Pop music legends Nicole and Natalie Appleton are poised for a sensational return to the charts, marking their first new music in 23 years. The sisters, famed as one half of the iconic girl group All Saints, have released a fresh single under their band name, Appleton.
A Long-Awaited Musical Reunion
The duo, aged 51 and 52 respectively, dropped their new track 'Falling Into You' on Wednesday. They co-wrote the song with producer Gareth Young, reigniting a creative partnership that had lain dormant since their 2003 album, 'Everything's Eventual'. Nicole Appleton expressed her delight at the seamless reunion, stating the song's creation felt natural as it narrates their own story.
This release follows a tentative step back into the spotlight in 2023, when they re-released 'Everything's Eventual' on vinyl. However, 'Falling Into You' represents their first entirely new material in over two decades. Their debut as Appleton in 2002 saw immediate success, with 'Fantasy' soaring to number two and the follow-up 'Don't Worry' reaching the top five.
Navigating a Changed Industry
Reflecting on their comeback, Nicole acknowledged the seismic shifts in the music landscape since their debut. She emphasised the duo are approaching this chapter with no expectations, purely for the joy of writing and performing again. However, she also highlighted the modern industry's financial challenges, particularly the soaring costs of touring which make it difficult for artists to break even.
Natalie Appleton described the experience of returning to the studio as stepping into a 'time warp', noting how easily the old creative dynamic resurfaced. The sisters have confirmed two major live appearances: a performance on BBC Radio 2's Piano Rooms with the BBC Concert Orchestra on 19 February, and a slot at the iconic Mighty Hoopla festival in May. Nicole teased that their sets will include a few fun covers alongside their classic hits.
The Next Generation's Influence
The catalyst for this unexpected reunion came from an unlikely source: their children. Nicole revealed that the positive response to the 2003 vinyl re-release, particularly from their sons, sparked the idea. Gene, Nicole's 24-year-old son with ex-partner Liam Gallagher, was a key driving force, reportedly asking, 'Why don't you ask Aunty Nat?'. This familial nudge follows Gene's father's own much-publicised Oasis reunion rumours last year.
The Appleton sisters have not performed together for over twenty years, and their last tour with All Saints was nearly five years ago. Their return signals a nostalgic yet fresh chapter for the beloved pop stars, driven by passion and family encouragement.
