Girls Aloud stop Dublin show on opening night for emotional tribute to Sarah Harding

*THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR GIRLS ALOUD THE SHOW TOUR*

Just as they promised, Girls Aloud have made sure their new tour is a fitting tribute to their land friend and bandmate Sarah Harding, with the opening night paused in honour of her, with a poignant video montage and the message 'the darkest nights produce the brightest stars.'

Sarah passed away at the age of just 39 in September 2021, after a brave battle with cancer and after a reunion with Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine and Nicola at a secluded farmhouse, away from the gaze of cameras. When they announced The Show tour, over two years on from Sarah's death and a year on from their own 20th anniversary, Girls Aloud vowed to make the concerts a tribute to Sarah and, a whole section of opening night in Dublin was dedicated to her.

After opening the concert with songs like Untouchable, Something New and Biology, the now quarter exited the stage at the 3Arena and the spotlight belonged to Sarah. A video shared on X (Twitter) on Friday night showed that, as clips of her in countless Girls Aloud videos like Whole Lotta History, Love Machine and The Show played out on screen, Sarah's vocals from Whole Lotta History filled the air, with applause just as loud.

READ MORE: Girls Aloud setlist in full after opening night of The Show tour in Dublin

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And then as the cheers continued, stars filled the screens as 'the darkest night produce the brightest stars.' That slogan is also available on limited edition t-shirts featuring Sarah, which are part of the new merchandise range, with the band announcing that Phase 2 of The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer appeal will be entirely funded through various behind the scenes initiatives in place during the tour.

Later on in the show, videos were posted showing Sarah's face on screen in the centre of the stage as her vocals led 2004 Children in Need number 1 I'll Stand By You, before Cheryl, Nicola, Nadine and Kimberley then joined in. And then, without not wanting to spoil things too much, Sarah also has a key role in the final moments of the last song.