Photo: Becky Rui
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Wham! The Final, we spoke to the band's backing singers Pepsi & Shirlie about their time with Wham!, their influence and the future.
-So, what have you been up to since the band split?
Pepsi: As Pepsi & Shirlie we’ve done the ‘Here & Now’ tour and I’ve been living abroad in the Caribbean.
Shirlie: I’ve been very busy and very creative, I’m working on a romantic vintage home ware range - and I’ve taken up photography too.
-Are you still in touch with George and Andrew?
Shirlie: Yes very much so. We saw George at the Albert Hall recently, in fact we saw him twice!
Pepsi: He’s really chuffed that we’re promoting this album.
-What’s your favourite Wham song and why?
Shirlie: ‘Young Guns,’ because it was our first Top of the Pops performance.
Pepsi: ‘Edge of Heaven’ for me, it never gets the credit it deserves - it’s a classic pop record.
-Do you have a highlight of your time with Wham?
Pepsi: The Final, actually. The day itself was very sparkly, the crowd were all dressed up and going mad. We knew it was the end but also that it was the beginning of something, it was such a special moment.
-Talk us through your top 3 Wham videos? Any funny stories you can share from the shoots?
Shirlie: 1. 'Club Tropicana' - we were still so young and it was a free holiday to Ibiza!
2. 'Last Christmas' - it was just us and all our mates, we forgot we were meant to be on a video shoot.
Pepsi: 3. 'Wake Me Up' - because there was an announcement on Capital radio that we were looking for people to be part of the video. On the day people just kept arriving, it was so much fun apparently even Kate Moss was there!
-Current fashion trends are channeling the 80’s, have you kept any of your costumes from the Wham days?
Shirlie: Only a couple of t-shirts.
Pepsi: Did you know we were the first girl group to have a clothing range in Topshop? So I’m sure lots of people have our costumes.
-Are there any you would wear again?
Shirlie: No! Apparently Dolce & Gabbana are releasing a replica Wham t-shirt though so I’ll have to get one of those!
-And any that will remain firmly in your fashion closet?
Pepsi: Neon leg warmers - what were we thinking?!
Shirlie: Virtually all of them. (laughs)
-Wham! were so iconic, how did you find that kind of attention?
Shirlie: It wasn’t that difficult really as it was the boys that got all the attention.
-Do you think Wham! week could work on The X Factor?
Shirlie: I thought they had, but if not of course! They are all classic pop songs.
-What’s your opinion on the show? And do you have any favourite contestants?
Shirlie: I think it’s great entertainment and a chance for people who wouldn’t be heard, it gives everyone a chance.
Pepsi: But it can’t prepare you for the effects of fame and I’m not sure a good voice is enough to be a pop star. You need a show where the acts write and perform their own songs for the public vote I think people would enjoy that more.
-Since Wham! split which acts do you think you’ve influenced?
Shirlie: I heard that a very young Amy Winehouse and her best friend used to dress up and sing Pepsi & Shirlie songs
-Do you ever think they’ll be a time when you’ll all perform together again?
Pepsi: It would be fun and amazing for the fans but I don’t think it will happen.
Shirlie: No, I don’t think Andrew would do it.
-Last Christmas I gave you my heart, this year what or who would you like to find in your stocking?
Pepsi: Keys to a new house in the Caribbean would be my dream.
Wham! The Final is released on 28th November.
Pepsi & Shirlie were talking to Alexandra Merri on behalf of Female First.