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Pepsi & Shirlie - It's All in Black and White
London. Wham! Pop, glitz and glamour. And two girls with stars in their eyes.
Our friendship began one windy day in 1982, outside Finsbury Park tube station. It was an instant like at first sight. We were on our way to a Wham! rehearsal. Pepsi was the new girl in the band and over a car stereo, a cassette tape and that journey to Bushey we bonded. We had no idea that we were on the first of many journeys together and that soon we'd be travelling all over Europe, Australia, America, China and Japan. Or that no matter where we went, together, we'd find a way to make every exotic destination feel like home.
We'd both been teenagers during the seventies – a dreary and difficult decade, especially if you were young in London and you didn't have much money.
So, in 1982, anything was possible for us – a pair of twentysomethings who hadn't been to university, who didn't have any money, who dreamt of singing and dancing, but ultimately lived for fun. Everything felt new and life was a question mark. We had no idea what was lying ahead, but we wanted to say yes.
What we didn't know was that we were saying yes to a lifetime of connection that has endured whatever we've done, wherever we've been. From the side of the stage to its centre – we have many stories to tell.
And it's all here, it's all in black and white.
Our friendship began one windy day in 1982, outside Finsbury Park tube station. It was an instant like at first sight. We were on our way to a Wham! rehearsal. Pepsi was the new girl in the band and over a car stereo, a cassette tape and that journey to Bushey we bonded. We had no idea that we were on the first of many journeys together and that soon we'd be travelling all over Europe, Australia, America, China and Japan. Or that no matter where we went, together, we'd find a way to make every exotic destination feel like home.
We'd both been teenagers during the seventies – a dreary and difficult decade, especially if you were young in London and you didn't have much money.
So, in 1982, anything was possible for us – a pair of twentysomethings who hadn't been to university, who didn't have any money, who dreamt of singing and dancing, but ultimately lived for fun. Everything felt new and life was a question mark. We had no idea what was lying ahead, but we wanted to say yes.
What we didn't know was that we were saying yes to a lifetime of connection that has endured whatever we've done, wherever we've been. From the side of the stage to its centre – we have many stories to tell.
And it's all here, it's all in black and white.
330 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2022
25 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 16, 2021
Was ok . Much preferred Andrew Ridgley book . But a sweet kind memoir . They both seem like lovely people
February 1, 2023
This is a wonderful account of pepsi and shirlie and how they met Wham. Both of them share their family History, love, memories and above all friendship. The friendship they built up and the life they had is a truly great read! If you loved them in the 80s as I did then you will love their warm and true account of themselves and each other as they rise to fame with Wham!
November 19, 2021
A warm, honest and entertaining biography about a life long friendship.
Pepsi and Shirlie have been in the entertainment industry since the early 80’s.
First as backup dancers and singers for Wham! and then forming a formidable pop duo in 1987.
This great and informative bio covers the many aspects of their successful life and lasting bond.
Starting with their individual early lives, where they grew up and the ups and downs of childhood and schooling especially Shirlie’s early years and closeness with the boys before they formed Wham!
Moving on to their first meeting in 1982 in a time when society was in upheaval and music was escapism.
Meeting George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley and the connection to Wham! and joining the band as dancers and back up singers.
Touring the world and living a life of fun, carefree and pure entertaining.
The creation of pop duo “Pepsi & Shirlie” and for the first time recording and taking centre stage.
The book is more the personal level as a lot of the biography tells us much about their loves, love life’s, family and marriages.
Finally finishing off with a small return to the spotlight and the unfortunate passing of George Michael.
My only disappointment is there’s a lack of information about their first solo album “All Right Now”, the favourable outcome of that, the released singles and the album that followed.
I’m a big fan of this music and I personally would have enjoyed hearing more.
Overall it’s an interesting and engaging read and part loving tribute to a great singer and friend.
Pepsi and Shirlie have been in the entertainment industry since the early 80’s.
First as backup dancers and singers for Wham! and then forming a formidable pop duo in 1987.
This great and informative bio covers the many aspects of their successful life and lasting bond.
Starting with their individual early lives, where they grew up and the ups and downs of childhood and schooling especially Shirlie’s early years and closeness with the boys before they formed Wham!
