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The Spice Girls have kicked off their long-awaited reunion tour, as the iconic band took to the stage for their first performance in Dublin on Friday.

Emma Bunton, 43, Geri Horner, 46, Mel Brown, 43, and Mel C, 45, delighted the crowd of around 58,000 fans with a medley of their greatest hits, and Ginger Spice even paid homage to her iconic Union Jack dress with a red and blue Renaissance-style gown.

While many fans took to Twitter to share their excitement about attending the concert, others were quick to share their disappointment, as sound problems inside the stadium meant they were unable to hear the show.  

Sensational: The Spice Girls have kicked off their long-awaited reunion tour, as the iconic band took to the stage for their first performance in Dublin on Friday

Back in the day: (L-R) Mel C, 45, Emma Bunton, 43, Mel Brown, 43 and Geri Horner, 46, and took to the stage for the first stop on their 13-show reunion tour, debuting as the foursome for the first time (above with Victoria Beckham in 1997)

Although fans were delighted to see the band finally reunite to kick off their tour, some took to social media to complain that sound issues meant they were unable to hear the show, with one even claiming they saw members of the audience leaving the concert.

Several also bemoaned the issues given how much they had spent on the sold-out concert, with ticket prices ranging from £66 to £146.

One wrote: 'Sound is so bad... v disappointing,' while another posted: 'Be great if someone could tell the sound people at Spice Girls that the audience can't hear them.' 

Shocking: As many fans complained about the sound issues, one even claimed they say 'huge numbers' of the audience walk out

Raging: Many fans angrily took to Twitter to complain about sound issues during the concert, with many hitting out the venue Croke Park after spending around £100 on tickets

Sensational: Many of the band's looks paid homage to their 1990s glory days, as they delighted 58,000 fans with their show

New look: The songstress opted for a Renissance-style gown for the performance, after refusing to wear her famous Union Jack mini dress for the tour (right in 1997)

Amazing: Fans couldn't hide their delight as they band finally returned to the stage, seven years after their last group performance at the 2012 Olympics 

Sensational: As many fans took to social media to share snaps from the show, many couldn't hide their emotion at finally seeing the band back together

Quirky: Among many costume changes, Mel B seemed to be embracing her Sporty alter-ego with a futuristic ensemble

How naughty! At one point Mel got very cosy with one of the male dancers, as she playfully twerked up against him during the raunchy show

A third also tweeted: 'There's something wrong when the crowd at @spicegirls concert are all sitting down because no one has a clue what song is on because the sound really is THAT bad.'

'Sound! Sort the sound out @spicegirls team. Is it the band or the sound engineer?' a fan angrily posted.

At one point Mel left the crowd staggered as she screamed 'we're having a f****g great time,' as she and the group chatted to the elated crowd. 

She continued by shouting 'cut the c**p', before making a bizarre comment about racism as she claimed she was 'allowed to be [racist]', she said: 'Everyone knows I'm racist, I'm allowed to be I'm black.' 

The singer took to the stage alongside her band mates in Dublin, as they kicked off their nationwide reunion tour in fierce style following a recent eye infection.

Mel also shocked fans by swearing during the action-packed show before twerking against a backing dancer wearing her iconic leopard print catsuit.  

When the band took to the stage for their long-awaited show, Geri threw it back to her famous 1997 mini dress that she wore to the BRIT Awards, and has since become a historical moment in pop culture.

The songstress had previously refused to wear the original dress to the tour, as it was claimed she had opted for something more age appropriate, according to The Sun. 

Instead Geri oozed regal glamour as she took to the stage in the red and blue inspired dress, before later changing into a Frozen-esque pale blue gown with a matching cape. 

Mel B also paid homage to Scary Spice's iconic leopard print, as she opted for a plunging printed bodysuit with her dark tresses in a mass of curls.

There had been doubts over whether the star would still feature on the tour, after she was rushed to hospital with the complaint she had become 'totally blind.'

But all seemed well as Mel took to the stage, with Mel C also stunning with her incredibly ripped physique in a slew of futuristic ensembles. 

Emma also matched her candyfloss pink dresses with an amazing pink leotard as she showed off her sensational vocals at the show.

They also kicked off the show with empowering message, addressing the crowd with the words: 'We welcome all ages, all races, all gender identities, all countries of origin, all sexual orientations, all religions & beliefs, all abilities.'

