Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Frankie Goes to Hollywood — sure. But before tracing this fictionalised Frankie down his path, where did THEY come from? I’m talking about that new wave English synth pop band, comprised of band members Holly Johnson, Paul Rutherford, Peter Gill, Mark O'Toole and Brian Nash, originated and formed in Liverpool — a city notorious for birthing unprecedented experimental music. I’m talking about the The Beatles, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Dead or Alive, A Flock of Seagulls, Echo and the Bunnymen… (bonus point to those who can name a song from each of these bands)

Brian Nash, the guitarist of the band, during a 2021 interview conducted by Channel 5, took us back to the legendary moment their iconic track’s final version of Relax officially released to the public. He recalls that at some point in September 83’ himself and two other band members stood at the end of Hanover Street in London and climbed in the back of their manager’s Jaguar to hear the final electronic version for the first time… “I mean, three jaws just dropped to the floor… it turned from a rough diamond into a polished stone”.

I for sure know what he’s talking about, and I’m not the only one. Just try to envisage yourself in the early 80s, jostling passed the heaps of people in the club with their big, in-the-way hair, the over-the-top makeup, engulfed in sequins and more sequins… you’re just trying to make it to the other side, and grab hold of your third Pornstar Martini of the night, isn’t that right?

That’s until your ears prick up, and the dance floor seems to want to pounce at you, luring you back in as you hear those familiar deep synths of the intro; the atmosphere around you becomes a tad more daring, a little darker, temples sweating, and that heart of yours begins to race, catching up with the tempo of that prominent, mechanised beat. This tune is what was also known as the “ode to an orgasm”, which becomes particularly apparent in the explosive build up of the second half…

Although this experimental track was released in 1983 as their first ever debut single, the producer was well aware of the complications on bringing it up to the charts due to its pungent controversial lyrics and tone. It actually took two whole months until it reached number six. In fact, it was broadcasted on Radio One the same year, and it was Mike Read, the DJ who broadcasted it, that found the music so “disgusting” that the radio station ended up putting a ban on it.

Funny, as I’m sure he would have had a heart attack if he watched the music video. It’s hedonist-roman-banquet meeting queer-sadomasochist-lair. Half the guys are in leather, dancing rigorously, their flesh exposed… a whole erotic mess.

Eventually when it did hit the top of the charts, it sold a whopping two million copies, becoming the sixth best selling UK single up to that point in history.

In summary; a definite reflection of the times. The era oozed with this sort of experimentation, where seeking individuality and precedence- be it through fashion, songs, or films- was the ultimate goal for artists like these, sparking a new definition of what “liberation” really meant. Damn, what a time to be alive.

xoxo, Sophia