Bronski Beat were a popular British synthpop trio who achieved success in the mid-1980s, particularly with the 1984 chart hit "Smalltown Boy". All members of the group were openly gay and their songs reflected this, often containing political commentary on gay-related issues. At the height of their popularity the band consisted of singer Jimmy Somerville backed by Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek, both of whom played keyboards and percussion. Somerville went on to have success as lead singer of The Communards and as a solo artist.
History
1983–85: Early years and The Age of Consent
Bronski Beat formed in 1983 when Somerville, Steinbachek, and Bronski shared a three-bedroom flat at Lancaster House in Brixton.
Bronski Beat signed a recording contract with London Records in 1984 after doing only nine live gigs. The band's debut single, "Smalltown Boy" (about a gay teenager deserting his family and fleeing his hometown) was a hit, peaking at No 3 in the UK Singles Chart, and topping charts in Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The single was accompanied by a promotional video directed by Bernard Rose, showing Somerville trying to befriend an attractive diver at a swimming pool, then being attacked by the diver's homophobic mates, being returned to his family by the police and having to leave home. (The police officer was played by Colin Bell, then the marketing manager of London Records). "Smalltown Boy" reached #48 in the U.S. chart and peaked at #7 in Australia. The single featured backing vocals from session singer Kevin Glancy.
Podcasts:
Bronski Beat
ALBUMS
- The Essentials released: 2002
- The Age of Consent released: 1996
- Rainbow Nation released: 1995
- Truthdare Doubledare released: 1986
- Hundreds & Thousands released: 1985
The Age of Consent
Released 1996- Why?
- Ain't Necessarily So
- Screaming
- No More War
- Love and Money
- Smalltown Boy
- Heatwave
- Junk
- Need a Man Blues
- I Feel Love
- I Feel Love (medley with Marc Almond)
- Run From Love (remix From 'Hundreds and Thousands')
- Hard Rain (remix From 'Hundreds and Thousands')
- Memories
- Puit D'Amour
- Heatwave (remix From 'Hundreds and Thousands')
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What Are You Doing About It
by: Bronski BeatTruthdare doubledare
Oh, oh, oh, what are you doing about it
Oh pick me up baby
'cos I'm falling for your love
Won't give it up
For nothing, never had enough
My pleasure's yours honey
Feeling loose inside
You won't be sorry lover
For looking at my eyes
Through the night I stalk and prey
Looking for a place to stay
Something yearning in my heart
I couldn't stay another day
There could be no other way
My love is screaming to your heart
I've stuck arround this place too long baby
Another minute I'll go crazy
Have to find someone in need, honey
Must get my way, I must succeed
Check out this place
I see you there
The hunters being hunted
My pleasure's yours honey
Feeling loose inside