That's the way it is - Mel and Kim

In February 1988, Supreme Records released what would become Mel & Kim's last single, 'That's the way it is'. Mel Appleby had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment in a specialized hospital. Pete Waterman later explained: 'Mel had to check herself out of the cancer hospital in order for her to lay vocals down for that track. The doctors said that it would be at least twelve months before Mel would be able to record material again, so we put the second album on hold and prayed that she'd get better soon. Tragically that never happened.'

'That's the way it is' was promoted with a music video that didn't feature Mel & Kim, just dancers. Still, the single was a success, peaking at number 10 in the UK and number 8 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 588

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, February 13, 1988

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'That's the way it is' / 'You changed my life'