Moving on to their first meeting in 1982 in a time when society was in upheaval and music was escapism.
Meeting George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley and the connection to Wham! and joining the band as dancers and back up singers.
Touring the world and living a life of fun, carefree and pure entertaining.
The creation of pop duo “Pepsi & Shirlie” and for the first time recording and taking centre stage.
The book is more the personal level as a lot of the biography tells us much about their loves, love life’s, family and marriages.
Finally finishing off with a small return to the spotlight and the unfortunate passing of George Michael.
My only disappointment is there’s a lack of information about their first solo album “All Right Now”, the favourable outcome of that, the released singles and the album that followed.
I’m a big fan of this music and I personally would have enjoyed hearing more.
Overall it’s an interesting and engaging read and part loving tribute to a great singer and friend.
October 10, 2021
Really brought back some fab memories of my youth reading this book. Have been a lifelong fan of both Wham! and Pepsi and Shirlie and still play their songs daily on my ipod, can't bear walking into work without hearing at least them or Wham! first! This was such a beautiful read from start to finish, please have tissues with you for the last few chapters, I cried a tsunami of tears reading them!
May 31, 2023
After really enjoying Andrew Ridgeley's autobiog last year, it was such a joy to read this joint-autobiog from the wonderful Pepsi and Shirlie.
They give their story by alternating each chapter, so we get each of their points of view as we see them grow up and eventually become a valuable part of the Wham phenomenon.
It was so lovely to read about their respective childhoods which contrast so perfectly - especially wtih Pepsi's family being Windrush citizens who came to help rebuild Britain in the 1950s.
The story of how they become part of Wham is absolutely fascinating - they relate their memories so beautifully, and are full of warmth, love and honesty.
We get to see what happened post-Wham and also post their own pop careers too, and their love for George and Andrew shines through.
I found the last couple of chapters - where they hear of George's sudden death on Christmas Day - very emotional, and once again beautifully articulated.
This book is a must not only for Wham and George Michael fans, but anyone who's interested in the story of a real friendship that endures through the years such as these ladies have enjoyed - not to mention anyone who loves pop music history.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and would highly recommmend - good on you Pepsi and Shirlie!
They give their story by alternating each chapter, so we get each of their points of view as we see them grow up and eventually become a valuable part of the Wham phenomenon.
It was so lovely to read about their respective childhoods which contrast so perfectly - especially wtih Pepsi's family being Windrush citizens who came to help rebuild Britain in the 1950s.
The story of how they become part of Wham is absolutely fascinating - they relate their memories so beautifully, and are full of warmth, love and honesty.
We get to see what happened post-Wham and also post their own pop careers too, and their love for George and Andrew shines through.
I found the last couple of chapters - where they hear of George's sudden death on Christmas Day - very emotional, and once again beautifully articulated.
This book is a must not only for Wham and George Michael fans, but anyone who's interested in the story of a real friendship that endures through the years such as these ladies have enjoyed - not to mention anyone who loves pop music history.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and would highly recommmend - good on you Pepsi and Shirlie!
October 4, 2021
Lovely to read the story of two very special friends.
August 19, 2022
Excelente leitura. Em como um dos maiores fenómenos da música dos anos 80 - os Wham!- tiveram por base uma amizade entre quatro pessoas tão diferentes. O livro é narrado na perspetiva da Pepsi e da Shirlie,mostrando a sua vida antes e pós Wham. Grata pelas memórias.
July 12, 2023
A bit repetitive at times as the same events are described by both ladies but written in true friendship about amazing times and memories.
March 4, 2022
A friendship that began outside Finsbury Park Underground Station one windy day in 1982, Shirlie Holliman was picking up a lady by the name of Pepsi Demacque. Thus began a friendship that is still going strong. As she was to be known, Shirl was taking Peps, as she was to be known, to meet two young lads by the name of George 'Yog' Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. This would later form the group everybody knows as Wham!
Pepsi and Shirlie take the reader through their lives, both growing up in London in the seventies, arguably one of the toughest periods to be growing up in. They take us through the Wham years, their stint as an early girl group, what they both did after Wham, their families (Pepsi married James Crockett from Norwich, my home city, Shirlie married Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet, also known for playing Reggie Kray alongside his brother Gary who played Ronnie). The final main chapters are dedicated to George Michael, their rules for friendship, Pepsi on Shirlie and Shirlie on Pepsi.
