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USA Today
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Culture Club film delves into history filled with drama, Boy George, love and drugs
Culture Club film delves into history filled with drama, Boy George, love and drugs Show Caption Hide Caption Billy Joel 'Will Be Back' After Missing His Documentary Premiere Billy Joel had planned to attend the premiere of his documentary, 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' at the Tribeca Festival, but canceled due to medical concerns. unbranded - Entertainment NEW YORK – Considering how much Boy George talked about enjoying the attention that came with fronting one of the most tenured bands of the New Wave movement, it was a bit surprising that he wasn't in the room during the world premiere of "Boy George & Culture Club." The new documentary from Alison Ellwood, noted for her recent deep dives into the Laurel Canyon scene and the careers of Cyndi Lauper and The Go-Go's, spotlights the British quartet as they catapulted to stratospheric success in the early-'80s with a distinctive combination of pop, reggae and blue-eyed soul hits. Guitarist Roy Hay and Mikey Craig attended the screening held at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center on June 5. After the Tribeca Film Festival premiere, Hay was particularly emotional about the 96-minute film that traverses the band's two years of indisputable world domination with smashes "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" and "Karma Chameleon," their steep fall from glory, Boy George and drummer Jon Moss' tempestuous romantic relationship and George's heroin addiction. "It was quite a journey," Hay said from the venue's stage, his voice catching at times. "I wasn't prepared for (the film) to hit me so powerfully. Like Mikey, I have scar tissue from this band … it is a soap opera, but it was such a special thing and these guys are like brothers to me." Hay also expressed sadness that Moss, who won $2.3 million in a 2023 lawsuit against the band after alleging he was expelled from the group before a 2018 tour, wasn't present to watch the film with his old group mates. But even though the film candidly acknowledges the bitterness the Culture Club members not named Boy George felt at the singular attention he commanded, as the vibrant and cheeky lead singer, Hay, at least, is ready to bury the thorny parts of the relationship. "George is one of the most talented artists I have worked with," Hay said. "He is the most naturally talented man I ever met." More: From Billy Joel to Miley, Tribeca Film Festival goes all in on music movies Culture Club always cultivated humor and drama Ellwood excels at highlighting people, regardless of their level of fame, in an unvarnished state. But her true gift is allowing the natural humor of her subjects to flourish. As Moss recalls meeting George for the first time, the camera cuts to the man himself current day, preening into his smartphone camera and fluttering his indigo-shaded eyes. George reflects on how the foursome became Culture Club – named for their varied musical tastes and backgrounds – and downplays his entry into the group. "I stumbled into it because I fancied the drummer," he cackles from under one his now-trademark rounded top hats. That love affair with Moss was the foundation and the bulldozer to Culture Club, at times keeping George grounded and at others sparking the singer's legendary petulance. "I showed my mom a picture of George and she said, 'He's beautiful … don't tell your father,'" Moss says with a smile. Audio of a screaming match in the studio during the recording of the band's landmark 1983 album "Colour By Numbers" illuminates the frustration among the members. But even though no one in the band aside from George wanted "Karma Chameleon" on the album (Moss jokes about the song's perplexing lyrics), and the video shoot on a Mississippi riverboat spurred another round of agita ("Oh dear," Moss remembers thinking of his ruffled shirt at the time), none of the band members regrets the outcome. "I think we lost a lot of credibility with 'Karma Chameleon,'" Hay says. "But it's what we're remembered for." More: Billy Joel's documentary digs deep into past with poignancy – but he's 'not finished yet' Boy George endured intense homophobia in the '80s Ellwood also doesn't circumvent the reality of the era for a band with a frontman who wore more makeup than the cast of "Dallas" and was, to many people in the '80s, a freak not worth hearing, no matter his stunning voice. Vintage concert video shows George, clad in the multicolored frock and wide-brimmed hat he turned into a much-emulated fashion statement during Culture Club's U.S. conquest, sashaying around a stage crooning singing "Church of the Poison Mind" to an obviously full and large venue befitting the band's status in 1983. But Ellwood also unearthed video of a young George looking down and away on stage as Culture Club performs an early club show and homophobic slurs are flung at him from the crowd. He navigates the situation gracefully, but with obvious hurt. Interview clips from visits to David Letterman and Johnny Carson's late night shows are also cringe-inducing as the men force George to defend his flamboyant exterior, which he does with confidence and self-deprecation. He finally reminds Carson of Liberace and quips, "I'm hardly revolutionary." Culture Club members lament missing Band Aid, Live Aid But like any breakup, the skid from mega-stardom to ego-driven demise, is a