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Bronski Beat

From Alfawiki
Bronski Beat
Company typeMusical group
IndustryMusic
Founded1983 in London, United Kingdom
FounderJimmy Somerville, Steve Bronski, Larry Steinbachek
Headquarters
London
,
United Kingdom
ProductsSynth-pop music, Hi-NRG music

Bronski Beat was a synth-pop group originating from the United Kingdom, established in London in 1983. The founding members were Scottish artists Jimmy Somerville (lead vocals) and Steve Bronski (keyboards, percussion), alongside English musician Larry Steinbachek (keyboards, percussion). Backing vocals on numerous tracks were contributed by Simon Davolls. Throughout all iterations of the band, Steve Bronski remained the sole constant member.

The group rose to fame during the mid-1980s, particularly with their 1984 hit single "Smalltown Boy" from their first album, The Age of Consent. This track was their only appearance on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. All band members were openly gay, and their songs frequently addressed political themes relevant to LGBTQ+ rights. In 1985, Somerville departed and later found success with the Communards and as a solo performer. John Foster replaced him, helping the band maintain chart success in the UK and Europe through 1986. After Foster left following the second album, Jonathan Hellyer took over vocal duties until the band's breakup in 1995.

In 2016, Steve Bronski revived Bronski Beat, collaborating with Ian Donaldson, who had been part of the band during the 1990s. Larry Steinbachek died later that same year; Steve Bronski passed away in 2021. As of 2025, Jimmy Somerville stands as the last surviving original member and one among six living former members.

1983–1985: Formation and The Age of Consent

Bronski Beat came together in 1983 when Glasgow natives Jimmy Somerville and Steve Bronski joined forces with Larry Steinbachek from Southend, Essex. The three shared accommodation in Brixton, London. Steinbachek encouraged Somerville’s musical ambitions after hearing him sing during the production of Framed Youth: The Revenge of the Teenage Perverts. Their goal was to be more direct and politically engaged than other gay artists at that time.

After performing only nine live shows, Bronski Beat secured a contract with London Records in 1984. Their debut single "Smalltown Boy", which narrates a young gay man's escape from his hometown, reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and topped charts in Belgium and the Netherlands. It also charted at number 48 in the United States and number eight in Australia. The accompanying music video, directed by Bernard Rose, portrayed issues of homophobia and social exclusion.

Their next release, "Why?", embraced a hi-NRG style with lyrics confronting anti-gay discrimination. This track peaked at number six in the UK and secured Top 10 positions across various European nations as well as Australia.

At the close of 1984, they released their first album, The Age of Consent, which highlighted different legal ages of consent for homosexual acts worldwide—serving as a political critique of prevailing discriminatory legislation. The album reached number four in the UK charts, number 36 in the US, and number 12 in Australia.

Bronski Beat headlined the "Pits and Perverts" concert held at London's Electric Ballroom to raise support for Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners—a benefit event later depicted in the film Pride.

Their third single was a rendition of George and Ira Gershwin’s "It Ain't Necessarily So", which challenged biblical stories and entered the UK Top 20.

In 1985, they teamed up with Marc Almond to produce a medley combining Donna Summer’s "I Feel Love" with elements from "Love to Love You Baby" and John Leyton's "Johnny Remember Me". This single matched their earlier chart success by reaching number three in the UK.

Early that year, they recorded "Run from Love" with producer Mike Thorne; promotional copies were circulated by PolyGram. However, internal disagreements led to Somerville’s exit prior to its official release.

Eventually, "Run from Love" was released as a remix on Bronski Beat’s compilation album Hundreds & Thousands, which included remixes, B-sides, and hits such as "I Feel Love". After leaving Bronski Beat, Somerville formed the Communards alongside Richard Coles while Bronski Beat searched for a new lead singer.

1985–1995: Transition after Somerville, the John Foster and Jonathan Hellyer periods

Following Somerville's exit, Bronski Beat brought in John Foster, credited as "Jon Jon," as his replacement. Their November 1985 single, "Hit That Perfect Beat," climbed to No. 3 on the UK charts and also gained traction in Australia; it was featured in the film Letter to Brezhnev. The subsequent single, "C'mon C'mon," secured a spot within the UK Top 20, while the album Truthdare Doubledare (released May 1986) reached No. 18 on the charts. During this era, some of their songs were included in the soundtrack of the movie Parting Glances (1986). They also teamed up with producer Mark Cunningham to create the inaugural BBC Children In Need single—a rendition of David Bowie's "Heroes" released under the name The County Line.