Riding high: The band's first show came after months of speculation around whether the tour would go ahead, after Mel B's shocking revelations about a lesbian fling with Geri

Quick change: In just one of many costume changes during the concert, Mel looked amazing in her fitted bodysuits, which were created by theatre designer Gabriella Slade

Tired? Perched on a patriotic sofa, the band eagerly chatted to each other in front of the thousands of thrilled screaming fans

Relaxed: As Mel C flashed her abs in another sparkling tracksuit, Geri relaxed and enjoyed a cup of tea during the show

Eye-catching: Mel looked incredible wearing a two-tone blue jumpsuit with cut out sections across her midriff

Diverse: The girls opted to rock a diverse selection of ensembles as they took to the stage in everything from tiny mini dresses to flowing gowns

Girl power: Geri and Mel locked hands as they passed each other on stage during one of their routines

Iconic: One of Geri's outfit changes saw her don a tiny glitzy dress complete with fluffy jacket while Mel C flashed her washboard abs in a vinyl black and red two-piece

Queen of the stage! Geri dipped down into a kneeling position to belt out some of her notes

It comes after the band began the preparations for their long-awaited reunion tour, and could be seen larking about backstage in a behind-the-scenes video.

In a clip posted the band's official Twitter account, Geri can be seen showing off her newly-dyed copper tresses as she helped to gear up fans for the long-awaited performance.

The songstress seemed to be dressed in all-white for the show, while Emma showed off her candyfloss pink tresses as she visited the hair salon. 

Dramatic: Build-up to the reunion has been rife with drama, after Mel B was rushed to hospital last week as she complained about going 'totally blind'

Brilliant in blue: Embodying her Sporty Spice alter-ego, Mel C flashed her toned abs in a sparkling cobalt tracksuit, as she sported her signature high ponytail

At last! The reunion was a much-welcomed moment for thrilled fans, after they first confirmed their plans for a reunion tour as a foursome in November

Swing it, shake it, move it: The band sang some of their most iconic hits to an arena full of both nostalgic and new fans

Regal arrival: Geri looked nothing short of regal as she made her way to the stage via a backstage tunnel 

Hugging it out: Mel and Geri proved they have put their alleged rift behind them as they looked cosy on stage

Disco divas: Glitzy ensembles appeared to be the order of the night as Mel C and Mel B opted for metallic numbers

The Lady Is A Vamp: The band but on a visual extravaganza as they kicked off their first show in style

Forever bonded: The band appeared to be feeling the love as they joined together on stage in a huddle

In a post to Instagram Stories, Mel C could be seen enjoying a pre-show cup of tea, as she joked to fans: 'Calm before the storm (in a tea cup!).

And Geri also offered fans a glimpse of another outfit from the performance, as she tweeted a snap of a multicoloured corset emblazoned with the words Girl Power. 

Baby Spice also took to Instagram Stories to post a video as she got her hair ready for the performance, with her pale pink tresses on full display.

The behind-the-scenes video showed the band getting some final tips about the show with their dancers, with Mel B opting for a comfortable pink leopard print tracksuit.

Light show: As well as the band's incredible outfits a selection of dazzling lighting displays added to the show

Stop, right now! Geri put on a very animated display during one of the band's tracks

They're back! It is the first time The Spice Girls have taken to the stage as a foursome since 2000, after Victoria Beckham confirmed she would not be taking part in the tour

Friendship: Geri and Emma shared a touching moment on stage as they embraced each other

Queen Geri! Geri was every inch the regal beauty as she donned a tiara and matching gold sequinned gown and gloves during the show

Pretty in pink: Baby Spice matched her candyfloss tresses with a plunging fuchsia leotard covered with sequins

Iconic: Among the setlist for the concert, the Spice Girls performed some of their greatest hits including Spice Up Your Life, Mama and Wannabe

Showstopping: It came after Geri blasted rumours of any rift between the band last week as they prepared to take to the stage

Work it: One of Geri's outfits included a pair of tiny glitzy hot pants while another was a metallic gold dress

Hanging out: During one of the song's the women took a break on a comfy orange sofa

Fans anticipation was rife ahead of the concert, as it was the first time the band had taken to the stage as a group in seven years.

On Monday, Geri blasted rumours of a rift between her fellow Spice Girl bandmates as they prepared for their impending tour. 

Hot on the heels of bombshell lesbian claims by Mel B, as well as Scary Spice's recent health woes, Geri was quick to dismiss the supposed drama, telling critics: 'You think, "Oh f*** off!"'

