Culture Club: Get to know the band behind 'Karma Chameleon'
They were one of the most influential bands of the 80s
Culture Club formed in 1981, made up of members Boy George, Roy Hay, Mikey Craig and Jon Moss. Over the decades, the band have had several Top 10 hits - including their Number 1s 'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me' and 'Karma Chameleon' - becoming a hugely influential group from the 80s and beyond.
As the band have announced a UK arena tour, what better time to take a look at the origins and successes of the iconic band? Join us as we look at Culture Club's career through the years, and how they rose to be one of the biggest British bands of the 80s...
Who is in Culture Club?
Culture Club originally consisted of four members: Boy George (lead vocals), Roy Hay (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), Mikey Craig (bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), and Jon Moss (drums, percussion, backing vocals). However, in 2018 Jon stepped away from touring and from the band as a whole in 2021.
The group have had a couple of hiatuses 1996 - 1998 and 2002 - 2011, reuniting properly in 2014 for a tour and an album.
What are Culture Club's most successful songs?
Culture Club's 'Karma Chameleon'
'Karma Chameleon' is one of Culture Club's best-known songs, featuring on their 1983 album 'Colour by Number'. The song was the band's second UK Number 1 and also became the UK's biggest-selling single of the year 1983.
In an interview, Boy George once explained the meaning behind the song, saying: "The song is about the terrible fear of alienation that people have, the fear of standing up for one thing. It's about trying to suck up to everybody. Basically, if you aren't true, if you don't act like you feel, then you get Karma-justice, that's nature's way of paying you back."
As well as being a very successful song in the charts, it also won Best British Single at the 1984 BRIT Awards and in 2015 it was voted as the nation's ninth favourite 1980s Number 1.
Culture Club's 'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me'
'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me' was Culture Club's first Number 1 single in the UK and was included on their Platinum-selling debut album 'Kissing to Be Clever'. The song ended up reaching Number 1 in 23 countries - despite Boy George not even wanting the song to be released!
'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me' was their third single, after 'White Boy' and 'I'm Afraid of Me', however the first two didn't make the Top 40.
Speaking in 2008 to Q magazine, the lead singer explained: "Our first two singles failed. That single was our last chance. But I threatened to leave if (the label) released it. I didn't think it was us; it wasn't club music.
"It wouldn't stand up to Spandau Ballet. But I was wrong. It was so personal in a way that our other songs weren't. It was about Jon. All the songs were about him, but they were more ambiguous."
Culture Club's 'Church of the Poison Mind'
'Church of the Poison Mind' was another huge hit for Boy George and the rest of Culture Club. It was the lead single from their most popular album to date - 'Colour by Numbers'.
The song was released in April 1983 and reached Number 2 in the UK, being kept off the top spot by David Bowie's 'Let's Dance'!
Culture Club albums
Culture Club have released six studio albums between 1982 and 2018, their first three albums were their most successful.
'Kissing to Be Clever'
Their debut album 'Kissing to Be Clever' reached Number 5 in the UK in October 1982. In October 2020 the band celebrated 38 years since the release of the album, sharing the artwork asking fans what their favourite song was.
'Colour By Numbers'
Culture Club's second album 'Colour by Numbers' came just a year later, reaching the top spot in the UK. On 10th October 2020, Culture Club celebrated the release of their second album by tweeting a pic of the artwork saying: "Some people say that the way that we live, Is out of this place, And some people say that, the way that we live, Is blinded by fate".
Just a year later, the band's third album was also a Top 5 hit, with 'Waking Up with the House on Fire' reaching Number 2 in the UK. It was then two years until Culture Club released their fourth album, 'From Luxury to Heartache' which included their hit song 'Move Away'.
The band would then have to wait until 2018 before getting another successful album with 'Life' after their 1999 album 'Don't Mind If I Do' only reached Number 64.
Are Culture Club still together?
Yes, Culture Club are still together. The current line-up consists of Boy George, Mikey Craig and Roy Hay - along with touring/session members Darren Lewis and Meryl-Anne Evanson.
What are they doing now?
Boy George & Culture Club are still touring, had will be touring the UK in December 2024. The arena tour will see Boy George & Culture Club joined by Heaven 17 and Tony Hadley.
Fans will get to see the band perform their first two albums 1982’s ‘Kissing To Be Clever’ and 1983’s ‘Colour By Numbers’, in their entirety.
In 2023, the band joined Rod Stewart's tour for his UK leg. Speaking about the tour, Boy George said: "I'm a massive Rod Stewart fan. I have been since I was a teenager. I love his voice and he's always been very charming to me.