In 1987, Foster departed from the band. Bronski Beat then proceeded to develop the album Out and About, which was recorded at Berry Street studios with engineer Brian Pugsley. This collection featured tracks such as "The Final Spin" and "Peace and Love," which included contributions from Rose McDowall of Strawberry Switchblade. Another track from this period, "European Boy," was recorded by the disco ensemble Splash. Despite favorable reception during tours showcasing new material, the album project was ultimately shelved after London Records ended their contract. That same year, Bronski Beat reunited with Somerville for a special "International AIDS Day" concert held at London's Brixton Academy, where they were supported by New Order.

Jonathan Hellyer assumed lead vocal duties in 1989 as the band embarked on extensive tours throughout both the United States and Europe, accompanied by backing vocalist Annie Conway. They achieved a modest UK chart presence with "Cha Cha Heels," a collaboration featuring Eartha Kitt that peaked at No. 32. Originally penned for Divine before his passing in 1988, this track marked a significant partnership. Between 1990 and 1991, Bronski Beat released three singles on Zomba Records—namely "I'm Gonna Run Away," "One More Chance," and "What More Can I Say"—all produced by Mike Thorne.

In 1994, Foster returned to Bronski Beat to release techno-infused versions of "Tell Me Why '94" and an acoustic rendition of "Smalltown Boy '94" through German label ZYX Music. The following year saw the release of Rainbow Nation, featuring Hellyer back as lead singer; Ian Donaldson joined on keyboards and programming after Foster stepped back. After several years of touring, Bronski Beat disbanded: Steve Bronski shifted focus to producing other musicians, Ian Donaldson adopted the DJ persona Sordid Soundz, and Larry Steinbachek took charge of musical direction for Michael Laub's theatre company 'Remote Control Productions'.

2007–2016: Steve Bronski’s solo ventures and revival of Bronski Beat

In 2007, Steve Bronski remixed "Stranger to None" by UK alternative rock group All Living Fear; one of his mixes was included on their retrospective album Fifteen Years After. He also reimagined Northern Irish electronic outfit Electrobronze's "Flowers in the Morning," transforming it from a classical piece into a Hi-NRG disco track.

By 2015, Bronski briefly collaborated with Jessica James (also known as Barbara Bush), praising her vocal style reminiscent of Eartha Kitt and her Divine-inspired appearance, to re-record a song he originally produced in 1989.

In 2016, Bronski joined forces with Ian Donaldson to resurrect Bronski Beat, enlisting vocalist Stephen Granville. The rejuvenated band released "Age of Reason," an updated version of "Age of Consent," in 2017. Additionally, the previously unreleased 1987 album Out & About was made available digitally through Bronski's website, featuring original tracks alongside his remixes.

2017–present: passing of Steinbachek and Bronski

Larry Steinbachek died in December 2016 at the age of 56 following a short battle with cancer. Steve Bronski passed away on 7 December 2021, aged 61, as a result of a flat fire in Central London.

Original members

  • Steve Bronski – keyboards, synthesizers, programming, percussion, acoustic guitar, vocals (1983–1995, 2016–2018; deceased 2021)
  • Jimmy Somerville – vocals, tambourine (1983–1985, 1987)
  • Larry Steinbachek – keyboards, synthesizers, percussion (1983–1995; deceased 2016)

Additional members

  • Richard Coles – saxophone, clarinet (1983–1984, 1985)
  • John Foster – vocals (1985–1987, 1994–1995)
  • Jonathan Hellyer – vocals (1989–1994, 1995)
  • Ian Donaldson – keyboards, synthesizers, programming (1994–1995, 2016–2018)
  • Stephen Granville – vocals (2016–2018)

Awards and nominations

Year Award Entry Category Outcome
1984 NME Awards The band Best New Act Template:Won
Smash Hits Poll Winners Party Template:Nom
Best Group Template:Nom
The Age of Consent Best LP Template:Nom
"Why?" Best Single Template:Nom
"Smalltown Boy" Template:Nom
1985 Brit Awards Best British Single Template:Nom
The band Best British Group Template:Nom
Billboard Music Awards "Smalltown Boy" Top Dance Play Single Template:Nom
1986 The band Top Dance Club Play Artist Template:Nom
Ivor Novello Awards "Hit That Perfect Beat" Best Film Theme or Song Template:Nom
2017 Gay Music Chart Awards "Smalltown Boy" (Arnaud Rebotini Remix) Best Original Soundtrack Template:Nom
2025 Clubbing TV Awards "Smalltown Boy" Best Staff Pick Video Template:Nom

Discography

Albums (Studio)

See also

External links

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