Girls Aloud were in tears at their concert as late band member Sarah Harding’s mum was in attendance.
Sarah tragically died at the age of 39 in September 2021, following a battle with breast cancer.
The iconic pop group, consisting of Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, are currently on their reunion tour – their first as a band since they split in 2013.
@dazzlinghazemerch @Girls Aloud gave tribute to SARAH! Manchester was her hometown and her Mum was in the audience tonight 🥺🫶🏻💫#girlsaloud #manchester #sarahharding #thegirlsaloudshow
While the group were performing in Manchester, Cheryl revealed that their bandmates mum, Marie, was in attendance.
The singer told the crowd: “Coming to Manchester has always been an absolute pleasure.”
“It’s a really significant evening for us tonight in many ways. Obviously, we all remember Miss Harding’s hometown is Manchester.”
“She would have been so proud of the reception we’ve had in here tonight, thank you so much Manchester for making it special for her, and for us.”
She continued: “Sarah’s mam’s in here tonight and I’m sure she’s feeling all the love and energy in the room.”
“We love you, Marie. When I come down on that podium, the energy I was hit with I could have just burst out of crying there and then.”
“Thank you for making it bearable, and making it a joyous occasion for us all,” she added.
A source told MailOnline the band wanted Marie to be involved: “The girls wanted to include Marie from start to finish.”
“They wanted her to feel part of all of this and not do anything at all that might not be right for her.”
“Marie, of course, was absolutely thrilled that there would be a tour, but also that Sarah will be very much included in it to the extent that nobody thought would be imaginable.”
They continued: “It was important to the girls that they ran through everything with Marie.”
“They love Sarah so much, it wasn’t an option not to include her in the reunion because she was one of theirs and she loved the band so much.”
“There was sheer jubilation on both sides. Nobody wants to forget Sarah,” they added.
The reunion tour includes a heartbreaking tribute to their late-friend.
As they kicked off in Dublin and hit the stage for the first time to begin their highly anticipated tour, they insisted their friend was with them in spirit.
As it was previously reported, the bandmates ended their set with a heartbreaking rendition of I’ll Stand By You in tribute to Sarah, while footage of her plays on the screens.
However, the band shocked fans with another surprise heartbreaking tribute which left everyone emotional.
@sweetniamh The Promise 🌹 ❤️ #girlsaloud #girlsalouddublin #fyp @Girls Aloud
During their hit song The Promise when it reached the part Sarah sang, a video appeared of her behind the girls.
The four all turned their back to the audience, facing their friend, and watched her sing with them again.
The bandmates have promised to delight fans with a string of their greatest hits on stage, and they also pay tribute to their late bandmate every night of the tour.
Before kicking off the first night of their tour, Kimberley revealed that their rehearsals had been “emotional”.
Sharing snaps from their preparations, she wrote on Instagram: “Well that’s it. Production rehearsals are done, Dublin here we come! We’ve had the BEST time creating this show for you and being back with my girls has been incredibly emotional but soooooo special.”
“Love you all. Our team of boys dancing with us are honestly incredibly and I can’t wait for you to see them in action!
Praising their creative director Beth Honan, she continued: “You are a legend and a genuine super hero what a privilege to be here 20 years later doing what we love.
“Thanks our whole team that have helped put this show together and supported us I appreciate each and every one of you! Let’s do this!”
The band’s return to performing was confirmed when the group announced a UK and Ireland tour back in November 2023.
