Culture Club’s cosmic reunion

FROM left: Mikey Craig, Boy George, Jon Moss and Roy Hay

While he is very proud of the career and legacy he forged in the 1980s, as the androgynous, blue-eyed soul singer of the British group Culture Club, Boy George isn’t exactly one for nostalgia trips.

He is more fascinated, he said, about the possibilities the present holds: “I am happy with what I achieved in the 1980s, and I look back at the 1970s—where I had my musical education—with  fondness.

“But I am very much a guy who prefers living in the moment. There’s no time more exciting than now. Let us do some fun things,” he said during a recent video call conference, when asked by the Inquirer on what he missed most about his early years.

And he will be doing fun things, all right. Boy George, whose real name is George Alan O’Dowd, has recently reunited—again—with his original Culture Club bandmates  Jon Moss (drums), Mikey Craig (bass) and Roy Hay (guitar) for a world tour and a sixth studio album called “Tribes,” which is set for release this year.

Since the band’s dissolution in 1986, the men of Culture Club had reassembled on at least three occasions in the past 28 years.

But unlike their past get-togethers, this most recent one feels the most secure, perhaps due to the fact that they’re now “older, smarter and more relaxed.”

“We are in a wonderful place right now, and the best time to be reunited is when everyone is feeling positive and kind of enthusiastic. Such things happen when they are meant to happen. It is cosmic, spiritual,” said Boy George, Culture Club’s self-proclaimed “CEO and spokesperson,” who recently joined the reality talent search, “The Voice UK,” as a coach.

Eager to once again create new music and perform live onstage, Culture Club will have show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 17 and 18, according to local promoter Royal Chimes (call 9115555).

The flamboyant, new wave-pop act is expected to treat its diehard fans to its catalogue of hits that include “Karma Chameleon,” “Time (Clock of the Heart),” “The War Song” and “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?”

Excerpts from the video conference with Boy George:

What do you think of talent shows, being a coach in one now?

If I had the opportunity at a young age, I would have probably done it.

Such shows are just new ways of showcasing who you are… But you also have to go into these shows, understanding that what happens in them, is not necessarily indicative of what will happen in real life.

If you are realistic and smart about it, you can use talent shows as a platform in your journey to being a recognized musician.

What can you share about your coming album?

Culture Club has always been an eclectic group that is influenced by many different things. There are no restrictions in terms of what we can sing about.

Our new music is similar to the old, but a little more confident and grown up. Having all the knowledge we have now adds something to the flavor of our music.

You have mentioned that your ambition changes as you get older.

I have always been  a Renaissance man back then, but these days, you really have to think out of the box. It isn’t just about music anymore—it is about everything you do. We have a very different landscape now, so I cannot stay the same person I was when I was 19.

You still have a lot of fans in the Philippines. What are you looking forward to?

That is very nice to hear, and it makes my coming visit all the more exciting… We always make sure that we leave the crowd with a big smile on their faces and in their hearts.

The stage is where the chemistry and magic happen. And we love doing shows, especially in places we have never been.

Do you see anyone in the scene right now who could potentially be your successor?

You have to be unique, and find your own identity. So I can’t imagine anybody replacing me (laughs)! But I encourage them to try!

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