Sister Are Doing It For Themselves

Have you heard the one about the band that refused to have their picture taken? Girls Aloud played the BIC this weekend and the editor of the local evening newspaper, the Bournemouth Evening Echo, called the bands agent to ask for two press passes.

"Why do you want two?" asked the agent.

"One for the entertainment section editor and one for the photographer."

"Sorry, no photographs allowed in the venue."

And there you have it. One of the most photographed female groups of our times do not allow their photograph to be taken in situations outside of their control. Now I can understand them wanting to exercise control if we were talking about a studio situation, but in concert, in a public place, in front of the people who have paid at least £20 a head to see you isn't this taking things a little bit too seriously and a bit too far? I can remember the excitement of attending my first concert as a 13 year old - Paul McCartney and Wings at Bournemouth Winter Gardens - where the only merchandise available were posters of Macca sat at his piano for 50p or badges for 25p. Perhaps I didn't realise it at the time but I was obviously only being allowed a certain amount of access to my hero and now thirty five years on, Girls Aloud having taking it to its logical conclusion.

Incidentally the Echo carried a report tonight and an 'in-concert' photograph which I can only imagine was either taken by management or a set-up at Shepperton Studios. The report on the concert said that despite several vigorous dance routines and numerous costume changes the band were never out of breath nor was there any sight of any perspiration. I wonder why?