The B-52s - with Kate Pierson

The B-52s - with Kate Pierson

Author: Mercury Studios October 28, 2025 Duration: 55:38
This week is a big one - we are celebrating the iconic The B-52's. A band that paved the way for queer artists through their unapologetic on-stage identity and camp aesthetic. Their non-conformist attitude and unique sound has had a huge and lasting impact on rock and pop music - you can witness their influence on artists from Boy George to Chappell Roan. Jake credits them with the very existence of The Scissor Sisters and was thrilled to speak to one of his all-time musical heroes Kate Pierson for this special episode. We'd love to hear from you! Please send any comments or questions to us on Instagram ⁠@queerthemusicpodcast If you or someone you love is dealing with mental health issues, help and resources are available ⁠here⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives, the Scissor Sisters frontman hosts a series of intimate and revelatory conversations that go far beyond a simple playlist. This Mercury Studios podcast is built on a powerful premise: that certain songs aren't just hits, but lifelines and cultural turning points. Jake Shears sits down with fellow artists, writers, and cultural figures to explore the specific tracks that provided a soundtrack for survival, defiance, and joy within the queer community. Each episode digs into the personal and historical context behind these anthems, uncovering the often-hidden stories of the queer artists who created them, frequently at great personal and professional risk. Listeners will hear passionate breakdowns of musical craftsmanship alongside deeply personal testimonies about how these songs provided courage in closeted times, forged connections in underground clubs, and ultimately helped shape identities. The discussions are as much about social history as they are about melody, offering a rich, song-by-song excavation of how music can build a world where you finally feel seen. It’s a celebration of resilience and the enduring power of a perfect beat, hosted by someone who has lived that journey both on the dancefloor and the stage.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 30

Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives
Podcast Episodes
‘Raw Deal’ by Judas Priest with Rob Halford - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:05
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'The Power of Love' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:30
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’It’s a Sin’ by Pet Shop Boys with Neil Tennant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:18
It's the Season Finale of Queer The Music and we have a big one for you! It's none other than Neil Tennant to talk about Pet Shop Boys' 1987 smash hit 'It's A Sin'. Neil joined Jake on his sofa to talk about making the s…
'Take Your Mama' by Scissor Sisters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:09
Have you heard the news?? Scissors Sisters are reforming and going on tour next May so for this special edition of Queer The Music, recorded in front of an audience at The Phoenix Arts club in London, we celebrate one of…
'Free Yourself' by Jessie Ware [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:37
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'Explode' by Big Freedia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:42
In this episode of Queer The Music we’re shining a light on an incredible artist as we celebrate ‘Explode’ by the rapper and ‘Queen of Bounce’ Big Freedia. Big Freedia, “The Queen Diva,” not only brought bounce music to…
'Glacier' by John Grant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:39
This week on Queer The Music we welcome the great singer songwriter John Grant to talk about his epic song Glacier. Glacier is the standout track from John's 2013 album 'Pale Green Ghosts' and is about the pain of growin…
'Tutti Frutti' by Little Richard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:00
This week on Queer The Music we celebrate the phenomenal artist Little Richard and his groundbreaking song 'Tutti Frutti'. We can’t underplay the impact that this one song had on popular music at the time, Little Richard…
'Standing In The Way of Control' by Gossip with Beth Ditto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:29
We're back with Season 2 of 'Queer The Music' and what better way to kick off this series with the brilliant Beth Ditto to talk about the anthem that is Gossip’s ‘Standing In The Way of Control’. The powerful and absolut…