Steve Bronski, a cofounding member of the British synth-pop trio Bronski Beat, died Thursday. The BBC reported his age as 61. No cause of death or other details were given.
His bandmate Jimmy Somerville described him as a “talented and very melodic man Working with him on songs and the one song that changed our lives and touched so many other lives, was a fun and exciting time. Thanks for the melody, Steve.”
Bronski, whose real name was Steven Forrest, formed the band with Somerville and Larry Steinbachek in 1983. They were militantly opposed to being “safe” gay musicians, and their records were embraced by the community eager to take a more activist stance at the dawn of the AIDS era.
He moved to London in 1983, and Bronski Beat played its first gig in autumn of that year.
Bronski Beat’s debut single, 1984’s “Smalltown Boy,” rose to No. 3 on the UK singles chart.
His bandmate Jimmy Somerville described him as a “talented and very melodic man Working with him on songs and the one song that changed our lives and touched so many other lives, was a fun and exciting time. Thanks for the melody, Steve.”
Bronski, whose real name was Steven Forrest, formed the band with Somerville and Larry Steinbachek in 1983. They were militantly opposed to being “safe” gay musicians, and their records were embraced by the community eager to take a more activist stance at the dawn of the AIDS era.
He moved to London in 1983, and Bronski Beat played its first gig in autumn of that year.
Bronski Beat’s debut single, 1984’s “Smalltown Boy,” rose to No. 3 on the UK singles chart.
- 12/11/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
One week a month, Watch This offers movie recommendations inspired by the week’s new releases or premieres. This week: With Sundance in full swing, we’re looking back at some of the best directorial debuts that premiered at the festival.
Parting Glances (1986)
Bill Sherwood’s New York‒set Parting Glances is chiefly remembered as the first movie of any consequence to tackle the AIDS crisis. True enough, but the tone of the movie couldn’t be further from Longtime Companion, Philadelphia, or the many other earnest AIDS pictures that followed. It is, more than anything, a party movie, with a sprawling cast of characters, a fresh scene to explore, some classic Bronski Beat tunes, and an infectious eagerness to fit as much life as it can into its 24-hour time frame. Accordingly, it feels like the first major gay movie made for gay people.
At the picture’s ...
Parting Glances (1986)
Bill Sherwood’s New York‒set Parting Glances is chiefly remembered as the first movie of any consequence to tackle the AIDS crisis. True enough, but the tone of the movie couldn’t be further from Longtime Companion, Philadelphia, or the many other earnest AIDS pictures that followed. It is, more than anything, a party movie, with a sprawling cast of characters, a fresh scene to explore, some classic Bronski Beat tunes, and an infectious eagerness to fit as much life as it can into its 24-hour time frame. Accordingly, it feels like the first major gay movie made for gay people.
At the picture’s ...
- 1/23/2017
- by Scott MacDonald
- avclub.com
Thomas Bidegain on John C Reilly in Yorgos Lanthimos' The Lobster and Matteo Garrone's Tale of Tales: "I think he has a secret plan to become a European film star." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Thomas Bidegain known for his screenwriting artistry with Jacques Audiard on Dheepan, A Prophet, and Rust And Bone and Joachim Lafosse on Our Children and The White Knights, met for a conversation on his directorial debut. Co-produced by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne, co-written with Noé Debré, Les Cowboys stars François Damiens, Finnegan Oldfield (Eva Husson's Bang Gang) and John C Reilly with Agathe Dronne, Iliana Zabeth (Bertrand Bonello’s Saint Laurent and House Of Tolerance), Jean-Louis Coulloc'h, Ellora Torchia, Mounir Margoum, Antonia Campbell-Hughes and Maxim Driesen.
Alain (François Damiens) with daughter Kelly (Iliana Zabeth)
David Lynch's Mulholland Drive cowboy, a Bronski Beat Smalltown Boy rendition, James Coburn in Sergio Leone's Duck,...
Thomas Bidegain known for his screenwriting artistry with Jacques Audiard on Dheepan, A Prophet, and Rust And Bone and Joachim Lafosse on Our Children and The White Knights, met for a conversation on his directorial debut. Co-produced by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne, co-written with Noé Debré, Les Cowboys stars François Damiens, Finnegan Oldfield (Eva Husson's Bang Gang) and John C Reilly with Agathe Dronne, Iliana Zabeth (Bertrand Bonello’s Saint Laurent and House Of Tolerance), Jean-Louis Coulloc'h, Ellora Torchia, Mounir Margoum, Antonia Campbell-Hughes and Maxim Driesen.
