Pop icon Melanie Chisholm wowed a packed crowd with a vibrant and intimate performance at St Mary’s Church in Nantwich marking the launch of her new solo album Sweat.
Organised by Nantwich store Applestump Records, the one-off show proved a huge hit.
It sold out in just nine minutes, further boosting the town’s growing reputation as a hotspot for live music.
The former Spice Girls star — affectionately known as “Sporty Spice” — treated fans to tracks from Sweat, an album she has described as a love letter to the “heady and formative days” of the 1990s.
The new material has already struck a chord with both loyal followers and a fresh wave of listeners.
Fans were also delighted by crowd favourites, including ‘I Turn to You’ from her debut solo album Northern Star, and the timeless Spice Girls anthem ‘Spice Up Your Life’, which had the audience on their feet.
Backed by a talented live band, Mel C delivered powerful vocals and an energetic set, creating a special atmosphere inside the historic venue.
Applestump Records — based on Oatmarket — has enjoyed a string of high-profile successes in recent months.
It has hosted major record signings with acts such as Blue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, as well as live appearances from Skindred, whose album later soared to number one in the UK charts.
Owner Steve Cook said: “To bring an artist of Mel C’s calibre to Nantwich — and into such a unique setting — is incredibly special.
“The response has been phenomenal, and it just shows what a passionate music community we have here.
“We’re proud to keep putting Nantwich on the map for live music.”
Born in 1974, Melanie Chisholm rose to global fame as part of the Spice Girls — one of the world’s most successful pop groups — and has since built a critically acclaimed solo career spanning music, theatre, television and mental health advocacy.
With events like this continuing to draw national attention, Applestump Records is firmly cementing its place at the heart of Nantwich’s thriving music scene, offering vinyl lovers a mix of new and pre-loved records alongside a packed programme of gigs, Q&As and special events.
More information on upcoming events can be found on the Applestump Records website.
(Story by Jonathan White, photos supplied with permission)
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