It's nearly here! It comes after the band began the preparations for their long-awaited reunion tour, and could be seen larking about backstage in a behind-the-scenes video

Exciting: Emma Bunton, 43, Geri Horner, 46, Mel Brown, 43, and Mel C, 45, transformed themselves backstage ahead of their much-anticipated opening show in Croke Park, and documented the occasion with a slew of social media posts

A quick tipple: Mel C enjoyed a pre show cup of tea as she transformed herself into Sporty Spice ahead of the much-anticipated show

Getting ready: As she changed into her iconic tracksuit and crop top, Mel could be seen having her hair styled into her signature high ponytail for the performance

Dressing up: Baby Spice also took to Instagram Stories to post a video as she got her hair ready for the performance, with her pale pink tresses on full display

New look: Geri took to Twitter to tease a glimpse of her Ginger Spice-esque outfit, while Emma also shared a snap of some flowers she had been gifted ahead of the performance

Speaking to The Sun, Geri revealed that they were all 'having a blast during rehearsals' and their relationship was 'really good and positive.'

The tour, which is set to commence without former bandmate Victoria Beckham, was also rocked by Mel B's admission that she had sex with Geri

However, Geri revealed that fans had nothing to worry about as she spoke of her bandmates: 'Our relationship is really good. We’ve all been really positive, so it’s nice. It’s natural. I’m really happy, everyone’s happy.'

It's almost time! The behind-the-scenes video showed the band getting some final tips about the show with their dancers

Energetic: Emma seemed to be in high spirits as she larked about on the stage before getting her hair re-coloured in her signature new candyfloss pink

Energetic: The band were in high spirits during the video as they had a trial run of the long-awaited concert

When asked if they would be celebrating during rehearsals, Geri explained: 'That’s exactly what we’ll be doing, with all of our imperfections, all our faults, but celebrate the good bits too. No one is perfect but it’s all fine. We’re having a blast. It’s an absolute laugh.

Meanwhile, Mel B is reportedly doing fine after being rushed to hospital following her complaint that she was 'totally blind'.

Giving an update on the singer's health woes, a source has told PEOPLE: 'She’s doing fine now, she’s not blind. This has happened before. She has herpes in her eye, so this can happen.'

It was also added by the source that despite the singer, 43, complaining to doctors that she couldn't see, her 'eye is OK' and 'they've given her some drops and she’s good now. It was nothing major.'

Playful: Mel B opted for a cosy pink leopard print tracksuit as she prepared to take to the stage for the showstopping concert

Giddy: Mel C sported the band's signature Spice World hoodie as she blew a kiss to excited fans in the preview ahead of the band's first show of the tour

Look at that!  One delighted fan also tweeted an incredible look at the band's stage, as over 58,000 fans flocked to the Dublin stadium

'There will only be one POSH SPICE': David Beckham, 44, husband of former Spice Girls bandmate Victoria, showed his support for the fashion designer by posting a throwback of her in the Say You'll Be There video, where he memorably first spotted his soulmate

Meanwhile singer Emma put on a cheeky display before the band's string of performances as she playfully groped the city's Molly Malone statue for good luck, while Mel B, gave her sister Danielle Brown, 38, a tour of the stadium and Geri, 46, shared a sneak peek of her Union-Jack themed accessories she's set to wear during the show.

In Emma's hilarious image, the casually-clad radio presenter beamed with delight as she held onto the statue's cleavage, which she captioned: 'Good luck from Molly #dublin #firstnight #spicegirls.'

The Molly Malone statue for good luck in Grafton Street was first presented during the 1988 Dublin Millennium celebrations, and on 18 July 2014, the statue was relocated to Suffolk Street. 

Warmly known as ‘the tart with the cart’, the statue’s popularity is clear by the sheen on her ample bosom from where many hands have rubbed the brass away. 

Set to take to the stage! Emma (pictured left with the city's Molly Malone status for good luck), Mel B (pictured with sister Danielle Brown, 38, at the stadium), both 43, and Geri, 46, treated fans to a glimpse at their preparations on their social media accounts

Mel's younger sister Danielle, who recently mended her relationship with her sibling after a decade-long estrangement, highlighted her baby bump in a clingy jumpsuit as she posed alongside the superstar onstage during rehearsals.

Earlier that day, she was every inch the mischievous little sibling as she posted a clip of the musician's beauty preparations while naked in a bathtub. She captioned the clip: 'Little sister pay back, she's going to kill me for posting this.'

