Rowley, Neil Arthur (Blancmange), Richard Coles (The Communards), Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals), Marcella Detroit (Shakespears Sister), Simon Bartholomew (The Brand New Heavies), Andrew Levy (The Brand New Heavies).

Songs featured in this episode:











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