News  ::

+ 0 - 0 | § ¶Bucks Fizz Back Together Again?

Since their heydey in the early ‘80s, Bucks Fizz has performed in a variety of mystifying incarnations. Jay Aston was the first of the classic line-up to leave (in 1985), to be replaced by Shelley Preston. Various other members came and went in the succeeding years and, for a while, David Van Day (formerly of Dollar) joined. later David left, teamed up with ex-Bucks Fizz singer, Mike Nolan - and suddenly there were two Bucks Fizzes!

The current line up of ‘The Original Bucks Fizz’ http://www.myspace.com/originalbucksfizz is Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Shelly Preston. According to another Bucks Fizz site on MySpace ‘Buck5Fizz recently starred in the Comic Relief video with Peter Kay & Matt Lucas..."It's the first time Cheryl & Jay had been in the same room for 20 years. We are all hoping to put all our differences aside and tour later this year as a five piece. We are all very excited at the prospect" ‘....

Interesting to see if that really happens. In the meantime, your next chance to see the ‘Original BF’ is on the Gay Pride Main stage on 24th May in Birmingham. The group will share a bill with Sonia, Brotherhood of Man and Scooch. Sounds good to me. And here, to get you in the mood, is the ever-popular Making Your Mind Up...

+ 0 - 1 | § ¶Quentin Crisp - The Return!

That fine actor, John Hurt, will be returning to our TV screens soon playing a role he ‘created’ way back in 1975. That was when he played the part of the extrovert British gay man, Quentin Crisp in the dramatisation of Crisp’s autobiography, ‘The Naked Civil Servant’. in that piece, the young Hurt (naturally) mainly played the young Crisp. In the new drama, named ‘An Englishman in New York’, Hurt will play the older Crisp during his years in America in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

More from the Beeb HERE

Meanwhile, here’s a clip of Hurt in the Naked Civil Servant...



And this is Gina X with her song, ‘No GDM’ (No Great Dark man) - dedicated to Quentin Crisp...

+ 2 - 0 | § ¶Blondie Tour

Blondie will tour this summer to mark the 30th anniversary of their album Parallel Lines. The tour kicks off in the USA this June. In July, Blondie will perform in Glasgow, Liverpool (they will do two shows with the Stranglers) and the Guilfest festival. More shows will be announced later...

+ 1 - 2 | § ¶Nicolas Cage is No Chihuahua Thief!

Breaking news: fans of the actor Nicolas Cage and lovers of small wrinkly dogs with big staring eyes will be overjoyed to hear that Cage is not guilty of stealing a Chihuahua....

According to the BBC...

US actor Nicolas Cage has accepted a public apology from Kathleen Turner over claims made in her autobiography....

Cage took action against Turner after she alleged he was arrested twice for drunk-driving while they were making the 1986 film Peggy Sue Got Married.

You see, there is an 80s link to this story.

Turner also alleged he was arrested for stealing a Chihuahua.

... Cage's UK solicitor Simon Smith said the Oscar-winning actor was "extremely pleased" with the outcome of the case "since he has never been arrested for drink driving, dog theft or anything else".

Read It All

+ 3 - 0 | § ¶The Edge Of the Eighties

There are so many 80s music collections being released these days that I must admit to being more than slightly bored by most of them. The trouble is, so many of them are either padded out with singles that are so obscure that I can’t even remember them or they have the same repetitive handful of hits from the likes of Culture Club, Duran and Dead Or Alive. If I get one more CD with ‘You Spin Me Round’, I swear I’ll tear up my leotard!

I’m glad to say that the newly released Edge Of the Eighties (3 CD) set is a good deal better than the average. It begins magisterially with two of the truly great songs of the early ‘80s, Ultravox’s Vienna and Visage’s Fade To Grey… But then it branches out into some less obvious highways and byways of 80s music. There’s Soft Cell singing the wonderful ‘Torch’ rather than the more frequently anthologized ‘Tainted Love’. There’s David Bowie singing the far from obvious ‘Up The Hill Backwards’ - and there is, inevitably, Dead Or Alive but (for a nice change) singing one of their other hits - ‘That’s The Way (I Like It)’.

