East 17 @ St Mary's Chambers in Rossendale

About the artist

East 17 is a rap boy band comprising Tony Mortimer, John Hendy, and Terry Coldwell. Tony Mortimer is the group's frontman and primary songwriter. Formed in Walthamstow, London in 1991, the group has achieved 18 Top 20 singles and four Top 10 albums and was one of the UK's most popular boy bands during the early to mid-1990s. The group went on to sell 10 million records worldwide. Their boy band style was unique occasionally blending rap and pop in songs such as "House of Love", "Steam" and "Let It Rain". The band began in 1991 when Tony Mortimer was promised a record deal after he showcased his material. The deal was granted under the condition that he form a group, which was the format London Records was looking for. The group was named East 17 after the postcode of their hometown, Walthamstow. The original roles in the band were soon altered when Brian Harvey, who was intended to be a backup singer and dancer, was heard singing along during a recording session. He was duly promoted to lead vocalist. The group's other members are Terence Coldwell and John Hendy.