Stedman Pearson Islington, North London Obituary – Stedman Pearson Death – Stedman Pearson, Member of Pop Group Five Star Passed Away
Under his management, Five Star became known for their synchronized dance routines, glamorous coordinated outfits, and polished performances, often drawing comparisons to The Jackson Five.
Stedman’s involvement in designing the band’s stage costumes helped set them apart in the pop world. Their matching, shimmering outfits became an iconic element of their image, complementing their energetic dance moves and catchy pop-R&B sound.
Rise to Stardom
The mid-1980s saw Five Star skyrocket to fame. Their second album, Silk & Steel (1986), became a massive success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and selling over 1.2 million copies in the UK alone. The group enjoyed a string of 15 UK Top 40 hit singles and four Top 20 albums, three of which achieved Platinum certification.
At the height of their career, Five Star won Best Group at the 1987 Brit Awards, solidifying their place in British pop music history. They became household names, gracing television screens and concert stages across the UK and beyond. However, by the late 1980s, their commercial success began to wane.
Challenges and Decline
Despite their initial triumphs, Five Star faced financial difficulties toward the end of the decade. In 1989, reports of bankruptcy surfaced, and the family was forced to leave their lavish Berkshire mansion, which they had purchased just two years prior. They relocated to Hatfield and later moved to the United States, hoping to revive their career.
Unfortunately, their popularity did not carry over into the 1990s, and Five Star struggled to reclaim their former success. By 2001, the group had downsized to a trio, with Stedman, Denise, and Lorraine remaining as the only active members. They continued performing under the Five Star name, even joining the Here and Now Tour in 2002, which featured other nostalgic acts from the 1980s.
Up until 2008, Stedman continued to perform with Denise and a group of backing dancers at Butlins Holiday Camps in the UK, keeping the Five Star name alive for longtime fans.
Solo Ventures and Later Career
Though he was not a primary songwriter for the group, Stedman contributed to a few songs, including “Pure Energy” (1986) and “Stone Court” (1987), an instrumental piece named after the family’s former estate. He also co-wrote “Feelings” with sister Doris for their 1990 self-titled album.
After Five Star’s decline, Stedman explored other interests. He ran a limousine hire service, taught dance at a London school, and made several reality television appearances.
In 2006, he competed on The All Star Talent Show, finishing in third place. He also participated in Celebrity Scissorhands in 2008, a reality show where celebrities trained as hairdressers to raise funds for Children In Need.
In 2007, he announced plans to release a solo album, though it has never been publicly released. By 2009, he was actively involved in the dance community, teaching jazz dance classes at Derngate Gym in Northampton.
Controversies and Personal Struggles
Despite his success, Stedman faced personal and legal challenges. In October 1990, he pleaded guilty to a charge of public indecency after being arrested in a public toilet in New Malden, London. The incident was widely reported in the media, marking a difficult period in his life.
Years later, in July 2007, police were called to his home after he claimed to have received death threats from his father and former manager, Buster Pearson. The details surrounding the incident remain unclear, but it suggested ongoing tensions within the family.
Legacy and Impact
Despite the ups and downs, Stedman Pearson’s legacy in the music industry is undeniable. As a member of Five Star, he was part of a groundbreaking pop group that left a lasting impression on 1980s British music. Their polished performances, distinctive style, and infectious hits remain a nostalgic touchstone for many fans.
Though his later years were marked by personal struggles, Stedman continued to inspire through his passion for dance and performance. His contributions to music and fashion within Five Star helped shape an era of pop that remains beloved by many today.