There is a pretty good mix of 80s music here, as a matter of fact - ranging from the super well-known performers such as Adam and the Ants and Siouxsie and the Banshees to the unjustifiably forgotten (by all but their fans, that is!) bands such as Telex and Swansway.

Get over to Amazon for a look at the full track listing.

Meanwhile, as a tantalizing taster, here is a live recording of a great track from the album, Our Daughter’s Wedding (ODW) singing Lawn Chairs... I remember seeing ODW once. In the Hammersmith Palais, I believe. If my memory serves me well, they were then support act to Classix Nouveaux. What a great line-up!

+ 0 - 3 | § ¶Telex - Moskow Diskow

Somehow Telex passed me by in the ‘80s, which is odd as I am a huge Kraftwerk fan and Telex’s music bears more than a passing resemblance to Kraftwerk. Telex are a Belgian group and they are still going strong. Their web site is at: http://www.telex-music.com/

The ‘80s Telex track, ‘Moskow Diskow’ is one of the songs on a new triple CD set called ‘The Edge Of the Eighties’, which I’ll write about in more detail shortly. In the meantime, here is that Telex track...

+ 2 - 2 | § ¶Electric Dreams - Clubbing 80s-style

Here on the ‘80s Empire the 1980s is the decade that never ends. I’m glad to see that we are not alone. Electric Dreams is a London Nightclub dedicated to living the ‘80s nightlife to the full. It describes itself as

“A London nightclub for eighties new wave and synthpop. Bringing over 11 years of eighties new wave, goth, industrial and electronica to London...”

- which sounds pretty good to me. Apart from the fact that i no longer live in London so probably won’t have the chance to go there

For those of you who do have the chance, the next Electric Dreams nights are:

- Friday 14th March 2008
- Friday 11th April 2008
- Friday 9th May 2008
- and every second Friday in the month thereafter...

http://www.electricdreamsclub.com/

And here is the song that gave the club its name...

+ 3 - 1 | § ¶Madame Sin Goes Free!

On this day in 1987, Cynthia Payne was acquitted of nine charges of controlling prostitutes at her home in south west London. Thanks to the BBC for reminding me of that.

The courtroom burst into applause after decision of the jury - of eight men and four women - was announced after just over five hours of deliberation.

Mrs Payne, 53, said: "This is a victory for common sense. But I have to admit all this has put me off having parties for a bit."

Mrs Payne first hit the headlines in 1978 when police raided her home to find a sex party in full swing, attended by middle-aged and elderly men exchanging luncheon vouchers for sexual entertainment.

+ 3 - 1 | § ¶New, Free 80s Magazine!

Back in the 80s, when I was writing for pop magazines, the idea of a magazine that you could read on a computer would have seemed like pure science fiction. Magazines back then were designed, quite literally by ‘cutting and pasting’ (the text would be printed on paper that was then cut up and pasted alongside any pictures on a big bit of board that was sent off to the printers who did some secret magic with big noisy machines and coloured inks to turn the whole lot into glossy paper pages - ah, how quaint and old-fashioned it all sounds now...)

Anyway, by the miracles of modern science, the latest 80s mag, Retrorama, is completely paper free. It is published as a PDF which can be delivered to your inbox by subscribing at: www.retromag.blogspot.com

The first issue, due out this month, promises...

The new Knight Rider - Has someone finally out-cheesed the Hoff? Game Over - Why we loved Space Invaders so much. Grange Hill - The gates have finally closed forever, but how will we remember this iconic show? Plus Back to the Future, Space Hoppers, Wispa bars, Moonwalking and much much more.

Meanwhile, à propos of nothing (other than the fact that I like it!) here is a fab video of one of the best disco hits of the 1980s, Evelyn Thomas’s wonderful High Energy. Dig those groovy high notes!