Alain (François Damiens) with daughter Kelly (Iliana Zabeth)
David Lynch's Mulholland Drive cowboy, a Bronski Beat Smalltown Boy rendition, James Coburn in Sergio Leone's Duck,...
- 6/24/2016
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Nine episodes were provided prior to release
More than a year after its promising debut as part of Amazon’s 2014 pilot program, the ten-episode first season of suburban tennis comedy Red Oaks will be available for streaming tomorrow. As both an ‘80s throwback, and one reminiscent of youth-oriented films from the decade, a streaming service release is probably the hippest thing about the series. The type of coming of age story told by Red Oaks is an unmistakably familiar one, but it’s enjoyable to watch this sweetly mild series play a precise, low-impact game.
With ‘90s revivalism on the brink of claiming the nostalgia crown from the decade’s go-go sibling (let’s set the approaching “Back to The Future Day” as a coronation), the cinematic end of genuine ‘80s appreciation can be felt in the (creatively) bankrupt era grave robbing of movies like Terminator: Genisys and Pixels. In TV land,...
More than a year after its promising debut as part of Amazon’s 2014 pilot program, the ten-episode first season of suburban tennis comedy Red Oaks will be available for streaming tomorrow. As both an ‘80s throwback, and one reminiscent of youth-oriented films from the decade, a streaming service release is probably the hippest thing about the series. The type of coming of age story told by Red Oaks is an unmistakably familiar one, but it’s enjoyable to watch this sweetly mild series play a precise, low-impact game.
With ‘90s revivalism on the brink of claiming the nostalgia crown from the decade’s go-go sibling (let’s set the approaching “Back to The Future Day” as a coronation), the cinematic end of genuine ‘80s appreciation can be felt in the (creatively) bankrupt era grave robbing of movies like Terminator: Genisys and Pixels. In TV land,...
- 10/9/2015
- by Sam Woolf
- We Got This Covered
In the opening moments of “Pride,” activist Mark (Ben Schnetzer) makes the case at the 1984 London Gay Pride parade that the Lgbt community and the coal miners on strike, seemingly disparate, actually share common enemies: Margaret Thatcher, the police and the tabloid press. The movie never says so explicitly, but it also suggests that the two groups share a love for a good anthem, and the most powerful moments of “Pride” revolve around music, whether it's a roomful of strike supporters singing “Bread and Roses,” Bronski Beat performing “Why?” at a benefit concert, or Billy Bragg's stirring rendition of.
- 9/26/2014
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Bronski Beat‘s “Smalltown Boy” is one of the most important moments in 80′s gay pop culture, and thirty years after its release, Jimmy Somerville has recorded a new version, which is just as haunting as the original.
I hope Smalltown Boy found his happiness.
The post Watch! Jimmy Somerville Resurrects “Smalltown Boy” Thirty Years Later appeared first on thebacklot.com.
I hope Smalltown Boy found his happiness.
The post Watch! Jimmy Somerville Resurrects “Smalltown Boy” Thirty Years Later appeared first on thebacklot.com.
- 6/16/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Birthday shoutouts go to Scott Wolf (above), who is 46, Jamie Dornan is 32, Russell Brand is 39, Angelina Jolie is 39, Noah Wyle is 43, and Sam Harris is 53. And a Happy Belated Birthday to our own chronomaxx!
Can this please be the death knell of Bieber‘s career?
It Shouldn’t Take Magic To Be Accepted, by E.J. Johnson
High school principal comes out as gay at school’s Pride Day
Here’s the new trailer for The Giver. I never read the book, and I’m interested what fans think?
Here’s a new 30-second ad from Hotwire featuring a gay couple. Has anyone seen it on TV yet? And if so, when and with what show?
Here’s the newest from Adam Barta (the man who brought us “It’s Tan Mom, Bitch”). This one is “See U Next Tuesday” and features Margaret Cho and Jujubee as Margaret Cho
Anderson Cooper...
Can this please be the death knell of Bieber‘s career?
It Shouldn’t Take Magic To Be Accepted, by E.J. Johnson
High school principal comes out as gay at school’s Pride Day
Here’s the new trailer for The Giver. I never read the book, and I’m interested what fans think?
Here’s a new 30-second ad from Hotwire featuring a gay couple. Has anyone seen it on TV yet? And if so, when and with what show?
Here’s the newest from Adam Barta (the man who brought us “It’s Tan Mom, Bitch”). This one is “See U Next Tuesday” and features Margaret Cho and Jujubee as Margaret Cho
Anderson Cooper...
