Bronski Beat

Formed in 1983, this Anglo-Scottish group comprised Jimmy Somerville (vocals), Steve Bronski/Forrest (keyboards) and Larry Steinbachek (keyboards). After establishing themselves in London's gay community, the trio were awarded a support slot for a Tina Turner show, and were 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 debut 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 group's debut album, THE AGE OF CONSENT, emphasized their homosexual politics and met 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 of George Gershwin's It Ain't Necessarily So, scaled the charts. Early the following year, the Bronskis teamed up with Marc Almond for an extraordinary version of Donna Summer's I Feel Love interwoven with the refrains of Love To Love You Baby and Johnny Remember Me. The single climbed into the UK Top 3 during April 1985, but at the end of that same month, Somerville left the group, citing disillusionment as a major factor. He later resurfaced in the Communards, before relocating to San Francisco. Bronski Beat found a replacement in John Foster and initially enjoyed some success. The catchy Hit That Perfect Beat returned them to the Top 3 and two further albums followed. The impetus was gradually lost, however, and Foster was replaced in 1988 by Jonathan Hellyer.