Blush
After a total of seven years and four different line-ups, Message girl band Blush has
come to an end. Blush scooped an exclusive Gospel Music Award (GMA) for Best Group in December 2009, fighting off competition from such big names as the London Community Gospel Choir, Four Kornerz and Hillsong London.
In a series of ‘God-incidences’, each band member has seen exciting things happening in their personal lives which have resulted in the band deciding to call it a day.
Speaking about the decision, Andy Hawthorne commented, ‘In every way Blush is coming to a good end. Jess and Jim are expecting their first baby at the beginning of June; Holly is love-struck, getting married to Jam
es and moving to London to be a part of a church plant; Pippa is going to work for her church, Ivy Manchester; and Nic will be continuing the heartbeat of Blush through a new music venture.’
Band leader Jess Cook explains from the band’s perspective: ‘Since last year, we’ve heard God very clearly speaking to us about “only doing what only we can do”. That’s enabled us to focus our work on helping girls and young women see their true value in God’s eyes and for that reason, this year has been the band’s most effective and authentic ever.
‘We’re very strong as a four. But we’ve come to realise that God is now moving us all on individually.
The heart for young women and girls continues just as strong as ever through each of our ongoing journeys and we are planning new things to help the girls we’ve worked with over the years.’
‘Of course it’s a sad day for everyone at The Message,’ added Andy Hawthorne. ‘But it’s been an extremely fruitful seven-year journey for the girls.’
The band ended this chapter of their lives with a farewell gig on May 7 2010 at Wythenshawe Forum that was an awesome send-off.