The Spice Girls are celebrating 30 years since the release of their debut hit "Wannabe" with the upcoming "The Singles Collection," a comprehensive box set featuring all their singles and B-sides, along with previously unheard recordings and demos. The announcement, however, has led to widespread disappointment among fans who had hoped for a reunion tour.
The collection, available for pre-order on 7-inch color vinyl and CD, is set to go on sale November 6. The most expensive bundle is priced at £277.99, including the vinyl and CD pack, a poster, and stickers. A 14-disc CD box set is also available for £94.99.
Fans expressed their frustration on social media, with many commenting that they "want a tour" and were "devastated" by the news. Some noted the "waste of excitement" after the group had teased a major update on Wednesday, leading to speculation about a potential live comeback.
This release follows a period of discussions about marking the 30th anniversary. In March, plans for a Spice Girls 30th Anniversary tour were reportedly axed due to disagreements among the band members. Similarly, a proposed Netflix project to celebrate the anniversary was also said to have been canceled.
Mel C, also known as Sporty Spice, confirmed in a radio interview that while the group communicates regularly and wishes to do something together, "no reunion" is currently in the works. She expressed optimism about future possibilities, stating, "I still feel very optimistic and I keep my fingers crossed that you will see the Spice Girls together at some point in the future."
The group's cryptic teaser video, which featured a newspaper on the steps of London's St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel—a location significant to their "Wannabe" music video—further fueled fan hopes for a reunion. The teaser also included a snippet of their debut single's opening.
Victoria Beckham, also known as Posh Spice, has previously expressed reservations about participating in a full tour, citing her focus on her fashion career. However, she has engaged with the band in other ways, including a joint singalong on Instagram in February and hinting at potential future collaborations. Geri Halliwell-Horner (Ginger Spice), Melanie Brown (Scary Spice), Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice), and Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) have all indicated a desire to celebrate the milestone.
The Spice Girls first rose to fame in 1996 with "Wannabe," which topped charts in 37 countries. The group achieved nine number-one singles in the UK and released two number-one albums. Geri Halliwell famously departed the band in 1998 during a world tour, after which the group eventually went on hiatus.