Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy: Jimmy Somerville - The Communards

By Larry Forrest

Bronski Beat were a British synthpop trio who were big during the mid-'80s, including their hit Smalltown Boy, from their 1st L.P. The Age of Consent [1984], being their only US Billboard Hot 100 single. All members of the group were openly homosexual, their songs reflecting that, often containing political commentary on gay-related issues. Their initial line-up, which recorded the most of the band's hits, comprised Jimmy Somerville (born James William Somerville, 1961, Glasgow, Scotland, UK - vocals), Steve Bronski (born Steven William Forrest, 1960, Castlemilk, Glasgow, Scotland, UK - keyboards, percussion) & Larry Steinbachek (keyboards, percussion). Jimmy left Bronski Beat in 1985, going on to have hits as lead singer of the Communards and as a solo artist. He was replaced by vocalist John Foster, with whom the group continued to chart in the UK & Europe. John left Bronski Beat after their 2nd album, the band featuring a series of vocalists before breaking up during 1995. Steve revived the group in 2016, recording new material with '90s member Ian Donaldson. Larry passed away during December of that year then Bronski died on 7th December 2021.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1716054699
• ISBN13: 9781716054693
• Release Date: December 2021
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Length: 82 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.3" x 11.7"