+ 1 - 2 | § ¶Ashes To Ashes Preview

Every Thursday on BBC starting at 9 o’clock on BBC 1. The series moves out of the ‘70s and slap bang into 1981. Lots of men with perms, lots of Adam Ant and New Romantic Music. Even a visit to the Blitz Club.... ah, I’m feeling nostalgic already.

Anyhow, to whet your appetite the Beeb has a put a short ‘behind the scenes’ documentary online. Grab a look HERE.

+ 0 - 4 | § ¶Jeremy Beadle Dies

One of the UK’s best known TV hosts during the 1980s, Jeremy Beadle, died today after contracting pneumonia following a period of ill health. Beadle was famous for presenting shows such as Game For A Laugh, You’ve Been Framed and Beadle’s About - many of which involved bizarre pranks played upon members of the public. Henry Kelly, who co-presented Game For A Laugh, said: "Jeremy and I were firm friends for nearly 30 years. I loved and admired him and I shall miss him desperately." Jeremy Beadle was 59 years old.

Full story on the BBC.

+ 2 - 2 | § ¶Ashes To Ashes - Back To The 80s

Life On Mars was the best programme the BBC has made in years. That series was set in the Glam’ ‘70s. the new series, Ashes To Ashes, carries on into the New Romantic ‘80s. The Times today has a preview video from the series which starts on BBC 1 on February 7th. The newspaper also has an interview with the Philip Glenister who plays the wonderfully non-PC, DCI Gene Hunt. I see that YouTube also has a scattering of trailers for Ashes To Ashes. The one below seems to be one of the best (though, for some reason, whoever recorded it has also grabbed a whole load of other stuff after the trailer... oh well, just watch the first 40 seconds). Looks fab!

+ 3 - 1 | § ¶Clannad - First Tour This Century!

Clannad, the Irish group whose blend of modern and traditional styles brought them huge success in the '80s, particularly with 1982's "Theme From Harry's Game", are back together and on the road again...

Original Clannad members Moya Brennan (vocals, harp), Ciaran Brennan (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards), Noel Duggan (guitar, vocals) Padraig Duggan (guitar, vocals, mandolin), have reunited and will tour the UK for the first time in 10 years. The 11-date UK tour starts Sunday 2nd March at the Sage in Gateshead, and includes the London Palladium on Sunday 9th March and ends at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Friday 14th March.

Tour dates as follows -

* Sun 2 Mar 2008 Gateshead - The Sage
* Mon 3 Mar 2008 Glasgow - Royal Concert
* Tue 4 Mar 2008 Manchester - Bridgewater
* Thu 6 Mar 2008 Birmingham - Alexandra Theatre
* Fri 7 Mar 2008 Cardiff - St David's Hall
* Sat 8 Mar 2008 Southend - Cliffs Pavilion
* Sun 9 Mar 2008 London - Palladium
* Mon 10 Mar 2008 Brighton - Dome
* Wed 12 Mar 2008 Nottingham - Royal Centre
* Thu 13 Mar 2008 Harrogate - International Centre
* Fri 14 Mar 2008 Liverpool - Philharmonic Hall

Tickets are on sale via the Ticket Hotline number – 0871 424 4444, or book online from www.ticketline.co.uk.

+ 3 - 1 | § ¶Ali Campbell - Did He Jump Or Was He Pushed?

As I reported recently, Ali Campbell has just quit UB40 after 30 years with the band. However, it now seems that he and the rest of the band are not entirely in agreement as to the reasons for the split. Today, I received a long press statement from UB40, giving their version of events. Here it is in full....

UB40 PRESS STATEMENT

The following press statement has been made on behalf of UB40

It is not normal practice for UB40 to discuss their affairs in public or through the media, but following numerous media reports and interviews given by former lead singer ALI CAMPBELL last Friday (25th January) and over this weekend (26th &27th January), UB40 would like to clarify incorrect and misleading statements circulating in the media and to their fans.

