Girls Aloud pay an emotional tribute to Sarah Harding on reunion tour

Virgin Radio

19 May 2024, 10:22

Girls Aloud have paid an emotional tribute to the late Sarah Harding during their reunion tour. 

Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh made their return after 11 years on Friday (17th May) for the opening night of The Girls Aloud Show in Dublin. 

The tour has been dedicated to their bandmate, who passed away in 2021 after being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

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During their opening show, Girls Aloud performed their hit song I’ll Stand By You, which featured a video of Sarah singing her lines in a video projected on the screen behind them. 

Before the song began, Nadine told the audience: "We're going to do a duet with Sarah tonight. It's going to be us, Sarah, you. Let's do this together.”

Sarah was at the centre of their whole setlist, which began with their 2008 hit Untouchable, set against a backdrop of past footage of the late bandmate. 

"When we recorded this next song 19 years ago, we had no idea 19 years later it would become so poignant on our journey," explained Nicola, with Kimberley adding: "Standing feeling all the emotions you're feeling. I hope you know it means as much as it means to you."

Cheryl concluded: "Thank you for your support through everything we went through with Sarah. It's hard to believe, but it's such a beautiful thing to be on stage with these ladies again."

They also sang one of their biggest hits, The Promise, where they stopped halfway through to turn and look at footage of Sarah performing the song on her own behind them. 

Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the show, with one person writing: "I can’t PROMISE you won’t cry watching this 🥹 I’m so sorry it took Sarah’s passing to bring them together again but I’m so happy they’re like this. Melts and breaks my heart at the same time. Angels Aloud 💚 @GirlsAloud.”

Another added: “Seen #TheGirlsAloudShow tonight and I honestly think it might be the best concert I've ever been to. The tributes to Sarah had be bawling @GirlsAloud you were unbelievable”.

A third said: “Just as I knew they would be @GirlsAloud were absolutely incredible last night. Showing off just why they are one of the biggest and best pop acts in history and honouring Sarah in the best possible way ❤️”.