"In 1974 when I was 13 years old I bunked in for free to see Rod Stewart and The Faces at Lewisham Odeon, so I love that I am now able to support him on tour."
Check out these music biopics, including the upcoming film about Boy George:
Elvis
Elvis, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks was released on 24th June 2022. The film follows Elvis Presley's life and career, and is directed by Baz Luhrmann.
Elton John - Rocketman
Hugely popular biopic Rocketman was released in May 2019, following Elton John's life from his humble beginnings through until the 1980's. He wrote a brand new song, '(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again', for the film, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. It starred Taron Egerton as Elton and Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin. Elton's husband David was a co-producer on the film, which also won Taron a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Click more to buy the DVD on Amazon.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody was released in 2018 and tells the story of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury from his humble beginnings to one of the biggest stars in the world. The film culminates at the legendary Live Aid gig at Wembley Stadium in 1985. The film became a huge success and only increased the popularity of Queen. The musical film was nominated for numerous awards. The production won four times at the 91st Academy Awards including Best Actor for Rami Malek portrayal of Freddie, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.
Click more to get the DVD on Amazon.
Alan McGee - Creation Stories
Released in 2021, Creation Stories tells the story of Alan McGee and Creation Records. The film was adapted by screenwriter Irvine Welsh from the Creation boss' 2013 autobiography of the same name. Alan McGee founded the independent Creation Records label in 1983 and worked with iconic bands including Primal Scream, The Boo Radleys, The Jesus and Mary Chain and perhaps most famously signed Oasis at their gig in Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in 1993.
Johnny Cash - Walk The Line
Walk The Line tells to life story of legendary American Country singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. It is based on two of his autobiographies, Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words from 1975 and Cash: The Autobiography in 1997 and follows the story from his early life, romance with musician June Carter and his ascent into the domination of the Country music genre. The film was released in November 2005 and stars Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix.
Click more to buy the DVD on Amazon.
24 Hour Party People
Released in 2002, 24 Hour Party People depicts the story of the Manchester music scene from 1976 to 1992 and the revolutionary independent record label Factory Records. The film begins with the explosion of Punk Rock in the late 1970s, moves through the 1980s and into the 'Madchester' rave scene of the 1990s revolving around the famous Hacienda nightclub. The main character is Factory founder Tony Wilson, played by Steve Coogan. The film dramatises events that actually happened, rumours and urban legends surrounding the scene, with characters often breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the viewer. It features the careers of bands including the Happy Mondays, Joy Division, New Order and A Certain Ratio.
Click more to buy the DVD on Amazon.
Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter
Released in 1970, Gimme Shelter depicts the Rolling Stones' 1969 US tour. The tour famously culminated at the Altamont Free Concert, which ended disastrously. At the concert held in California, where the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club supplied security for the gig Mick Jagger was punched in the head as he got off his helicopter and a fight erupted in the crowd during the third song of the set, 'Sympathy for the Devil'. Sadly, 18-year-old concertgoer Meredith Hunter was killed by one of the Hells Angels when he tried to climb onstage.
Dreamgirls
Originally a Broadway musical, the film Dreamgirls was released in 2006, taking strong inspiration from the history of the Motown Records label and their top girl group The Supremes. The film stars huge names including Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and Danny Glover. The production received eight nominations at the 79th Academy Awards and took the top prize in two categories, Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Hudson and best Sound Mixing. It also won three Golden Globe Awards.
Click more to rent the film on Amazon Prime.
Aretha Franklin - Respect
Respect is music biopic released in 2021 about the life of one of the greatest American singers and civil rights activist, Aretha Franklin. Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls, portrayed the 'Respect' singer in the film.
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody
A film about the incredible life and career of singer and actress Whitney Houston was released in December 2022. Actress Naomi Ackie portrayed Whitney in the biopic, which was a huge success upon its release in cinemas.
Bob Marley - One Love
A film about the life and career of reggae legend Bob Marley was released in February 2024, with actor Kingsley Ben-Adir playing the role of Bob Marley in the biopic. Other huge names that feature in the film include Lashana Lynch, Michael Gandolfini, James Norton and Tosin Cole.
Boy George - Coming soon
Although there is no confirmation on who will star in the film, we anticipate Boy George's biopic Karma Chameleon to be a huge hit with the Culture Club singer's army of loyal fans. The film, which will depict Boy George's life from growing up in an Irish working-class family to becoming a music star in the 1980s, was initially thought to be getting a 2023 release date, however thanks to the script being reportedly re-written, it has now been reported that creators are hoping to begin filming by the end of 2024.
