Persons

Favorite0 When Michael Stipe wasn’t sharing unforgettable kisses with legendary Beat poets like Allen Ginsberg, he captivated audiences as the enigmatic frontman of R.E.M., widely regarded as one of America’s greatest rock bands. Stipe’s magnetic allure, boundless creativity, and enigmatic writing style struck a chord with millions of listeners, propelling R.E.M. from their early college rock, jangle-pop days to become …

Favorite0 Janis Joplin, an extraordinary female singer of the 60s, truly embodied the essence of the free-spirited and rebellious nature of that decade. Right from the start, she faced misunderstandings due to her unconventional appearance and her deep love for black music, particularly Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. In fact, Joplin faced ostracization for her unique interests even during her …

Favorite0 The “Metal God,” also known as Halford, is undeniably an icon in the hard-rock scene. He leads the legendary band Judas Priest, who, alongside Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, are revered as pioneers of British heavy metal. Despite his flamboyant stage presence and provocative outfits during the 80s (apparently, riding onto the stage on a motorcycle clad in leather …

Favorite0 Marc Almond is not your average 80s pop icon. He stands out from the crowd with his prestigious OBE and a diverse range of accomplishments. Not only has he survived a life-threatening motorbike crash, but he also actively supports the brain-trauma charity Headway. In addition, Almond has collaborated with avant-garde legends including Current 93 and Coil, solidifying his status …

Favorite0 Brian Molko is the captivating and enigmatic frontman of the alt-rock sensation Placebo. Embracing his androgynous nature and openly identifying as bisexual, Molko fearlessly challenged societal norms and became a prominent figure in the 90s music scene. While Britpop and “Cool Britannia” were all the rage, Placebo fearlessly delved into the grittier aspects of life, resonating deeply with countless …

Favorite0 The Guardian has proclaimed Pet Shop Boys’ West End Girls as the ultimate UK No.1 single ever – and rightly so. The impeccable selection of Pet Shop Boys songs, including Domino Dancing, What Have I Done To Deserve This and Suburbia, served as the perfect soundtrack to 80s Britain. Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant, the dynamic duo behind the …

Favorite0 Bob Mould, the visionary behind groundbreaking bands Hüsker Dü and Sugar, deserves much more recognition as an LGBTQ+ icon in the music industry. While Hüsker Dü, alongside influential groups like Minutemen and The Replacements, revolutionized American punk in the 80s, Mould remained determined to forge a distinctive sound in the 90s with Sugar. Their success and critical acclaim paralleled …

Favorite0 Jimmy Somerville is renowned for creating captivating dance hits, such as The Communards’ unforgettable “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and the haunting “Smalltown Boy” from Bronski Beat’s groundbreaking album, “Age Of Consent.” During the time the album was released in 1984, the legal age for consensual male same-sex relationships was set at 21, which caused frustration among LGBTQ+ groups …

Favorite0 The mighty presence of kd lang, known as the “Canadian Cowpunk,” looms large in the realm of LGBTQ+ musicians. This remarkable artist has collaborated with an impressive array of legends, ranging from Roy Orbison to Madeleine Peyroux. Her remarkable contributions have been duly recognized by The ArQuives: Canada’s LGBTQ2+ Archives, a noble nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the invaluable …

Favorite0 Kate Pierson, a vital member of The B-52s, the renowned Athens, Georgia band, played a significant role in establishing their LGBTQ+ connection. With chart-topping hits like “Rock Lobster” in the late 70s and “Love Shack” in the 80s, their mainstream success was undeniable. In fact, the music video for “Love Shack” even featured the exuberant RuPaul, leaving no doubt …