- 6/4/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
(source)
Birthday shoutouts go to James Purefoy (above, with Kevin McKidd), who is 50, Arianne Zucker is 40, and the faboo Suzi Quatro is 64.
White Collar boss talks show’s final season — and Matt Bomer‘s role in the finale
Here’s a list of “outdated” gay terms. Sorry, but I’m still going to use “Coming Out.”
Jonathan Rhys Meyers has joined the cast of Roland Emmerich‘s Stonewall, which will also include, I’m happy to say, Ron Perlman.
Psychotherapist Matthew Dempsey is back to talk about gay men and body image. This one isn’t nearly as snarkable as his previous self-help vids.
The Drama Desk Awards were handed out last night, and Neil Patrick Harris was a winner, along with such favorites as Bryan Cranston, Audra McDonald and Celia Keenan-Bolger
Adore Delano is in for a shock in “I Adore You.”
Ryan Lewis is adorable. But not many...
Birthday shoutouts go to James Purefoy (above, with Kevin McKidd), who is 50, Arianne Zucker is 40, and the faboo Suzi Quatro is 64.
White Collar boss talks show’s final season — and Matt Bomer‘s role in the finale
Here’s a list of “outdated” gay terms. Sorry, but I’m still going to use “Coming Out.”
Jonathan Rhys Meyers has joined the cast of Roland Emmerich‘s Stonewall, which will also include, I’m happy to say, Ron Perlman.
Psychotherapist Matthew Dempsey is back to talk about gay men and body image. This one isn’t nearly as snarkable as his previous self-help vids.
The Drama Desk Awards were handed out last night, and Neil Patrick Harris was a winner, along with such favorites as Bryan Cranston, Audra McDonald and Celia Keenan-Bolger
Adore Delano is in for a shock in “I Adore You.”
Ryan Lewis is adorable. But not many...
- 6/3/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
(source)
Birthday shoutouts go to Dominic Cooper (above), who is 36, Justin Long is 36, Andy Cohen is 46, and Sally Kellerman is 77.
Speaking of, Andy Cohen Prepping I Slept With a Celebrity Reality Show, because of course he is.
Out Wrestler Darren Young Coming To GaymerX Convention
Meghan McCain has joined the Board Of Directors of GLAAD
Hair at the Hollywood Bowl: Kristen Bell, Amber Riley, Hunter Parrish lead cast. Yes, but will the nudity remain?
Towleroad has a gif bag of Josh Hartnett and Reeve Carney getting their snog on in Penny Dreadful. Here’s a tease.
Teens react to 90′s internet. Shut up, you brats!
Here’s the new trailer for the final season of True Blood. Still no Eric.
Brad Paisley doesn’t suffer fools.
Westboro Baptist Selfie!! Or west-Burro(ass) selfie. Hopefully they can hear the show out here. We'll play loud. pic.twitter.com/OrMhJjD8NE
— Brad Paisley...
Birthday shoutouts go to Dominic Cooper (above), who is 36, Justin Long is 36, Andy Cohen is 46, and Sally Kellerman is 77.
Speaking of, Andy Cohen Prepping I Slept With a Celebrity Reality Show, because of course he is.
Out Wrestler Darren Young Coming To GaymerX Convention
Meghan McCain has joined the Board Of Directors of GLAAD
Hair at the Hollywood Bowl: Kristen Bell, Amber Riley, Hunter Parrish lead cast. Yes, but will the nudity remain?
Towleroad has a gif bag of Josh Hartnett and Reeve Carney getting their snog on in Penny Dreadful. Here’s a tease.
Teens react to 90′s internet. Shut up, you brats!
Here’s the new trailer for the final season of True Blood. Still no Eric.
Brad Paisley doesn’t suffer fools.
Westboro Baptist Selfie!! Or west-Burro(ass) selfie. Hopefully they can hear the show out here. We'll play loud. pic.twitter.com/OrMhJjD8NE
— Brad Paisley...
- 6/2/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
A feel-good movie about the 1984 miners’ strike, Thatcherism and the scourge of Aids is a tough nut, but with Pride Matthew Warchus has cracked it. Garnering an ovation on its premiere here in Cannes, Pride can certainly feel proud of itself.
We meet Mark (Ben Schnetzer) in his council flat, kicking out last night’s conquest and collecting buckets to take to the 1984 Gay Pride march. The idea is to show solidarity with the striking miners, with whom the gay community feels an affinity, for it’s now the miners’ turn to feel the full force of the law, literally. On the march we meet budding pastry chef and photographer Joe (George MacKay), soon nicknamed Bromley by his new-found band of mates. He represents the typical scared closet gay, living in suburbia with his folks and too timid to come out. Joe’s courage gains strength as the Lgsm group gains momentum,...