Most autobiographies, indeed all autobiographies are honest. It's all in black and white for some reason, that reason I don't know, seems much more honest. Is it because I lived through the Wham and George Michael eras? Is it because I grew up in the eighties, so I am familiar with that decade? I enjoyed reading the book, it made me smile, laugh and feel sad. I rarely feel all three emotions whilst reading one book. Pepsi and Shirlie did that.
Pepsi and Shirlie take the reader through their lives, both growing up in London in the seventies, arguably one of the toughest periods to be growing up in. They take us through the Wham years, their stint as an early girl group, what they both did after Wham, their families (Pepsi married James Crockett from Norwich, my home city, Shirlie married Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet, also known for playing Reggie Kray alongside his brother Gary who played Ronnie). The final main chapters are dedicated to George Michael, their rules for friendship, Pepsi on Shirlie and Shirlie on Pepsi.
Most autobiographies, indeed all autobiographies are honest. It's all in black and white for some reason, that reason I don't know, seems much more honest. Is it because I lived through the Wham and George Michael eras? Is it because I grew up in the eighties, so I am familiar with that decade? I enjoyed reading the book, it made me smile, laugh and feel sad. I rarely feel all three emotions whilst reading one book. Pepsi and Shirlie did that.
December 28, 2021
Fantastic! (Pun not intended).
I picked this book after reading Shirlie & Martin's joint autobiography. I wasn't sure what to expect. What I did expect was a re-run of Shirlie's account from both her and Martin's book. I couldn't have been more wrong. Both hers and Pepsi's accounts of their respective lives bounced off each other. The finishing chapters of what makes a lifelong friend just that hit me so hard. Thank you for sharing your stories. Absolutely amazing. And inspiring...
I picked this book after reading Shirlie & Martin's joint autobiography. I wasn't sure what to expect. What I did expect was a re-run of Shirlie's account from both her and Martin's book. I couldn't have been more wrong. Both hers and Pepsi's accounts of their respective lives bounced off each other. The finishing chapters of what makes a lifelong friend just that hit me so hard. Thank you for sharing your stories. Absolutely amazing. And inspiring...
October 31, 2021
I liked this book, as a Wham! Fan it was great to go behind the scenes and then see what happened to them both once the final curtain came down. As a huge George Michael can it was hard to read about his death but a lovely tribute to him from two people who loved and knew him so well. Otherwise funny and touching and true, lasting friendship.
February 3, 2022
Told through alternating chapters by the two authors, this book is a recount of their time together as friends - with a chapter or two on both of their childhoods. Pepsi and Shirlie were in the pop group Wham! in the 80s, and they travelled the world together along with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael.
It's All In Black And White is sweet, and is basically a book on the friendship which the two authors have, and whilst this was interesting at times, it did get too sweet towards the end and definitely a little boring. There was also a lot of repetition; I know that Pepsi and Shirlie have experienced a lot of the same things, but they should have divided the events between them because they shared a lot of the same opinions and feelings, and it felt as though I was just re-reading what one of them had already written when reading it from the other's point of view.
I definitely preferred Andrew Ridgeley's recount of his time in Wham!
It's All In Black And White was really up-to-date, which is something that I did like about it. There were references within the book to 2021 and the coronavirus pandemic - I don't like reading (auto)biographies that are ten or fifteen years out of date as I think that is a huge portion of someone's life.
And, it must be said, that this book was emotional - particularly when George Michael dies (Christmas Day, 2016). The way that Pepsi and Shirlie recount their feelings of the time is similar to my own experiences with grief, and it was difficult to read - but enjoyable nevertheless.
It's All In Black And White is sweet, and is basically a book on the friendship which the two authors have, and whilst this was interesting at times, it did get too sweet towards the end and definitely a little boring. There was also a lot of repetition; I know that Pepsi and Shirlie have experienced a lot of the same things, but they should have divided the events between them because they shared a lot of the same opinions and feelings, and it felt as though I was just re-reading what one of them had already written when reading it from the other's point of view.
