Bronski Beat
This Anglo-Scottish band was formed in 1983 by Jimmy Somerville (b. James Somerville, 22 June 1961, Glasgow, Scotland; vocals), Steve Bronski (b. 7 February 1960, Glasgow, Scotland; keyboards) and Larry Steinbachek (b. 6 May 1960, London, England; keyboards). After establishing themselves in London's gay community, the trio was awarded a support slot for a Tina Turner show, and subsequently signed to London Records. Their memorable debut single, "Smalltown Boy" immediately drew attention to Somerville's arresting falsetto vocal, which became the hallmark of their sound. The single climbed to number 3 in the UK charts and also fared well in Europe and in the US dance charts. The follow-up, "Why?", another Top 10 single, emphasized their debt to producer Giorgio Moroder, whose Euro disco sound they so admired. The song was inspired by a paedophile friend of theirs, whose illegal sexual activities had forced him to flee the country. By the end of 1984, Somerville was already well-known as a tireless homosexual rights campaigner. The band's debut album, The Age Of Consent, emphasized their homosexual politics and met with a mixed reaction in the music press. The summer of 1984 saw them supporting Elton John at Wembley, London, and a major UK tour followed that winter. Meanwhile, a third single, a sprightly cover version of George Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So", scaled the charts.
Listen to Bronski Beat
at Finetune.
Albums
- (2006) The Age Of Consent
Top Tracks
- Smalltown Boy
- Why?
- I Feel Love [Medley With Marc Almond]
- I Feel Love
- It Ain't Necessarily So
Related Artists
Fans