The synthpop duo answer your questions on the fight against homophobia, getting an OBE at 60 and why they never thought Tainted Love would be a hit
Marc, how important was the late 70s/early 80s Leeds nightlife and art scene in the evolution of Soft Cell? JacquelinePearce
Marc Almond: I studied fine art at Leeds Polytechnic through 1976-79. In my first week, the Sex Pistols’ Anarchy tour came to the poly. Punk showed us anything is possible: anyone can start a group, unbound by fashion, political orthodoxy or gender. This creative explosion was fuelled by the rising unemployment and urban decay of the 70s and a reaction to the years of terror of [serial killer] Peter Sutcliffe. Everything was simmering. So many bands and performers would rise out of that, unbound by the constraints of the previous decade.
Dave, I understand you spent your youth attending parties at the Highland Room, Blackpool’s legendary northern soul venue. Do you have a trusted repertoire of steps, shuffles, spins and kicks? VerulamiumParkRanger
Dave Ball: I remember the flat grey building, taking the escalator up to the Highland dancefloor that had tartan carpets to hear Colin Curtis and Ian Levine DJ. Ian Levine went to the same school as me in Blackpool, but was a few years older. Chris Lowe [from Pet Shop Boys] was in the year below. When he became successful with Neil [Tennant], I remember thinking: “That’s that guy who used to play trumpet in the school band.”
by As told to Rich Pelley via Electronic music | The Guardian
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