Express FM is proud to celebrate Heather Small MBE, who was officially inducted into the Portsmouth Guildhall Wall of Fame during her recent appearance as special guest with Wet Wet Wet at Portsmouth Guildhall.
Small rose to global prominence in the 1990s as the powerhouse lead vocalist of M People, a group that sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and delivered 20 Top 40 singles. Her extraordinary voice and commanding stage presence helped secure multiple BRIT Awards and the Mercury Music Prize for the album Elegant Slumming.
Her solo career launched in 2000 with the album Proud. The title track went on to become a defining anthem, resonating with audiences across the world and featuring prominently at major moments such as the London 2012 Olympics and the England Lionesses Euro 2025 victory.
Heather Small received the BASCA Gold Badge Award in 2010, recognising her outstanding contribution to British music and her enduring influence across decades.
The Guildhall Trust marked her remarkable career with her formal induction into its prestigious Wall of Fame, where she now appears alongside a distinguished group that includes Midge Ure, Roger Daltrey, The Osmonds, Jools Holland, Graham Gouldman, Steve Hackett, Mark King, Mick Jones, Spike Edney, Gentle Giant, Joe Jackson, and many more leading artists.
CEO of The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays, said: “We are so pleased to honour Heather, a wonderful artist with a fantastic voice who has made a significant contribution to the British music scene over a number of decades.”
Heather Small MBE said: “I am truly honoured to be recognised with this heartfelt tribute and to be inducted into the Portsmouth Guildhall Wall of Fame. Music has been an integral part of my life’s journey, a way to connect and to uplift, and to now be celebrated alongside so many legendary artists is incredibly humbling. Thank you.”
The induction took place ahead of Heather’s opening performance for Wet Wet Wet on Friday 24 October. The collaboration came together after a chance meeting at Rewind Festival 2024 in Dubai. Speaking about joining Wet Wet Wet on tour, Heather said: “I was so excited to join Wet Wet Wet on their extensive tour in 2025. I am a fan of their music, so to be able to share the stage with them has been a real pleasure, it is one big party.”
Established in 2014 in partnership with Express FM’s three-time award winning Soft Rock Show, the Portsmouth Guildhall Wall of Fame is available for all visitors to view during concerts and events at the venue.