I definitely preferred Andrew Ridgeley's recount of his time in Wham!
It's All In Black And White was really up-to-date, which is something that I did like about it. There were references within the book to 2021 and the coronavirus pandemic - I don't like reading (auto)biographies that are ten or fifteen years out of date as I think that is a huge portion of someone's life.
And, it must be said, that this book was emotional - particularly when George Michael dies (Christmas Day, 2016). The way that Pepsi and Shirlie recount their feelings of the time is similar to my own experiences with grief, and it was difficult to read - but enjoyable nevertheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
Wham!’s backup singers/dancers, Pepsi and Shirlie, were honestly my favorite part what had to be the poppiest UK group of the nineteen-eighties. Shirlie had been part of the band’s stage lineup from the get-go. Once joined by Pepsi, the pair had a charisma that approached that of driving force George Michael—and surpassed that of Andrew Ridgeley, who often faded into the background more than the girls ever did.
I don’t believe for a minute that either Pepsi or Shirlie had a hand in the actual writing of this dual memoir, filled as it is with generic “dreams are worth chasing—look at what happened to us!” fluff. The volume could also have used a more rigorous editor (yes, Shirlie, we know you once wore a tea kettle as a handbag…it’s mentioned no less than three times), and there’s nary a reference to Change, their second album as a duo after Wham!’s end. But as a lightweight, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the earliest days of Wham!’s formation and the highs and lows of the band’s worldwide success, It’s All in Black and White is worth a read for a fan of the pair.
I don’t believe for a minute that either Pepsi or Shirlie had a hand in the actual writing of this dual memoir, filled as it is with generic “dreams are worth chasing—look at what happened to us!” fluff. The volume could also have used a more rigorous editor (yes, Shirlie, we know you once wore a tea kettle as a handbag…it’s mentioned no less than three times), and there’s nary a reference to Change, their second album as a duo after Wham!’s end. But as a lightweight, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the earliest days of Wham!’s formation and the highs and lows of the band’s worldwide success, It’s All in Black and White is worth a read for a fan of the pair.
May 23, 2022
I saw Pepsi on the Jane McDonald holiday programme with her business in St Lucia and she mentioned this book and I bought it as a result. This book is rather wholesome extolling friendship, love, tolerance and lives ups and downs. You end up really liking these two ladies, who came from ordinary backgrounds to enter the pop world as part of wham! They are the friends you would love to have! Who does not like someone who would rather have a cup of tea, a plate of biscuits and pjs on rather than partying the night away!
The tribute to their friend George is touching and moving.
Thank you for letting me relive the 80s how times have changed!
The tribute to their friend George is touching and moving.
Thank you for letting me relive the 80s how times have changed!
February 5, 2023
It's great to read an autobiography about celebrities that is not the sex, drugs and rock'n'roll that is usually associated with. More than the stardom, what really shines in this book is the friendship. The one between Pepsi & Shirlie but also the one they had with the boys in Wham!. If you're after gossips about them or settling scores with other stars, you won't find it here. I like that we had the two POV and it never felt repetitive because except for a few pages or two, each women talked about a different event or memory.
July 17, 2022
Loved, loved, loved this which I listened to on Audible.
Both ladies seem very down to earth and “normal”, despite being part of one of the biggest groups of the eighties. Lots of stories of their Wham days and their friendships with George and Andrew and with each other. Each chapter was read by one of the ladies.
I really enjoyed it and it brought back lots of memories of the eighties, which, in my opinion is the best decade of music.
Both ladies seem very down to earth and “normal”, despite being part of one of the biggest groups of the eighties. Lots of stories of their Wham days and their friendships with George and Andrew and with each other. Each chapter was read by one of the ladies.
I really enjoyed it and it brought back lots of memories of the eighties, which, in my opinion is the best decade of music.
July 26, 2023
I am a major fan of Wham and George Michael so when there was a documentary on TV the other week celebrating, what would of been his 60yh Birthday it evoked many memories from my teenage years and onwards. I somewhat enjoyed this book which I listened to on audible. Some interesting things I didn't know about (even though I thought I was the number one fan).. enjoyed Shirlie's chapter more so then Pepsi. Nothing against her, I just felt I connected better to Shirlie.
