Girls Aloud returned to the stage for the first time in 11 years as their reunion tour kicked off in Dublin with a heartbreaking tribute to the late Sarah Harding.
Nadine Coyle, Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh and Sarah Harding formed the iconic band in 2002 after winning Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.
They reunited with new music for their 10th anniversary in 2012, while a second reunion was planned for their 20th anniversary when Sarah was tragically diagnosed with cancer. She passed away in September 2021 aged 39.
But over a decade after their last performance, Girls Aloud reunited on Friday at Dublin’s 3Arena for the first night of their comeback arena tour.
The band’s opening tour night had Sarah at its centre with a rendition of ‘I’ll Stand By You’ set to a video of the late band member and her vocals, leaving fans in tears.
Girls Aloud returned to the stage for the first time in 11 years as their reunion tour kicked off in Dublin on Friday with a heartbreaking tribute to the late Sarah Harding
Girls Aloud reunited with new music for their 10th anniversary in 2012, while a second reunion was planned for their 20th anniversary when Sarah was tragically diagnosed with cancer. She passed away in September 2021 aged 39 (Pictured in 2017)
The new tour, which will play major UK cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Liverpool, is dedicated to Sarah.
Girls Aloud fans – those lucky enough to be at the Dublin show and those admiring online – rushed to social media to share that they were moved by the tribute.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, they said: ‘This is what you call a tribute. Taking out her demo vocals to showcase her incredible legacy is something only this band would do. Long reign Girls Aloud! ❤️,’;
‘If you see me crying in Cardiff at the Girls Aloud show, yes you did ‘cause Sarah Harding was a legend. RIP Queen,’;
‘What a beautiful tribute to Sarah. Girls aloud truly breathtaking. Girls be proud! Sarah will be. x,’;
‘Well this just broke my heart,’; ‘I’m honestly crying. We miss you Sarah,’;
‘this moment is going to be the end of me, my goodness… SARAH FOREVER ❤️❤️❤️,’;
‘Sarah tribute is so special, so nice to hear her voice part of the tour,’; ‘This is a moment wow.’
Nadine Coyle, Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh and Sarah Harding formed the iconic band in 2002 after winning Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 (pictured)
But over a decade after their last performance, Girls Aloud reunited on Friday at Dublin’s 3Arena for the first night of their comeback arena tour
Nadine, Nicola, Cheryl, Kimberley looked sensational as they took to the stage together in Dublin
Cheryl’s ensemble featured a floaty open-front skirt which was taken off to reveal a skin-coloured catsuit
Kimberley channelled her inner 70s diva as she donned a white bejewelled flared jumpsuit
Nadine and Kimberley seen mid-performance on Friday
Nicola looked elegant in a chiffon sequined mini-dress with a ruffled skirt
Girls Aloud fans – those lucky enough to be at the Dublin show and those admiring online – rushed to social media to share that they were moved by the tribute to Sarah
Nadine, Nicola, Cheryl, Kimberley looked sensational as they took to the stage together in Dublin.
Kimberley channelled her inner 70s diva as she donned a white bejewelled flared jumpsuit, while Nadine opted for a daring blingy bodysuit complete with a tulle train.
Meanwhile, Nicola looked elegant in a chiffon sequined mini-dress with a ruffled skirt and Cheryl’s ensemble featured a floaty open-front skirt.
For another number, the girls switched up their angelic looks and sported biker attire as they took to motorbikes suspended in the air.
But the tour got off to unstable start as less than an hour before their expected arrival at the 3Arena in Dublin, the group issued an ‘updated stage time’ on X.
It said due to ‘Dublin motorway closures’, the foursome would arrive 30 minutes later than expected at 9.15pm.
For another number, the girls switched up their angelic looks and sportedblack attire
The singers took to motorbikes suspended in the air as part of another performance
Charyl is pictured singing amid Girls Aloud’s first show of the tour
After two back-to-back opening nights in Dublin’s 3Arena, Girls Aloud will play two concerts at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Monday and Tuesday
They will then head to the Manchester AO Arena from Thursday to Saturday
But the tour got off to unstable start as less than an hour before their expected arrival at the 3Arena in Dublin, the group issued an ‘updated stage time’ on X
Ahead of the show, a post on the official Girls Aloud X account said: ‘Rehearsals? Done. Choreography? Ready. Outfits? Fitted. Girls? Aloud.
‘…We’ve been working so hard to make this show special for all of you.’
After two back-to-back opening nights in Dublin’s 3Arena, Girls Aloud will play two concerts at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Monday and Tuesday.
They will then head to the Manchester AO Arena from Thursday to Saturday.
In November, the group had to add six extra dates to their UK and Ireland 2024 arena tour due to ‘unprecedented demand’ following ticket pre-sales.