painful one. Craig still laments – both on film and on the Tribeca stage – that he and Hay were not invited to participate in Band Aid, the Bob Geldof-speared charity event that corralled nearly every major British superstar of the time to sing on "Do They Know It's Christmas?" The explanation at the time was the Craig and Hay were partying in New York and couldn't get back to London. Craig's facial expression during the retelling indicates that was not quite true. Craig harbors even more regret that Culture Club did not participate in Live Aid, the massive two-continent concert staged by Geldof that included megastars David Bowie, Elton John, Led Zeppelin and Mick Jagger. George wouldn't commit to the performance, which the band later learned was because he was on a drug binge with fellow androgynous '80s singer Marilyn. A serious substance abuse problem, an arrest for heroin possession and ensuing rehab for George spurred a quiet disappearing act for Culture Club. But the band, which continues to tour without Moss, has made amends with their past and maintains their affection for each other. "It's been an amazing journey," Moss says in the film. "And George is an amazing person."
South Wales Guardian
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Belinda Carlisle announces release of new studio album
The album, Once Upon A Time In California, will feature 10 songs which aim to capture the 'sounds of her youth'. Carlisle, 66, is best known for her hit song Heaven Is A Place On Earth and for being the former frontwoman in the pop-rock group The Go-Go's. A post shared by Belinda Carlisle (@travels_with_mrs_mason) Speaking about the new album, the singer said: 'I was born and raised in California at a time when music was an important part of Californian culture. 'I lived and breathed music, it was my great escape – a refuge of fantasy and imagination. 'Every day after school and when it was summer vacation, I would listen and sing along to the music on the radio for the entire day. Always fantasising about being a singer myself, one day.' The album will be released ahead of her Heavenly Hits UK tour and includes her lead single, a rework of The Hollies hit track The Air That I Breathe. The singer added: 'This collection of songs is the best representation of what I loved back then that I could think of – listening to it brings back so many memories of a time and a California that doesn't really exist anymore. 'That's not meant to sound like a bad thing, it's just different – there was an innocence and energy back then that was unique and magical. Things I doubt will ever be felt in quite the same way again. Here's to the California of my dreams.' Prior to her solo career, Carlisle was part of the 70s rock band The Go-Go's, who were best known for their songs We Got The Beat and Our Lips Are Sealed. The band split in 1985 and a year later Carlisle released her debut solo album, Belinda, followed by her top 10 UK albums Heaven On Earth, Runaway Horses, and Real. The singer is due to set off on her UK tour in September with performances scheduled in London, Edinburgh and Manchester. Once Upon A Time In California is due to be released on August 29.
Wales Online
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Belinda Carlisle announces release of new studio album
Belinda Carlisle announces release of new studio album The album, Once Upon A Time In California, will feature 10 songs which aim to capture the "sounds of her youth" Belinda Carlisle performing on the 2024 tour ahead of Rick Astley (Image: Redferns ) American singer-songwriter Belinda Carlisle has announced the release of a new studio album that pays tribute to her Californian upbringing. The album, Once Upon A Time In California, will feature 10 songs which aim to capture the "sounds of her youth". Carlisle, 66, is best known for her hit song Heaven Is A Place On Earth and for being the former frontwoman in the pop-rock group The Go-Go's. Speaking about the new album, the singer said: "I was born and raised in California at a time when music was an important part of Californian culture. "I lived and breathed music, it was my great escape – a refuge of fantasy and imagination. "Every day after school and when it was summer vacation, I would listen and sing along to the music on the radio for the entire day. Always fantasising about being a singer myself, one day." Article continues below The album will be released ahead of her Heavenly Hits UK tour and includes her lead single, a rework of The Hollies hit track The Air That I Breathe. The singer added: "This collection of songs is the best representation of what I loved back then that I could think of – listening to it brings back so many memories of a time and a California that doesn't really exist anymore. "That's not meant to sound like a bad thing, it's just different – there was an innocence and energy back then that was unique and magical. Things I doubt will ever be felt in quite the same way again. Here's to the California of my dreams." Prior to her solo career, Carlisle was part of the 70s rock band The Go-Go's, who were best known for their songs We Got The Beat and Our Lips Are Sealed. The band split in 1985 and a year later Carlisle released her debut solo album, Belinda, followed by her top 10 UK albums Heaven On Earth, Runaway Horses, and Real. The singer is due to set off on her UK tour in September with performances scheduled in London, Edinburgh and Manchester. Article continues below Once Upon A Time In California is due to be released on August 29.
