Ian ‘H’ Watkins, member of the iconic 90s pop band Steps, has opened up about a major missed opportunity during the height of the group’s success: performing at the legendary Glastonbury Festival. The invitation came after their chart-topping hit “Tragedy” captivated audiences and festival organizers alike. Selling over 1.2 million copies in the UK alone, “Tragedy” earned Steps an invite to take to the prestigious Pyramid Stage.
Ian revealed in a recent interview with Metro, “The Bee Gees actually asked us to join them on stage. But it was a last-minute request, and we just couldn’t get everything organised in time.” Reflecting on the experience, he added, “Some of those great artists have since passed away, so that moment will never come around again. It’s a bittersweet gem in the Steps legacy.”
As the band prepares to tour their musical “Here and Now” across the UK, culminating in a West End run in London, the allure of taking the stage at Glastonbury remains a cherished memory — and a missed milestone. Ian emphasized, “We’re really the only ones from that era with all original members still going strong; we’ve truly earned our stripes.”
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Beyond the band’s professional highs, Ian also spoke candidly about the personal challenges he faced amid media scrutiny. During Steps’ peak fame, the spotlight often focused on his private life, making it difficult for him to publicly embrace his identity as a gay man. Ian recounted receiving a distressing phone call while on holiday — reminiscent of similar moments experienced by stars like Stephen Gately and Will Young — when the press knew intimate details about his relationship.
“I had a boyfriend at the time, and the media was threatening to expose us," Ian shared. “I immediately cut my holiday short, confided in my family and loved ones, and although the story never ran because I refused to give quotes, that period stole my coming out story and my sense of control. It was an emotional and dark chapter.”
Ian noted that he wasn’t alone in facing such pressures. Celebrities like Boyzone’s Stephen Gately and N’SYNC’s Lance Bass also endured invasive media scrutiny about their sexuality. “Back then, if the press knew you were gay, it was tricky even to be seen with other closeted friends,” he explained.
During those times, Ian leaned heavily on the support of his bandmates and forged strong bonds with other public figures, including Britney Spears. “People always speculated about me dating Britney, which was far from the truth,” he laughed. “Most of her dancers were gay anyway. It was a strange time, but we stuck together.”
Despite the challenges, Ian ‘H’ Watkins reflects on his journey with pride, both for Steps’ enduring success and his personal resilience.