Bob Dylan - Coming soon
Oscar nominated actor Timothée Chalamet is set to portray Bob Dylan in an upcoming biopic about the music icon. The film will portray the musicians life and career, including his switch from folk to rock music. Work on the film was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic but we cannot WAIT to see it!
The Bee Gees - Coming soon
The forthcoming Bee Gees biopic is yet to be given a name but the film will follow the lives of brother Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb from their humble beginnings in Manchester to their pop and Disco superstardom. Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the trio will serve as executive producer. The band were recently the subject of documentary 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart'.
Cher - Coming soon
Yes, that's right! Cher is getting her own musical biopic. Although no title has been confirmed, the film will portray the incredible life of the now 76-year-old. Cher has starred in a number of films herself, including most recently Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! featuring the music of ABBA.
Ronnie Spector - Coming soon
A film following The Ronette's rise to fame as well as lead singer Ronnie Spector's personal life is in the making. Although a release date has not been set, actress Zendaya has been chosen to play Ronnie.
Although the singer sadly passed away on 12th January 2022, she was an executive producer on the film and chose Zendaya for the role.
U2 series - Coming soon
A scripted series about U2 is in the early stages of development at Netflix. Director J.J. Abrams is attached to the series, as is Anthony McCarten who wrote the script for the Bohemian Rhapsody film.
Dolly Parton - In the works
Dolly Parton is working on the film adaption of her book Run, Rose, Run - which she will also star in - and is now in talks about making a musical film about her life.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne - Coming soon
Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon will also be getting their very own biopic, focusing on a 20-year period of their lives. The film is currently untitled, having been first announced back in October 2021, and is set to feature Ozzy's music, with Sharon saying: "Our relationship at times was often wild, insane and dangerous but it was our undying love that kept us together. We're thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures and Polygram to bring our story to the screen." In 2024, Sharon also added that the film will be a tear-jerker.
Madonna - Put on hold
Madonna was working on a film about her life, and was co-writing and co-directing the biopic. Although Julie Garner was offered the lead role in June 2022, production of the film has been put on hold.
Madonna is going on her 'The Celebration Tour' across the world in 2023 and this is her focus, meaning she isn't able to work on her biopic and it has been put on pause.
Boy George joins Moulin Rouge on Broadway
From 6th February 2024, Boy George joined the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge - marking his return to the Broadway stage after 20-years. The singer plays the role of Harold Zidler, the owner of the famous club. This new stint on Broadway serves as George's second, after he appeared in his musical Taboo back in 2003.
Boy George autobiography - Karma
Boy George autobiography, called Karma, was released on 9th November 2023. The publisher said of the book: 'Told in his inimitable style, Karma tells the story of the charismatic frontman – the drama, the music, his journey of addiction and recovery, surviving prison, meeting legends like David Bowie, Prince and Madonna, and the highs and lows of a life lived in the spotlight and in the headlines.'
They continued: 'This is the explosive and searingly honest account of Boy George’s life as a child growing up in 1960s London, coming out to his Irish Catholic family and exploring his sexuality through the hedonism of the ’70s – the glam rock and punk rock revolution that birthed Culture Club – and the heydays of the ’90s, to finally embracing the man and artist that he is today. With all the humour, honesty, sarcasm (and hats!) that you’d expect, ’Karma’ gives us a unique insight into Boy George’s incredible story and the true evolution of a music icon.'
Boy George then added: 'I went to a lot of trouble to create Boy George and then I went through a whole battle for years about not wanting to be him. But now I enjoy and embrace it in a way that I wasn’t able to as a young person. I’m learning to be George Alan O’Dowd from Eltham who it turns out is quite an interesting person.
'Culture Club is always going to be one of those lovers I go back to. I’ve railed against it and that Boy George character I created. For years I convinced myself I was a creature of habit, unchangeable, immovable. But eventually you have to look in the mirror. Not looking for spots, looking for something deeper. Why the hell am I here? I would say life is the point of life.'
Boy George on I'm A Celebrity
Boy George entered the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle in 2022, appearing alongside the likes of Mike Tindall, Matt Hancock, Chris Moyles and series winner Jill Scott.
The singer took on a total of six Bushtucker Trials, before being eliminated on Day 17 of the infamous entertainment show.
Boy George as a sat nav voice
In 2021, Boy George helped celebrate Pride month by teaming up with navigation app Waze to become the voice of your Sat Nav!
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