We meet Mark (Ben Schnetzer) in his council flat, kicking out last night’s conquest and collecting buckets to take to the 1984 Gay Pride march. The idea is to show solidarity with the striking miners, with whom the gay community feels an affinity, for it’s now the miners’ turn to feel the full force of the law, literally. On the march we meet budding pastry chef and photographer Joe (George MacKay), soon nicknamed Bromley by his new-found band of mates. He represents the typical scared closet gay, living in suburbia with his folks and too timid to come out. Joe’s courage gains strength as the Lgsm group gains momentum,...
- 5/24/2014
- by Jo-Ann Titmarsh
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
When Donna Summer passed away a year and a half ago (heaven knows, it’s not the way it should be), it was like a dagger in the heart for many of us who grew up listening to her music. The undisputed Queen Of Disco, she would make a successful transition out of the 70′s, and continue to churn out hits for years afterward.
Donna became “Born Again” in the early 80′s, and it would radically alter her career, as well as her relationship with the gay community. For 30 years, until her death, she was dogged by the rumor that she made a comment about AIDS being God’s punishment, and even though she vehemently denied it, It continued to persist.
It’s sad that an unprovable piece of gossip could tarnish her reputation for decades, but on this, her 65th birthday, we can take a look back at the legacy she left behind.
Donna became “Born Again” in the early 80′s, and it would radically alter her career, as well as her relationship with the gay community. For 30 years, until her death, she was dogged by the rumor that she made a comment about AIDS being God’s punishment, and even though she vehemently denied it, It continued to persist.
It’s sad that an unprovable piece of gossip could tarnish her reputation for decades, but on this, her 65th birthday, we can take a look back at the legacy she left behind.
- 12/31/2013
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Talk about good timing.
A Berlin street musician was given the surprise and performance of a lifetime by Scottish pop singer Jimmy Somerville. While playing the 1984 synth anthem “Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat, Somerville — who was the lead singer of the group — stops and joins in while walking his dog. The impromptu duet was captured on film by bystanders, including the reaction from the unnamed street musician when he realizes who he was just harmonizing with.
Watch the video below:...
A Berlin street musician was given the surprise and performance of a lifetime by Scottish pop singer Jimmy Somerville. While playing the 1984 synth anthem “Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat, Somerville — who was the lead singer of the group — stops and joins in while walking his dog. The impromptu duet was captured on film by bystanders, including the reaction from the unnamed street musician when he realizes who he was just harmonizing with.
Watch the video below:...
- 11/4/2013
- by Jake Perlman
- EW.com - PopWatch
Kat Von D has revealed that her long-awaited debut album will feature drums by “dearest friend” Dave Grohl.
Late Thursday night, the tattoo artist and "L.A. Ink" star tweeted out “Dave Grohl is ruling so hard right now!” to her 1.5 million followers from a recording studio.
This isn't the first time the two have helped each other out: last year Von D tattooed large feathers on his forearms.
According to her tweets, Grohl and producer Danny Lohner (of Nine Inch Nails fame) finished two tracks last night. She snapped a photo of the two over a mixing board. “Recording this music w my dearest friends makes this album the most important thing I've ever poured my heart into. Thank you Dave and [Danny] >3”, wrote Von D for the caption.
She then posted two short Instagram videos of the track “Lost at Sea,” a song co-written by Canadian Kevin “Kevvy Metal...
Late Thursday night, the tattoo artist and "L.A. Ink" star tweeted out “Dave Grohl is ruling so hard right now!” to her 1.5 million followers from a recording studio.
This isn't the first time the two have helped each other out: last year Von D tattooed large feathers on his forearms.
According to her tweets, Grohl and producer Danny Lohner (of Nine Inch Nails fame) finished two tracks last night. She snapped a photo of the two over a mixing board. “Recording this music w my dearest friends makes this album the most important thing I've ever poured my heart into. Thank you Dave and [Danny] >3”, wrote Von D for the caption.
She then posted two short Instagram videos of the track “Lost at Sea,” a song co-written by Canadian Kevin “Kevvy Metal...
- 8/16/2013
- by The Huffington Post Canada
- Huffington Post
A pre-recap disclaimer: I loved "The First Time." I thought it was stunningly shot, as well as brilliantly written and acted. I thought the editing was genius, and its message was affirming of all the big, messy, crazy, gorgeous, sexy, confusing beautifulness of being young and on the brink of your future.
If you hated it, if you were coming here hoping for a lot of snark, this is not the recap you are looking for. I will try to be more cynical next week. I promise.