Leader Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Belinda Carlisle announces release of new studio album
The album, Once Upon A Time In California, will feature 10 songs which aim to capture the 'sounds of her youth'. Carlisle, 66, is best known for her hit song Heaven Is A Place On Earth and for being the former frontwoman in the pop-rock group The Go-Go's. A post shared by Belinda Carlisle (@travels_with_mrs_mason) Speaking about the new album, the singer said: 'I was born and raised in California at a time when music was an important part of Californian culture. 'I lived and breathed music, it was my great escape – a refuge of fantasy and imagination. 'Every day after school and when it was summer vacation, I would listen and sing along to the music on the radio for the entire day. Always fantasising about being a singer myself, one day.' The album will be released ahead of her Heavenly Hits UK tour and includes her lead single, a rework of The Hollies hit track The Air That I Breathe. The singer added: 'This collection of songs is the best representation of what I loved back then that I could think of – listening to it brings back so many memories of a time and a California that doesn't really exist anymore. 'That's not meant to sound like a bad thing, it's just different – there was an innocence and energy back then that was unique and magical. Things I doubt will ever be felt in quite the same way again. Here's to the California of my dreams.' Prior to her solo career, Carlisle was part of the 70s rock band The Go-Go's, who were best known for their songs We Got The Beat and Our Lips Are Sealed. The band split in 1985 and a year later Carlisle released her debut solo album, Belinda, followed by her top 10 UK albums Heaven On Earth, Runaway Horses, and Real. The singer is due to set off on her UK tour in September with performances scheduled in London, Edinburgh and Manchester. Once Upon A Time In California is due to be released on August 29.
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Belinda Carlisle announces release of new studio album
The album, Once Upon A Time In California, will feature 10 songs which aim to capture the 'sounds of her youth'. Carlisle, 66, is best known for her hit song Heaven Is A Place On Earth and for being the former frontwoman in the pop-rock group The Go-Go's. Speaking about the new album, the singer said: 'I was born and raised in California at a time when music was an important part of Californian culture. 'I lived and breathed music, it was my great escape – a refuge of fantasy and imagination. 'Every day after school and when it was summer vacation, I would listen and sing along to the music on the radio for the entire day. Always fantasising about being a singer myself, one day.' The album will be released ahead of her Heavenly Hits UK tour and includes her lead single, a rework of The Hollies hit track The Air That I Breathe. The singer added: 'This collection of songs is the best representation of what I loved back then that I could think of – listening to it brings back so many memories of a time and a California that doesn't really exist anymore. Belinda Carlisle (Lewis Whyld/PA) 'That's not meant to sound like a bad thing, it's just different – there was an innocence and energy back then that was unique and magical. Things I doubt will ever be felt in quite the same way again. Here's to the California of my dreams.' Prior to her solo career, Carlisle was part of the 70s rock band The Go-Go's, who were best known for their songs We Got The Beat and Our Lips Are Sealed. The band split in 1985 and a year later Carlisle released her debut solo album, Belinda, followed by her top 10 UK albums Heaven On Earth, Runaway Horses, and Real. The singer is due to set off on her UK tour in September with performances scheduled in London, Edinburgh and Manchester. Once Upon A Time In California is due to be released on August 29.
