Mike Nolan Bids Farewell to The Fizz After 43 Years leave co-stars in tears
Mike Nolan, famously known for his Eurovision win with Bucks Fizz, has decided to hang up his microphone, as he discussed his departure from the pop group The Fizz on ITV’s Lorraine. The 69-year-old music legend revealed the real reason behind his decision to leave while sitting beside his band members Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston.
The trio shared with host Christine Lampard that they are now on the lookout for a new member following Mike’s previously announced exit in May 2024. Christine Lampard delved into the reasons behind Mike’s decision to leave the group, which he has been a part of for 43 years. Mike candidly said, “I just feel like I’ve had enough.”
He explained the bittersweet nature of his final performance with the band but also expressed relief at the prospect of a more relaxed future: “The last show I will do with them will be quite sad for me. But I’ll be happy about it as well because I’ve had 43 years of it and I just want to take it easy now. Just relax, take it easy, not stick to schedules all the time.”
Admitting he had been contemplating retirement for some time, he confessed, “I’ve been thinking about it for like two, three years but then finally at the beginning of this year I thought there’s no point dragging it out, I’ll just tell them and they weren’t happy, were you?”
Turning to Cheryl, who humorously responded, “I was ecstatic.” But Mike corrected her, asserting, “You were not ecstatic, they were in actual tears,” reports the Mirror. Reflecting on his lengthy career with poignant humor, Mike added, “43 years I’ve been in Bucks Fizz! Like if I did murder, I’d do less time!”
Mike initially broke the news of his departure on Michael Ball’s BBC Radio 2 show. The group then took to their X account, releasing a statement: “We can confirm, following the Michael Ball show, that Mike will be leaving the group at the end of the year. Cheryl and Jay will be continuing as ‘The Fizz’ and a statement from Mike will follow in the coming days. Thank you for your understanding.”
Bucks Fizz, originally consisting of Cheryl, Mike, Jay, and Bobby G, soared to the top of the charts with their Eurovision-winning hit “Making Your Mind Up” in 1981, enjoying a string of successes thereafter. Internal conflicts led to several line-up changes over the years.
In 2004, Cheryl, Mike, and Shelley Preston (who replaced Jay in 1985) reunited as The Fizz after a legal battle with former band member Bobby G, who won the rights to the name Bucks Fizz, preventing the trio from using it or claiming to be “formerly of Bucks Fizz.” As Mike prepares to retire, his legacy with Bucks Fizz remains a significant chapter in pop music history. The group continues to evolve, looking ahead to new beginnings while honoring their storied past.