Ali Campbell claims that he was forced to resign from UB40 due to issues with the band's management and was shocked at the official statement issued by UB40.

He further claims that the real reasons he left the band were due to "bad administrative practices and that for the last five years he had been kept in the dark over the bands finances." He continues to rely on these allegations as the basis for him being forced to leave the band

UB40 would like to confirm for the avoidance of doubt that Ali Campbell resigned from the band after a meeting with the other seven band members on Thursday evening (24th January) at their studio in Birmingham. The seven band members, including Robin Campbell, asked Ali to clarify if he was going to remain as their lead singer. Ali responded by saying that he was leaving the band after completing UB40 tour dates in February 2008. Ali was not at any time, forced to resign, by any of the other band members or management acting on behalf of the band.

Further the band would like to clarify that they do not have artist management and that all decisions relating to UB40 as a band, both past and present in their 30 year career, have always been by a democratic process of all eight members since the band formed. A decision process which Ali Campbell has actively participated in and been a fully paid up member.

The bands official spokesman said; "Ali made a very simple decision, he chose to pursue and put his solo career over and above continuing to work with UB40 after February 2008, it's as simple as that. He even engaged a solicitor to inform the band of his wishes, several weeks prior to their meeting, which given their 30 year career together speaks volumes.

As with each and every other band member, including his brother Robin, Ali has been made aware of all decisions relating to the band that they as a group have made between themselves; creatively, musically and financially at all times throughout their illustrious career. It's disappointing that Ali seems to have forgotten that he has at all times been involved in this process. Its also somewhat puzzling and ironic that the other seven band members, don't have any issues over any decisions that the band have made together and that it has taken Ali over five years to only now voice his concerns over such important matters and claims. UB40 have and always will make their own decisions about their career as a band and confirm final decisions are not made by artist management, individuals or record company's."

The spokesman added; "The press statement issued on Thursday 24th January was issued with the full approval of all seven band members. UB40 felt obliged to their fans to issue the statement on Thursday to clarify any rumours and to avoid misleading the public prior to any further announcements over their forthcoming tour dates."

Ali Campbell claims that his reasons for quitting the band were down to issues with management and that the band had failed to support him with his album "RUNNING FREE."

The band fully supported Ali in his solo project, Robin Campbell sang on Ali's album and appeared in a video and Brian Travers was responsible for writing the lyrics to all the original tracks on Ali's album. UB40 had several meetings in
2007 in which Ali was present and in which the other seven members agreed, by their normal democratic process, to postpone the release of the UB40 studio album 24/7 to allow Ali plenty of time to release and promote his album RUNNING FREE and so that both albums would not clash.

At all times the band have unselfishly fully supported this decision and allowed Ali to promote his album throughout last year and again in media interviews on the bands last UK tour in December. UB40 had a SOLD OUT British Tour in December 2007, in which their new album 24/7 was originally scheduled to be released and promoted at these shows, Ali was allowed to promote his album and utilise this opportunity to a captive audience.

The band have continued to support the promotion of Ali's album on their world tour dates as well. UB40 merely asked Ali for his full commitment and support in return through 2008 to help promote the 24/7 album with media promotion and live performances. Ali was unable to commit to do this after February 2008 due to a series of UK tour dates to promote his solo career and album. These dates and further record releases and promotion with Ali's album made it impossible for him to join the band on their tour dates throughout 2008 and most vitally to help promote the bands 24/7 album. Although both Ali and his new management, had previously guaranteed that Ali would not be touring to promote his solo album with the exception of a one off show at the Royal Albert Hall, which the band had agreed to take a month off touring to accommodate.

The spokesman added; "The band feel very disappointed that having given Ali their full support throughout 2007 with his solo album that he was unable to commit to the promotion of the new studio album and the bands tour dates, this was a complete contradiction to previous statements and interviews given to press, radio, TV and even on his website. UB40 did not want to further delay the release of the new album 24/7, which would have been unfair both to the band and their fans.


In other statements Ali Campbell claims that he has written all of UB40's songs.