January 22, 2025
I remember the early days of Wham, being a pre-teen, buying Bad Boys on 7" single and just enjoying the success and the music they did. This book will take you right back to those times. There were also some interesting back stories, which I didn't know too, which made me keep turning the pages even more. A nice light and easy read from the beginning of Wham, to Pepsi & Shirlie the duo and all the way up to George Michael's untimely death.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
December 31, 2022
Growing up in the 80’s during the hey day of Wham! and being a massive fan, I found this book extremely interesting. Pepsi and Shirlie explained how they both became part of one of the most successful bands of the 80’s and their tributes to George were really heartfelt. Pepsi and Shirlie are now life-long friends and their true friendship and respect for each other shines through.
January 15, 2025
This should not have been as great a read as it was. Hearing Pepsi and Shirlie tell their stories side by side, about their lives pre-fame, the Wham! days, the Pepsi and Shirlie days, and their lives post-music, was utterly lovely. They both understand themselves so well, and their willingness to share so much of their intimate lives matters. And: they seem like the loveliest people!
May 2, 2022
Having read several Wham!/George Michael/Shirlie and Martin stories I wasn't sure if I would read anything new in this book. But I was wrong. This is a lovely memoir about friendship, and staying friends though thick and thin. Fun photos and a good read.
March 27, 2023
I absolutely loved listening to this book about Pepsi and Shirlie from Wham. Being a Wham fan myself, this was a must read. It is well narrated by the ladies themselves. Quite emotional at one part I have to admit. I definitely recommend this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2022
Not a bad book. They seem to be 2 really grounded women with a deep affection for each other. The only problem is much of what Shirlie wrote here was already covered in her book with Martin.
September 2, 2022
Heart-warming affirmation of friendship.
September 18, 2022
Fabulous- couldn’t put it down! Great insight into 2 lives lived in the 1980’s
October 31, 2022
Giving up on this because it's become quite repetitive. I loved Andrew Ridgeley's book and thought this would be as good but it hasn't worked for me.
April 7, 2023
Loved this book. I was a huge Wham fan growing up.
June 23, 2023
Listened to this book on audible (but will consider buying the physical book).
The story of Pepsi and Shirlie, their lives, how they met etc.
A great book for 80s people who were either fans of Wham! Spandau Ballet or Pepsie and Shirlie.
It was OK, but having listened to this Andrew Ridgleys book and Shirlie and Martin Kemp's book it is obvious they all sat together to discuss what they were going to talk about and to make sure they were all accurate.
After the first chapter of Pepsi narrating I was fed up with her, the way she tells her story, the way she broke up sentences, her constant talk of racism (she's not the only one who has gone through it), I really didn't think I'd finish it! But I did and I don't want to deter anyone else reading this insightful book.
The story of Pepsi and Shirlie, their lives, how they met etc.
A great book for 80s people who were either fans of Wham! Spandau Ballet or Pepsie and Shirlie.
It was OK, but having listened to this Andrew Ridgleys book and Shirlie and Martin Kemp's book it is obvious they all sat together to discuss what they were going to talk about and to make sure they were all accurate.
After the first chapter of Pepsi narrating I was fed up with her, the way she tells her story, the way she broke up sentences, her constant talk of racism (she's not the only one who has gone through it), I really didn't think I'd finish it! But I did and I don't want to deter anyone else reading this insightful book.
May 23, 2025
This was bloody lovely. I laughed, I cried, and I could see everything really clearly, great storytelling ❤️
March 18, 2025
I am an 80's child and grew up on the music of Wham and then Pepsi and Shirlie. I remember having their records and dancing around my bedroom to them.
This was a really nice story about how the two found each other, their early life and careers, right up to the present day. There friendship is a true one and has transcended each phase of their lives. An enjoyable read for anyone who was a fan back in the day or even anyone who loves the 80's lots of other famous people and bands make appearances.
This was a really nice story about how the two found each other, their early life and careers, right up to the present day. There friendship is a true one and has transcended each phase of their lives. An enjoyable read for anyone who was a fan back in the day or even anyone who loves the 80's lots of other famous people and bands make appearances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews