Culture Club faced homophobic heckling in their early days, a new documentary clip reveals. The band's members recall the skepticism and cruelty they faced.
Key facts
- •Culture Club formed in London in 1981
- •The band faced homophobic heckling in their early performances
- •Record labels were initially wary of the band due to Boy George's style
- •Culture Club signed a deal with Virgin Records
- •The band's rise is documented in a new film, Boy George & Culture Club
Boy George and Jon Moss of Culture Club discuss the challenges they faced in their early days, including homophobic heckling and skepticism from record labels. The band formed in London in 1981 and quickly gained attention for their unique sound and style.
Early Performances
The band's earliest performances were often marred by ignorant, homophobic heckling. Boy George recalls responding to one such crowd by saying, 'Thanks, you already paid for your ticket, I’m gonna buy myself some eyeshadow!' Archival video shows the band facing hostile audiences, but also gaining a following.
Record Label Challenges
Record labels were initially wary of Culture Club, despite their aesthetic being in line with the early Eighties new wave and pop mold. Boy George says, 'Record companies, they would come and say, “He’s too much” — they couldn’t see it.' The band eventually secured a deal with Virgin Records after inviting executives to one of their shows.
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Rolling Stone.
