Talk ’90s to me Stay Another Day – The story of East 17's accidental Christmas classic with Tony Mortimer
Dec 15, 2025
In this lively discussion, Tony Mortimer, a founding member of East 17 and the mastermind behind the iconic holiday hit 'Stay Another Day,' reveals how personal tragedy inspired the song. He shares the journey of crafting the track in just six weeks and the surprising marketing insight that led to its festive association. The conversation also explores the band's rise to fame, their image struggles, and the unexpected competition with Mariah Carey for the Christmas No. 1 spot. Plus, Tony reflects on his life after the band and the evolution of his songwriting.
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Rapid Album Writing and Reluctant Hit
- Tony Mortimer wrote most of East 17's second album in a six-week burst under pressure from management.
- He resisted releasing "Stay Another Day" at first because it was personal and not their usual style, but management pushed it as a Christmas single.
Ambiguity Made The Song Universal
- "Stay Another Day" was written about Mortimer's brother's suicide but was deliberately ambiguous so listeners could attach their own meanings.
- That ambiguity helped the song become both a love song and a funeral or Christmas anthem for different people.
A Line From A Morgue Table
- The specific dark line "I touch your face while you are sleeping" came from Mortimer seeing his brother on the morgue table.
- Mortimer never expected people to hear or ask about those literal lines when the song became huge.