With a cunning smirk on her face, Danielle whispered 'shhh' before turning the camera to a shocked Mel, who while sporting a face mask, shouted: 'Heyy, get out!' 

 Scary Spice also told fans of her excitement as she shared an picture from her bed, alongside a countdown icon till the group's first performance.

Displaying her bed hair and fresh-faced complexion, the Leeds native screamed 'f***' as she eagerly anticipated her gig, and captioned the post: 'TODAY IS THE DAY SPICE GIRLS FIRST SHOW'.

Musician Geri shared a collage image of her glitzy accessories ahead of her show, featuring a gold and diamond-encrusted crown, a personalised pearl 'G' for Ginger Spice necklace, and a pair of red and gold bedazzled heels. 

Wow-factor! Musician Geri shared a collage image of her glitzy accessories ahead of her show, featuring a gold and diamond-encrusted crown, a personalised pearl 'G' for Ginger Spice necklace, and a pair of red and gold bedazzled heels

Eager: Earlier that day, Scary Spice told fans of her excitement as she shared an picture from her bed, alongside a countdown icon till the group's first performance 

In one of the pictures, the Spice Up Your Life songstress' famously red tresses were curled to perfection, which she shared alongside the caption: 'Tonight at Spice World! Kings! Queens! All races, religions, genders! Whoever you are, we celebrate!

'Show me how good YOU are!' Wear your crown, dress to express! See you soon! #houseofginger #welove #weserve #wecelebrate #spiceworld'.

The singer returned to her ginger locks just days earlier, revealing she was going for an image overhaul ahead of the grand tour.  

Proving she's putting in the work before her string of performances, Geri posted a behind-the-scenes shot of the stage she will perform on for the opening night of the tour, where they will make history as the first girlband to headline Croke Park.

The group's costume designer Gabriella Slade recently revealed that their individual looks will be "respectful of their legacy" of catsuits, crop tops and platform boots.

An inside look: Danielle also shared snaps of security and crew members setting up the venue, alongside the captions: 'swing it, shake it, move it, make it', from the group's 1996 Who Do You Think You Are? track

'Little sister pay back': Earlier that day, Mel's younger sister Danielle Brown, 38, was every inch the mischievous little sibling as she posted a clip of the musician's beauty preparations while naked in the bathtub

Slade told British Vogue: 'There's a definite honouring of the '90s, but with a contemporary twist. I really wanted to bring back a sense of what the Spice Girls were, what they stood for. It's respectful of their legacy ... that's what the fans want.

And the A-list designer wanted to keep each of the Spice Girls' looks reflective of their own personalities and stay true to each members DNA during their 13-date tour.

She added: 'No-one wanted the typical ''girl band'' look. The dancers' outfits will reflect the DNA of that Spice Girl, There are multiple looks for the dancers as well as the girls, that was an important part of their vision.' 

It is not known whether Victoria, who visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in London with her daughter Harper, seven, on Thursday night, will attend the group's first gig.

Eager: (Left to right) Paula Davis, Marie Byrne, Laura Davis, Adel Delaney and Amy Foley rocked matching 'Spice Up Your Life' T-shirts as they waited in line for the show

She declined to take part in the tour, with the band continuing as a foursome. It’s now been revealed that the band have done the 'right thing' and planned two special sections of the concert which will highlight absent Posh Spice’s role in the group.

A source revealed to The Sun: ‘Everyone was disappointed when Victoria said no. Initially there was frustration and some ill feeling.

‘She still isn’t planning to attend and has done very little to show public support. But the girls want to put any animosity to bed and make a gesture to say as much.’ 

The insider added: ‘They’ve come up with a tribute to her and she’ll be getting a significant mention on stage in the most glowing terms, visually and verbally. They’ve decided it’s the right thing.’

Spice Up Your Life! Proving she's putting in the work before her string of performances, 46-year-old musician Geri posted a behind-the-scenes shot of the stage on Thursday, where she will perform on for the opening night of the tour

It’s also been claimed that the group will keep lyrical references to Victoria in a selection of their biggest hits, including their first number one Wannabe. MailOnline contacted the Spice Girls' representatives for comment.   

Mum-of-four Victoria revealed late last year that she would not be joining the comeback tour, with the fashion designer said to have had other work commitments.'

Sharing the news on Twitter, she wrote: ‘Being in the Spice Girls was a hugely important part of my life and I wish my girls so much love and fun as they go back on tour, I know they will put on an amazing show and the fantastic fans past and present are going to have a wonderful time!’