F.L.M. - Mel and Kim

At the time of release of Mel & Kim's third single, during a promotional visit to Japan in June 1987, Mel Appleby became ill with a suspected spinal disc herniation, after complaining of a back problem for several months. Upon returning to the UK, Mel was diagnosed with secondary cancer of the spine, after previously being treated for liver cancer when she was 18, prior to the duo's rise to fame.

The sisters withdrew from publicity while Mel underwent treatment, and footage from their Montreux Festival performance was used to compile the music video for 'F.L.M.'. While the media speculated that Mel was terminally ill, both sisters categorically denied this, stating that Mel had suffered a debilitating back injury. 'F.L.M.', meanwhile, rose to number 7 in the UK singles chart, and peaked at number 10 in the Netherlands.

The single was released in two different sleeves: the European sleeve (pictured above) being different from the one released in the UK (pictured below).

My collection: 7" single no. 533 (1 & 2)

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987 & HMV, London, October 1987

Cost: 6 guilders & 2 pounds

Tracks: 'F.L.M.' / 'F.L.M. (Instrumental)'