32 Years With Boy George & Culture Club

In the Fall of 1982, the world, and especially the United States, were abuzz about the a new band coming out of England. Culture Club was made up by bassist Mikey Craig, Roy Hay on guitar and keyboards, and drummer Jon Moss. But the person everyone was talking about was lead vocalist Boy George, who sported braids and heavy makeup, bringing the term "gender bender" to the mainstream. He came out of the club scene, where daring costumes and larger-than-life personalities made his stand out. He formed the band, and was a strong part of the New Romantic movement.

In 1982, Culture Club released their first album, 'Kissing to be Clever'. Aside from the talk of Boy George's appearance, people were also noticing that great music the band was making. The first single off the album was "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?", which made it to #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was an engaging love song that showed off the best of George's voice, allowing him to show strength, softness, and to deliver his truth on in. There is a hypnotic quality to the song, and 32 years later, when I hear the opening, I can't hep but smile. This is Culture Club with the music video for "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?"

With the great success of the first album, Culture Club quickly followed it up with the second, 'Colour By Numbers', in 1983. The first single off the album was one of my favorites, "Church of the Poison Mind", a soulful song that brings a bit of Gospel to the plate. The song did well, earning a #!0 on the Billboard Hot 100. But it was the second dingle that earned Culture Club their first #1 song on the Billboard charts. Also released in 1983, "Karma Chameleon" was upbeat and filled with charm, and the undeniable talent of Boy George. Set on the Mississippi River over a century prior, the three band members donned costumes of Riverboat gamblers, while Boy George was anachronistically featured as himself. This is the music video for Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon".

A few years later, the band was not getting along, and the sales were definitely slowing up, so Culture Club decided to call it a day. By George was not on the sidelines for very long, as he went on to a solo career. Most of his success was in the UK and Europe, for his solo material didn't seem to really gel with the American audience. But the one song that did was the 1992 release "The Crying Game", the theme song for the movie 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective', starring Jim Carrey. It went to #15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song had a real retro feel, which should not be surprising, considering it was written in 1964. It was also produced by the great Pet Shop Boys. This is Boy George with his hit cover of "The Crying Game".

The new millennium has been a mixed bag for George. It began with his great success with 'Taboo', a huge hit in London's West End. The American version didn't repeat this, as rewrites and other issues caused the production to close after just 100 performances. George also battled his demons, entering rehab on several occasions. He also had other legal issues stemming from drug addiction to false imprisonment of a rent boy. By 2010, Boy George had committed to living a sober life, and to put his time in prison behind him. "Amazing Grace" was his first post-prison single, a track off the album 'Ordinary Alien'. I loved the song, and this the music video is cool. This is Boy George with "Amazing Grace".

It has been a blast being a fan of Boy George over the past 32 years. It has been great to see the musical progression of this talented performer, from one decade to the next. To learn more about Boy George, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase 'At Worst: The Best of Boy George and Culture Club' from iTunes and Amazon. It includes three out of the four songs mentioned here (not "Amazing Grace"). You can also find his latest album, 'This is What I Do' on iTunes and Amazon.

Dark Monday • Taboo

Top: A scene from the Broadway show 'Taboo'. In the center, show creator Boy George. Below left: Raul Esparza as Phillip Sallon. Below right: Euan Morton as Boy George.

A little more than 10 years ago, a new musical was coming together that told the story of the young life of an 1980s superstar, as told by the talented man himself. 'Taboo' told the story of a group of club kids in the early 1980s, from the standpoint of someone who was there. George O'Dowd, know to many as Boy George, the creative genius behind Culture Club, put the show together, writing the music and lyrics, as well as supplying the basics of the story. Boy George rose to popularity on the crest of the New Romantic movement, and for delivering incredibly well-crafted songs. And after hearing the score to the show, I would have to say I think the man still has the talent to deliver the goods. An example of this would be a song sung by Euan Morton, with Liz McCartney, Raul Esparza & the Original Broadway Cast Ensemble. "Stranger In This World" is a beautiful number, sung by the actor playing Boy George. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Well, I couldn't very well talk about the show and not share a song by the genius himself. First up is the song "Everything Taboo", which opens the second act. Club promoter Leigh Bowery is the character who delivers the song, played by Boy George. The song talks about the club scene, and adds a bit of flavor to the proceedings. After that, Euan Morton sings a medley of two of Boy George's hits from Culture Club, "Church of the Poison Mind" and "Karma Chameleon". Morton does an exceptional job treading the line between reminding us of Boy George and stamping his own performance on the song.

