"Welcome To The Pleasuredome" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood 2023!

I had to pick my jaw up from the floor when I first saw that Frankie Goes To Hollywood reunited with their original line-up to open this year's Eurovision in guest host city Liverpool. Here they are, with lead singer Holly Johnson finally back at the helm, performing their incredible song "Welcome To The Pleasuredome," which I wrote about previously here. I have to say I am unexpectedly emotional about this...that something from my youth is still, albeit with some age and silver hair, intact made me tear up with memories. It seems like, with the state of the world and all that has happened in the last many decades, that anything from that period has been destroyed, it all got the blade. But here they are, FGTH, sounding fierce as ever.

https://www.facebook.com/fgth.official/

"Welcome To The Pleasuredome" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood

I am feeling love and nostalgia today for the amazing opening track--actually a suite that occupies the entire first side of the original vinyl album--"Welcome To The Pleasuredome" from the album of the same name by Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

Super group Frankie Goes To Hollywood was a super sensation when they released their debut double album "Welcome To The Pleasuredome" in 1984. Before the album's release, they had caused quite a stir with their song "Relax" and subsequent S&M-themed video. And the iconic Frankie Say tee shirts became ubiquitous throughout the mid-80s. I worked at Tower Records when this record came out and still have my original Frankie Say Relax tee!

Inspired by the poem "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, this opening track, complete with animal and jungle sound effects, comes in at a glorious 13:38, while the single version clocks in at a mere 4:20. Here is the full suite:

And if you can't get your fill in the thirteen minute version, check out this awesome FORTY minute remix!

The group reunited in 2004 for a Prince's Trust charity performance staged at London's Wembley Arena to mark the 25th anniversary in show business of producer Trevor Horn, who made his name overseeing hits by artists like the Buggles, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Yes, and ABC. Lead singer Holly Johnson refused to participate so they held open auditions for a substitute lead singer. Fortunately for all FGTH fans, they found Ryan Molloy. Just listen to that powerful moment when we hear Molloy's voice for the first time, like a young Holly. Take a gander at the smokey eye make-up, the mirrored aviators, the Berber shrug, the beautiful mop of blond, and the toned torso. I don't miss Holly at all. Molloy's performance is inspired and masterful.

https://www.frankiesay.com/
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http://www.ryanmolloy.com/