90s pop icons had such low hopes for their comeback gig they booked a car park – and failed-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Eternal have scrapped their comeback gig due to poor ticket sales (Picture: Rex Features)

To say Eternal had low expectations for their comeback would be an understatement.

Alas, it seems they were right to.

The iconic 1990s pop band consists of sisters Vernie and Easther Bennett, as well as newbie Christel Lakhdar, who joined the reunion after the departures of former members Louise Redknapp and Kelle Bryan.

Louise, 49, and Kelle, 48, famously pulled out of Eternal’s comeback tour last September, with Louise’s publicist claiming that the band would not play Pride or other LGBTQ+ festivals due to Easther and Vernie Bennett’s views.

The sisters proceeded with a reunion anyway, now a trio alongside Christel. To mark their return to the spotlight, they booked a gig in a parking area at Birmingham’s NEC.

Due to take place in May, the event was billed as their first major performance in a decade.

Eternal’s new line-up, complete with newcomer Christel (Picture: Vernie Bennett and Easther Bennett)

The band rose to fame in the 90s (Picture: Shutterstock)

However, the gig wasn’t quite met with the reception the ladies hoped for, as they struggled to sell tickets which were on sale from £50.

Consequently, the show has been cancelled, according to The Sun.

An advert for the concert previously read: ‘This event will be hosted on our North 5 car park and the whole festival site is on concrete so no muddy boots.’

Meanwhile, Birmingham’s NEC will continue to host a range of shows throughout May, including a live performance from Bjorn Again and Chic To Chic.

The gig’s axe marks a huge fall from grace for Eternal, who reached number one in 1997 with I Wanna Be the Only One.

In their golden days, the group was an international success, selling around 10million records worldwide.

As for tours, in 2006 Eternal reformed for a live reunion tour alongside other acts including Boyz II Men.

Louise Redknapp left following the fellow members’ LGBTQ+ views, it is alleged (Picture: Jo Hale/Redferns via Getty Images)

Eternal officially returned in 2013 for the ITV2 documentary The Big Reunion, reforming with a gig at the Hammersmith Apollo in March 2014, where they performed alongside BeBe Winans.

Nowadays, the band’s fanbase is dwindling, specifically among the LGBTQ+ community.

It was alleged that sisters Vernie and Easther believed the gay community was ‘being hijacked’ by the trans community, which they did not support, leading to Louise backing out of the reunion, having previously declared herself a proud ally.

In a statement at the time, Louise said: ‘I would have always loved to have done a reunion with the girls. I have a lot of love for what we have done together and me and Kelle are still the best of friends.’

Backing Louise, fellow former member Kelle added of being in Eternal: ‘It’s been life-changing for me. Obviously, the music and the fans are so important.’ 

The star left the group to pursue a solo career (Picture: WireImage)

Following the row last September, Vernie posted a statement on Instagram.

She wrote: ‘I am “Eternally” grateful for the family, friends, and amazing fans who have and continue to support our incredible journey and artistry.

‘I’ve been blessed to connect with so many diverse and wonderful people from all walks of life during my career. You all have a piece of my heart.

‘Though it is impossible and counterproductive to respond to the overwhelming number of statements and allegations made online recently, I place this moment in God’s hands.

‘I truly appreciate all who continue to express love and support for my family and Eternal.’

Meanwhile, this week, they announced they had welcomed Christel and reformed as a trio.

The singer said it was a ‘dream’ to join Eternal, telling The Mirror: ‘I’ve been singing these songs since [I was] a young age and feel like pinching myself as I’m taking it all in.’

Vernie said: ‘Meeting Christel for the first time just felt right. She’s talented, accomplished and has such an amazing personality. She’s also strong vocally, so our harmonies will be taken to the next level. I think our music followers will love her just as much as we do.’

Easther said she is ‘really looking forward to dipping my toes in again with a few festivals here and there’. 

Reps for Eternal have been contacted for comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : BBC Radio Two switches to emergency broadcast after dropping off air during Vernon Kay’s show

MORE : Bianca Censori isn’t even wearing underwear anymore. Kanye West is humiliating her

Entertainment – MetroRead More