Finally, I come to my favorite song from the show. It also just so happens to be performed by one of my favorite actors in the show, Raul Esparza. One of the reasons I love him so much, aside from the dashing good looks, is his ability to have a huge range of characters played, and he does the job without fail. His Phillip Sallon has such a great depth and breath, I feel as though I knew him myself. The song is "Petrified", sung following his character being gay bashed and robbed in London. There is a glorious center to the song, and Esparza never fails to give it life. This is "Petrified",as sung by the amazing Raul Esparza.

Raul also manages to make his voice has so many different sounds, as the tone in his Phillip Sallon sounds very different than his Bobby from 'Company', or from his Riff Raff from 'Rocky Horror Show'. But what it really comes down to is the music, and there are most certainly plenty of riches on that front. This is a song I often listen to before going to sleep at night. And it never gets old. You can purchase the Original Broadway Cast recording of 'Taboo' from both iTunes, where it is available as a digital download, and Amazon, where you can purchase a physical CD.

80s Friday Nite Party!

Clockwise: Album covers from The Nylons, Culture Club; B-52s; and Communards.

I've been a bit distracted this week, "dog-sitting" Wally for my sister. He is an adorable three-year-old Australian Terrier, and is an energetic guy. So he kept me busy. But back to the music, which is what this blog features, I decided to go with a party featuring some wonderful music released in the 1980s by some groups who had out and proud members long before it was hip or cool. I will start with the group The Nylons, who got together in the 1970s, making albums featuring their acappella realness, often making Do-Whop cool again. The Nylons were not officially a gay, but certainly had no problem accepting talented gay men into the fold. In 1982, The Nylons released a great album, 'One Size Fits All', on which they sing "Up The Ladder To The Roof", a song first made a hit in 1970 by a little group called The Supremes.

The following year, Boy George and Culture Club released one of my favorite songs from their early work. While most were going crazy for "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me", the song that made them famous in the United States, I was digging another song off the 'Kissing To Be Clever' album. Like the rest of the songs off the album, "I'll Tumble 4 Ya" was written by the band, and had a sweet easy feel. It is impossible to not dance to the song, even if it is in your chair at your desk. I hope you enjoy the official music video for "I'll Tumble 4 Ya" as much as I do!

I've been a fan of Jimmy Somerville far longer than I care to admit. I fell in love with the Bronski Beat, mesmerized by Jimmy's bold vocals, and the in-your-face song lyrics. I was crushed when Jimmy left the band, but followed him to The Communards, an exciting project with Richard Coles, and the occasional guest vocal from the brilliant Sarah Jane Morris. They had a great hit with a remake of "Don't Leave Me This Way", but I just was crazy about the amazing vocals Jimmy had on the 1986 single, "So Cold The Night". The song, written by Somerville and Coles, featured an exotic Middle-Eastern sound that flowed well into the Hi N-R-G groove that defined their singles. Jimmy's vocals gave new definition to the term 'soaring'. This is "So Cold The Night".

The final song of the night comes from Athens, Georgia, the home of The B-52s. The first time I heard the music of The B-52s, I was in a gay bar in Reading, Pennsylvania, and quickly learned the joys of the band, and dancing to "Rock Lobster". They made music that was smart, edgy, fun, and just wonderful. This made them insanely popular in the gay community at the time. Well, that, and of the original five members, Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Keith Strickland, and the late Ricky Wilson, only Cindy came out as straight. When news broke in 1985 that Ricky Wilson had passed away due to complications related to AIDS, we all knew how that felt. That did cause a bit of a shake up in the band, as they were all close. But it was not that long before they were making music again, and by the time 1989 rolled around, the B52s released a new album and the first single "(Shake That) Cosmic Thing". I love the raucous feel of the song, reminding us they were at their core a rock band. The song that made everyone crazy was the third single, "Love Shack". But I will always have a spot in my heart for "(Shake That) Cosmic Thing".