Also: If first love really could be like this, I'd happily climb into that time machine Blaine's building and go back and be young again.
We open with Artie rolling down the hallway, thinking it doesn't matter if you're "in prison like Gandhi, or stuck inside a woman's body like Chaz Bono, or in a wheelchair like me," when you find your calling,...
If you hated it, if you were coming here hoping for a lot of snark, this is not the recap you are looking for. I will try to be more cynical next week. I promise.
Also: If first love really could be like this, I'd happily climb into that time machine Blaine's building and go back and be young again.
We open with Artie rolling down the hallway, thinking it doesn't matter if you're "in prison like Gandhi, or stuck inside a woman's body like Chaz Bono, or in a wheelchair like me," when you find your calling,...
- 11/9/2011
- by Christie Keith
- The Backlot
Singer talks about new album and second single, 'Judas,' in March issue of Vogue.
By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga on the March cover of <i>Vogue</i>
Photo: Mario Testino/Vogue
Lady Gaga graces the March cover of Vogue in a baby pink wig, styled like late British fashion icon Isabella Blow, with her hands at her side and wearing a decidedly feminine Grecian gown. The accompanying article is an in-depth portrait of the pop star that also reveals some new details about her single, "Born This Way," set for release on Friday.
"I wrote ['Born This Way'] in 10 f---ing minutes," she explains in the article. "And it is a completely magical message song. And after I wrote it, the gates just opened, and the songs kept coming. It was like an immaculate conception."
Jonathan Van Meter, who wrote the article for the fashion magazine, heard the track and said that it "at first...
By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga on the March cover of <i>Vogue</i>
Photo: Mario Testino/Vogue
Lady Gaga graces the March cover of Vogue in a baby pink wig, styled like late British fashion icon Isabella Blow, with her hands at her side and wearing a decidedly feminine Grecian gown. The accompanying article is an in-depth portrait of the pop star that also reveals some new details about her single, "Born This Way," set for release on Friday.
"I wrote ['Born This Way'] in 10 f---ing minutes," she explains in the article. "And it is a completely magical message song. And after I wrote it, the gates just opened, and the songs kept coming. It was like an immaculate conception."
Jonathan Van Meter, who wrote the article for the fashion magazine, heard the track and said that it "at first...
- 2/10/2011
- MTV Music News
Will Young has revealed that his new album will have an "upbeat" sound. The singer, whose last LP was 2009's The Hits, admitted that he is "excited" about the record, which he hopes will show people a different side of his personality. "I'm so excited about it," he told Metro. "I did a song with Groove Armada last year which someone compared to Bronski Beat, which was a compliment, so I've gone a bit upbeat. "I've had good feedback from the record company." Asked if he is bored of singing ballads, (more)...
- 2/8/2011
- by By Robert Copsey
- Digital Spy
This week! Do people have a right to be obnoxiously gay in public? What famous divas also have singing sisters? What popular songs are really gay duets? More!
Have a question about gay male entertainment or need life advice? Contact me here (and be sure and include your city and state and/or country!)
Q: I am curious about duets by mainstream artists with other men, specifically love songs, and more specifically overtly gay ones — or at least those that could be interpreted as such. I think back to RuPaul and Elton John’s remake of “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart” on his Duets album and how excited I was, novelty notwithstanding, that it was a duet between two men. I love the hell out of Robbie Williams because of his “Swing While You’re Winning” tribute album, because it has a straight-up gay duet with Rupert Everett and...
Have a question about gay male entertainment or need life advice? Contact me here (and be sure and include your city and state and/or country!)
Q: I am curious about duets by mainstream artists with other men, specifically love songs, and more specifically overtly gay ones — or at least those that could be interpreted as such. I think back to RuPaul and Elton John’s remake of “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart” on his Duets album and how excited I was, novelty notwithstanding, that it was a duet between two men. I love the hell out of Robbie Williams because of his “Swing While You’re Winning” tribute album, because it has a straight-up gay duet with Rupert Everett and...
- 6/1/2010
- by Brent Hartinger
- The Backlot
Groove Armada have described recent collaborator Will Young as "brilliant". The duo revealed that they were impressed with Young's vocals when they teamed up with him on new track 'History'. "The song we did called 'History' is a kind of Bronski Beat homage," Andy Cato told the Daily Star. "I had a few nights out with Will in Ibiza and he's just a brilliant singer, but obviously he does his commercial stuff which isn't exactly what we do. "But I found if you treat his voice in a different (more)...
- 3/1/2010
- by By David Balls
- Digital Spy
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