UB40 would like to clarify that this is not the case and that all songs written and credited to the band "UB40" are done so as eight equal members regardless.
Band members Brian Travers, James Brown and Robin Campbell have written most of the lyrics to many of UB40's original compositions and songs. Norman Hassan, Astro and Earl Falconer have also written their own lyrics/melodies to the songs which they perform. Ali Campbell has written the melodies to the UB40's songs in which he performs.

Media reports suggest that Robin Campbell had fallen out with Ali Campbell his brother.

Contrary to media reports Robin Campbell has not fallen out with his brother Ali over him leaving the band. However Robin Campbell fully supports and endorses all of the decisions made as a band member of UB40."

Band member James Brown commented;

"We were all deeply shocked and naturally disappointed at receiving a letter from Ali's solicitors several weeks prior to his departure from the band which stated that he wouldn't be fulfilling his commitment to UB40, the new album and the tours for 2008. You would think after thirty years of working together as a family unit that you could at least have talked through these issues with your family members. We would want nothing more than for Ali to join us on stage through this year and to help promote the new album and honour his commitment to our fans. We as a band will honour all tour dates this year and the commitment to our fans and each other, these are the same dates which were agreed by all band members, including Ali.

UB40's new studio album 24/7 will be released in May

+ 3 - 1 | § ¶Ali Campbell Quits UB40

News from the BBC:

The band's spokesman said: "Ali Campbell has taken the decision to focus on his solo career and in doing so, could not give his full commitment to UB40.

"The other band members of UB40 are naturally disappointed and saddened after being together as a band unit and as good friends and a family unit for almost 30 years."

He added "UB40 will continue to record and perform with the existing seven members.”

Read The Full story.

+ 2 - 2 | § ¶80s Fashion Is Cool Again

According to The Times, anyhow....

Hot from a trendy fashion show, The Times Fashion Editor writes: “Claudia Schiffer sat in the front row at Chanel’s show on Tuesday, not looking a second older than she did in her first Guess ads a thousand years go. Her feud with Karl Lagerfeld long forgotten, her vanilla blonde mane stood to attention, having been whipped into a VIH (very important hair) structure that in its way was every bit as gravity defying as the vast glass roof of the Grand Palais that soared above the catwalk. The ghost of the late Eighties seemed to be hovering over proceedings...”

Thank Heaven I never threw all my 80s clothes away. Other people may pay a fortune for 80s look-alike clothes. I can just brush the cobwebs off and wear the originals, dahling...

Read The Times Article

+ 2 - 2 | § ¶Retrofest 2008

Ready to go back to the ‘80s (with, I gather, a bit of the ‘70s and early ‘90s thrown in for good measure)? Then get set for Retrofest 2008. The massive Retrofest festival of live music will take place on August 30th and 31st this year and tickets go on sale on February 1st. The line-up hasn’t yet been announced but details are promised soon on the Retrofest site: http://www.retrofest.co.uk/

+ 4 - 4 | § ¶Phil Lynott Died Today

January 4th 1986...

Thanks for the BBC for reminding me.

Phil Lynott, the former lead singer of the rock band Thin Lizzy, has died from heart failure and pneumonia after an 11-day fight for his life.
The 36-year-old rock star had been admitted to Salisbury Hospital in Wiltshire with a serious kidney and liver infection on Christmas Day, after he collapsed from a drink and drug binge at his home in Surrey.

Full story...

+ 8 - 1 | § ¶Chelsea Bunn, The Hairdressing Detective

What better way to relax yourself gently into the new year than to peruse the thrill-packed casebook of Chelsea Bunn, the world-famous hairdresser and detective. I don’t want to name drop, but it so happens that I am a personal friend of Chelsea Bunn and I can tell you that she is a very remarkable woman. This is the first time the full details of some of her most famous cases have been made public. Promises to be a fascinating read...

http://chelseabunn.blogspot.com/

+ 9 - 3 | § ¶Merry Christmas Everyone!

I trust you have an '80s Festive Season!