Have a great weekend!

The Supreme Fabulettes • A Drag Queen Is A Cowboy's Best Friend

Above you will see some screen grabs from the latest music video from Vanilla Lush (the blond), Vicki Vivacious (the brunette), and Maddison Lee (the redhead), better known collectively as The Supreme Fabulettes. Their single, "A Drag Queen Is A Cowboy's Best Friend", was written by Boy George, and he also directed the music video. As you can see, The ladies are joined in the music video by several handsome men, including the adorable Johnny Hazzard. The song is just a delight, at least for me. I hope you enjoy "A Drag Queen Is A Cowboy's Best Friend".

To learn more about The Supreme Fabulettes, you can visit them on their official website. You can 'like' them on Facebook or "follow" them on Twitter. You can purchase "A Drag Queen Is A Cowboy's Best Friend" on iTunes and Amazon.

Supreme Fabulettes • You Ruined My Christmas

When I first saw this video by The Supreme Fabulettes, I was in love. So I have to thank J.D. Doyle of Queer Music Heritage fame for posting it. I guess I also need to thank Boy George and John Themis, who wrote the delightful "You Ruined My Xmas" that is featured in the music video, directed by Boy George and Dean Stockings.

For the record, The Supreme Fabulettes are Miss Vanilla Lush, Miss Vicki Vivacious, and Miss Mary Mac. The British 'girl group' have been touring in the UK. I can't seem to find out if they have other recorded music, but if you enjoyed it, you can 'like' them on Facebook. You can visit them on their official website.

Boy George • Video Games

The amazingly talented Boy George has a new video out for "Video Games", an amazing cover of the song by singer/songwriter Lana Del Ray. George seems to defy the odds, has his voice seems to get better with the years, with a richer, fuller tone. The official video has an amazing retro feel, yet captures the mood of the tough times facing people around the world today. It features the gorgeous "couple" Angel Rose and Cesar Polini, in a story of new love.



As hard as it is to believe, we are about 2 months shy of the 30th anniversary of the release of "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?", the first time much of the world heard and saw of this amazingly gifted and talented Brit, who has spent the last three decades challenging the conventional roles of gender in society. And he has continued to make great music, like the 2010 release, "Amazing Grace". The song was written while Boy George was incarcerated. It is a beautiful song off the album Ordinary Alien.



Early in 2011, George released another single off the album, "Turn 2 Dust". This reggae-infused song gives voice to George's call to end hate, and for everyone to embrace love. Once again, the video uses images and actors who blur the line between the genders to varying degrees.



While "Video Games" is not available for purchase, you can buy Ordinary Alien from iTunes. For more about Boy George, check out his official website, or follow him on Twitter.

Friday Night Party Mix

From Top: Annie Lennox, Culture Club, Seal, Stephen Gately, George Michael, Boy George.

Perhaps it is time for another British Invasion, this time via the web, and by this blog in particular. Over the course of a couple of decades, there are a few Brits who managed to be among those who's music could get me outta my chair and shakin' the hips, even if I was home alone listening. Take, for instance, the most recent song from this particular grouping, Stephen Gately's Stay from 2001. I was a big fan of Gately's, and still listen to his music.



The 80s would certainly not be the same without the music and sheer force of personality of the great Boy George and Culture Club. The gender-bending tour-de-force took the world by storm, and there were certainly tons of great music to be heard in all the clubs I went to. Here is the 1984 single, Karma Chameleon.



The 80s, the 90s, and even some of the 2000s might not have been the same if it weren't for talented singer/songwriter George Michael. The man went from a chart-topping group of WHAM! to a solo turn that is still going strong. Here he is from a 1991 show singing I'm Your Man.



At the 1995 Grammy Award ceremony, Annie Lennox & Seal offered up a tribute to the great Marvin Gaye when they did an amazing duet on one of his greatest songs, What's Going On?



In 1992, Annie Lennox had an MTV Unplugged show, back in the day what the 'M' in MTV stood for music. There used to be some really great stuff on it, like here cover of the iconic song, River Deep, Mountain High.



