East 17’s Tony Mortimer Loses Contact with Former Bandmates
East 17’s Tony Mortimer, the 54-year-old singer who rose to fame in 1992 with the boy band’s hit single ‘House of Love’, has revealed that he is no longer in touch with his former bandmates Brian Harvey, Terry Coldwell, and John Hendy. This news comes as Tony prepares to re-release their 1994 festive classic ‘Stay Another Day’ for charity. In an interview with The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column, Tony expressed how the dynamics between the band members have changed over the years, leading to a lack of communication among them.
History of East 17
Initially formed as the ‘bad boy’ alternative to Take That, East 17 quickly gained popularity in the music scene. However, the band faced internal challenges that caused Tony Mortimer to part ways with them. Brian Harvey’s involvement in a drug controversy led to his dismissal in 1997, prompting Tony to leave due to creative differences. Despite a brief reunion in 2006, tensions resurfaced, leading to Tony’s departure after an alleged altercation with Brian. Today, Terry Coldwell continues to perform as East 17 alongside Joe Livermore and Robbie Craig.
Behind the Song ‘Stay Another Day’
The re-release of ‘Stay Another Day’ holds special significance for Tony Mortimer, as the song was inspired by the tragic suicide of his brother Ollie. Originally penned as a personal ballad, Tony transformed it into an ambiguous love song that resonated with audiences worldwide. Despite his initial reluctance to release the track, the record label recognized its potential and predicted it would become a Christmas No.1 hit. The song’s success extended beyond the UK, reaching the top of the charts in Denmark, Ireland, and Sweden, among other countries.
Raising Funds for Charity
In a heartwarming gesture, Tony Mortimer has decided to release ‘Stay Another Day’ on vinyl to raise funds for the music therapy non-profit Nordoff and Robbins. Each sale of the record will contribute £1 towards supporting this worthy cause. As fans eagerly anticipate the re-release of this iconic track, Tony reflects on the band’s journey and the impact that their music continues to have on audiences worldwide.
