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Biography
Prior to the earliest incarnation of Bananarama, Bristol-natives Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin had been friends since the age of four. Dallin subsequently studied fashion journalism in London, which is where she met fellow-student Siobhan Fahey, whom shared her interest in punk-rock. The three soon became a formula for success with the trio performing early impromptu sets at gigs for the likes of The Monochrome Set, Iggy Pop, and The Jam in the late 1970s. By 1981 Bananarama’s members were housed above a rehearsal room used by then-Sex Pistol members Steve Jones and Paul Cook, who helped the group record and release their debut cover single “Aie a Mwana” in 1981.
The single found its way to the to a number of label executives, however Bananarama ultimately signed with Decca Records, whom they remained with until 1993. After hearing their debut single “Aie a Mwana”, Fun Boy Three member Terry Hall invited the trio to contribute vocals to their single “T’ain’t What You Do (It’s the Way That You Do It)”. The single rose to the Top 5 on the UK Singles Chart, and propelled the group to mainstream recognition. The group’s debut full-length album “Deep Sea Skiving” appeared in 1983 and peaked at No. 7 on the UK Albums Chart, led by the Top 5 hit singles “Really Saying Something”, “Shy Boy”, and “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”. The album also peaked at No. 63 on the U.S. chart, however Bananarama were considered more of a cult band in the States.
The band’s self-titled sophomore album charted at No. 16 on the UK Albums Chart in 1984, however is notably marked by social commentary on drug culture and social apathy among other topics. Spawning the singles “Hotline to Heaven”, “Rough Justice”, “Robert De Niro’s Waiting”, and their U.S. breakthrough single “Cruel Summer”, the record was received favourably by critics. After appearing on the Band Aid single “Do They Know Its Christmas?” in 1984, the group released the single “Do Not Disturb” in 1985 raising the anticipation for their subsequent release.
1986’s “True Confessions”, spawned Bananarama’s international breakthrough single “Venus”, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 upon release. Also finding the top spot in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, and Italy, the record earned the band an unprecedented level of exposure. The full-length “Wow!” followed in 1987, which found notable success in Australia for its Europop sound, following which, due to tensions in the group Fahey left after its release. Fahey went on to become one half of the duo Shakespeare’s Sister, and Bananarama subsequently invited Jacquie O’Sullivan to fill the spot. In 1991 the group released the studio album “Pop Life”, followed by “Please Yourself” in 1993, and “Ultra Violet” in 1995. In 1998 Fahey returned for a special one-off reunion for the cover of the ABBA track “Waterloo”, before Dallin and Woodward released Bananarama’s eighth studio album “Exotica” in 2001.
Live reviews
Bananarama is an all-female English pop band that was formed in London, England in the year 1979. They are most famously known for their songs "Venus" and "Cruel Summer". The band has released ten studio records since their creation.
I first had the chance to watch Bananarama perform live in 2010 in Alton Towers, United Kingdom. They performed at an outdoor venue in broad daylight so there were no visuals and there were also no props. There was plenty of room for an audience and plenty of fans showed up to watch the band perform.
I am pretty sure everyone who showed up had an excellent time because the crowd would erupt with cheers after every song. The whole concert was a great experience because of both the ability of the band and the passionate and fun audience. The audience really erupted in to cheers after they performed their most popular song, "Venus".
The interaction between the band and the audience really put this concert on another level compared to the other concerts I have previously attended by other bands. I would gladly watch this band perform again! Anyone who has a chance to watch them perform should certainly take that opportunity and you will have the time of your life!
80s British pop icons Bananarama are still working the live circuit over thirty years since their original formation. Although only Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward remain in the group, they still embody the nostalgia and fun associated with their chart topping pop music. The Guinness world record holders really know how to put on a show and even though the two ladies are now both in their fifties, it would seem performing is keeping them young as they still have so much enthusiasm to be onstage.
I guess when you can have a whole room dancing at an instance to the introduction to 'Venus' you could not help but be enthusiastic. Their voices have maintained a range that was not always noticeable on the easy listening pop tracks yet during a cover of 'Help!' by the Beatles it really shines. They have a large amount of A game material including 'Cruel Summer' which has the whole venue singing along in force with the likeable pair. It is their penultimate track 'Love in the First Degree' which is the clear highlight as the girls clearly still enjoy playing it and the crowd goes wild, singing along at full volume and charging the energy before a finale of 'Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)'.
sean-ward
Bananarama put on an incredible show. Right from the start the whole crowd were on their feet, singing and dancing.
Sang all the hits and even the Shakespeare Sister song "Stay". Felt like I was a teenager again. The actually on stage set was great.With massive flames for "Venus". The ladies looked and sounded fabulous.
There were loads of "flamboyant" gentlemen there and it was quite honestly as much fun watching them as the show. Boy do they know how to have a good time.
I thoroughly enjoyed my night. I was hot and sweaty by the end (sorry!!) and my bum n thighs had a good work out from all that dancing.
If you get the chance and you like their music.....go and see BANANARAMA you will have a fantastic night...
sam-glasson
Bananarama on stage were brilliant and so much fun, they were great, the atmosphere was a happy one and so was every-body-else who was there. I would go again just like the others there who said they had seen them many times before too!
cathy-ransby
Been lucky enough to see Bananarama
A few times, as a duo and the recent
Tour as a trio.
Absolutely fantastic each time and always leave the theatre feeling happy.
So many great songs and they never disappoint.
sk-58201402366434379
Great performance. Still look and sound awesome !! Thanks for coming to Ontario.
Side note do not like the venue and How there were early entrance arm bands given out. Yet we had lined up 2hrs earlier
80lady
Such a great show! You won’t be disappointed if you like the Bananas, enjoy! Taking you back to the 80ies and down the memory lane of their 80s hits. The girls and fab and real entertainers.
mattias-ronnback-1
what a fun show! lots of dancing, lots of memories, and their music and timing was spot on. how nostalgic to see one of the iconic girl bands from the 80s. loved every minute of it!
higginsworldtour
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