Be it the 80s, the 90s or 2000s, fun music that makes you wanna dance is worth buying. so check them out, and shake you groove thing, kids!

Friday Night Party Mix - Dressin' Up

Clockwise from Top Left: The Village People, Dead Or Alive, Oingo Boingo and Culture Club.

Back in the day, you couldn't imagine having a hit song without a really good frock. Yes, I am speaking back in the 70s and 80s, when some of the costumes were a source of campy humor, or a statement to a world that might have just been ready to think about what the performers had to say. Take, for instance, The Village People. The Cop. The Cowboy. The Indian. The Biker. The Construction Worker. The Marine. Given this information, you might guess them to be rough and tumble me, ready for a brawl. But that wasn't the case, as it was a powerhouse disco group of the 70s and 80s, The Village People. This is their hit, YMCA.



Frontman Pete Burns put it all out there when he was performing with Dead Or Alive. He took the gender-bender craze to a different level when the stunning and provocative singer announced he was not a drag queen, but transgender and was starting to transition from man to woman. But that came after they had their big hit, You Spin Me Round.



Boy George certainly didn't shy away from the gender-bending issue, with a high-style make-up and long dreads. He certainly made a statement from the first time Culture Club was noticed and has never looked back. Here they are performing a dance hit, War.



Danny Elfman put together a band that was high on theater, but every bit as high on musical freedom. Oingo Boingo might have had a big hit with Weird Science, but the perfect Halloween song was Dead Man's Party. This was a bunch of str8 men who could rock a costume!



There you have it, four different bands whose costumes were at home on the stage, but could be equally inspiring at any Halloween parade. Hope you enjoyed!

Worth Another Listen - Boy George

Inspired by a recent post from David of Dave's Daily Dilemmas and how much he enjoyed a live concert, and knowing my friend David Dust was a fanatic about him/them, I sought out recent footage of Boy George performing. Boy George, of course, first shot to fame as part of the group Culture Club in the 80s. It was 1982 when the strains of Do You Really Want To Hurt Me flowed through the radio, and when the video hit, confused a generation beyond belief. Boy George was referred to as 'androgynous' and gender-bending by some, and a drag queen by others. Part of the 'New Romantic movement coming out of Great Britain, the band looked like several other groups out there. But George, with his hats and turbans, long braids, heavy makeup, and flowing frocks was like no one before him, and set a standard few have even tried to reach.



George and the band continued to put out music together until 1986, when declining sales and his surfacing drug problems prompted a need for a change. It was said his relationship with bandmate Jon Moss [photo below, to the left of George] did not end well, adding to the stress. An arrest for heroin possession and a fatality at a party in his house pretty much quieted the talented George in the US market, until 1993/s The Crying Game, theme song for a movie of the same name. While he continued to have hits elsewhere worldwide, it was not to be in the US.



Recently, there have been more run-ins with the law, including a trial and jail time for an incident with a rent-boy, or male prostitute that involved handcuffs, chains, and a prolonged stay. by the time of his release in May of 2009, George was said to be clan and sober, and tried to regain his career in music. He has recently started touring again, as well as performing as a guest on shows in the UK. One such show is the Jools Holland 17th Annual Hootenanny. Jool Holland was a founding member of the rock group Squeeze, and has been hosting a musical TV program in the UK since 1992. On New Year's Eve, Boy George appeared.

One song he performed was Pentonville Blues, written while in prison at Pentonville. It has an interesting ska feel, an odd choice, I think, for a pasty white, gender-busting, Irish gay guy, but as long as it works for him.



He also performed his Culture Club hits, Karma Chameleon and Church of the Poison Mind. At 48, George doesn't have quite the range he displayed 28 years ago, but is still in great voice. His voice nestles in a slightly deeper register, and there might be a bit of gravel where there once was pure silk, but it only seems to add depth to the songs.

Karma Chameleon


Church of the Poison Mind


From all reports, it sounds as though Boy George is in the best place he has been in during his career, both mentally and with his health. That is great news, and I certainly hope he keeps it moving in that direction. You can find out more about Boy George on his official website here. Here is a link to a new video released recently. It is called Amazing Grace.