LGBTQ news and entertainment
Iconic pop music star Boy George tells Larry King on an upcoming appearance that despite the institution of the ‘Religious Freedom Restoration Act’ in Indiana, he’d perform in the state to keep his gay and lesbian fans happy.
“I always believe it’s important to bring your music to the people who love you,” says George.
Look for Boy George on Larry King Now this Wednesday, April 8th at 2pm EST/11am PST on www.ora.tv/larrykingnow.
Boy George announced via Facebook that he is “devastated” over the news that “serious” vocal problems dictate that Culture Club’s UK & North American tours must be cancelled, at least for now.
After months of issues with his voice – which he had assumed were related to fatigue – George discovered that he has developed a polyp on one of his chords which had hemorrhaged. When this happens, one chord is larger than the other and they vibrate at different speeds which can create a callous.
Clearly, this isn’t healthy. Boy George went on to write:
‘I never thought to check my throat because I have spent a lifetime just getting on with it,’ George writes. ‘I have been advised by doctors that to continue singing with this polyp would further damage my voice and could cause irreparable damage. ‘It’s a risk I cannot take.’
‘I feel gutted to be letting people down. Such support makes my decision so much harder. To say I am devastated barely touches how I feel.’
In the mid 90s I actually went through the exact same issue while performing on Broadway in HELLO, DOLLY! The good news is the condition is treatable, and with the proper treatment and vocal therapy can be good as new in a few months.
Thinking best thoughts to Boy George.
Via Boy George’a Facebook Page:
“In case you missed me and the guys dust off the cobwebs for the first Culture Club performance in 15 years at Edinburgh Castle last week”
Performed live at Edinburgh Castle on Saturday 19th July 2014.
More information and performances from the event at http://www.bbc.co.uk/edinburghcastle
Boy George, in an interview with the Huffington Post on performers being judged on their perceived sexuality as opposed to their talent:
“I prefer to live in a world where you are judged on talent and sexuality is completely secondary,” he revealed. “There have been many successful openly gay artists — George Michael, Neil Tenant, Marc Almond — but the bravest was always Jimmy Somerville. I’m doubtful if we will ever live in a world where sexuality won’t be an issue for at least a small minority. Homophobia and racism are part of the human condition.”
Boy George released his new album “This Is What I Do” in it’s entirety as a streaming audio post on YouTube today. Take a listen – still has a great voice.
And his own style.