'The Power of Love' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood - with Holly Johnson

'The Power of Love' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood - with Holly Johnson

Author: Mercury Studios December 19, 2024 Duration: 49:26

In this festive edition of Queer the Music Jake sits down with the iconic Holly Johnson, the front man of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, to discuss the 1984 UK number one single and enduring Christmas song, ‘The Power of Love’.

The Power of Love came out during a time of social and political turmoil in the UK. Between Thatcherism, the miner strike and an encroaching AIDS epidemic the world was becoming a scary place for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite this, gay bars, clubs and saunas were thriving in the UK and amongst it all Frankie Goes to Hollywood were skyrocketing to success with their debut album ‘Welcome to the Pleasuredome’.

Tune in to hear about how ‘The Power of Love’ was written and how it unwittingly became synonymous with Christmas.

Thank you for listening to this second series of Queer The Music, we'd love to hear from you - let us know which song you'd like us to feature - leave us a review or message us on Instagram @queerthemusicpodcast - see you for series 3 in 2025!

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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: 50

Queer the Music with Jake Shears
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