All Saints English pop band All Saints rose to fame after the 1997 release of their self-titled debut album. After a brief stint in the public eye and subsequent fall, the band announced a surprise reunion in 2006. In its most popular form, All Saints consisted of Melanie Blatt, Shaznay Lewis, Nicole Appleton, and Natalie Appleton. The band began with Blatt and Lewis, who both sang backup at Sarm West Studios located near All Saints Road in London. Interested in forming a band, Blatt and Lewis enlisted Simone Rainford. The band settled on the name All Saints 1.9.7.5., and ZTT Records jumped at the chance to sign the fresh, exciting new act. By 1994, they landed their first gig. While they managed to get into the recording studio shortly thereafter, the band produced three commercially unsuccessful songs. Band tensions heightened not only from a lack of success but also from intra-band conflict. Blatt and Rainford couldn’t agree upon a conceptual direction for the band, and the disagreement culminated in Rainford walking away altogether in 1995. Without a successful album to rely on, ZTT Records became nervous and dropped the band. Undeterred, Blatt and Lewis were determined to find a replacement and move on. Blatt’s father suggested Blatt’s former schoolmate from the Sylvia Young Theatre School, Nicole Appleton. It proved a good fit, and Appleton also enlisted her sister, Natalie Appleton. Natalie, however, was reluctant to join the new venture. She had a two year old daughter at home, and wasn’t sure if she wanted to pursue a musical career. Eventually persuaded her daughter would be well cared for, Natalie consented to joining the group.
In mid-1996, the newly settled group met Karl Gordon, formerly of the Outlaw Posse, who helped them record the demo single “I Know Where It’s At.” Without a label, however, the band went nowhere. After several labels expressed an interest so long as they molded themselves into a kind of Spice Girls carbon copy, All Saints was fortunate enough to team up with London Records. They appreciated the band’s unique sound and look, and the contract was finalized November 1996. 1997 brought their album containing their demo single, which broke into the top ten of the UK charts. It wasn’t until “Never Ever” hit the airwaves, though, that the band became an international hit. Winning them numerous awards in both England and America, they followed on this success with the William Orbit collaboration, “Pure Shoes.” Another hit for the band, the single gained additional exposure as it was featured in the film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, and Robert Carlyle. In 2000, the band learned they didn’t translate well into every medium as they starred in the film Honest, directed by former Eurythmics member Dave Stewart. Although both Appleton sisters had a much hyped nude scene, the film was a major critical flop. In 2001, after five number one singles, the band decided to go their separate ways. Nicole and Natalie formed the band Appleton, while Blatt and Lewis released solo albums. In an unexpected turn, the band announced plans to reunite in early 2006. Soon after, they released the album Studio 1. Even with touring and massive exposure, both the singles and album underperformed. They were subsequently dropped from Parlophone Records. The band remains together in search of a new deal.
In addition to their music, All Saints received media attention due to the romantic relationships of Nicole. She was engaged to Brit music star Robbie Williams and had a son with Oasis front-man Liam Gallagher in 2001. |
