Who doesn't know the song? "Smalltown Boy" burned itself into the ear canals with earworm guarantee and became an international success. One who was not essentially uninvolved in this, because he composed it, is dead: Steve Bronski. The exceptional talent died at the age of 61.
Bronski Beat dealt with queer issues early on
Whether it's "Why?" or "Smalltown Boy," some of Bronski Beat's lyrics are about exactly what preoccupied the queer scene in the 1980s. The band was heard AND understood. The lyrics were part of the lyrics that, even back then, although many of the melodies came across as rather loosey-goosey, were seen as an important statement to be taken seriously.
Accordingly, the band around Steve Bronski has already made history and shaped an entire generation.
Colleagues say goodbye on Twitter
One of the artists who was among the first to speak out after Steve Bronski's death is Jimmy Somerville... The voice of Bronski Beat. He describes Steve as a talented and melodic person who touched many people with his work.
And indeed: shortly after it became known that Steve Bronski had died, expressions of sympathy came from all over the world. The keyboardist left his mark on the hearts of his fans. His music lives on.
Who was Steve Bronski?
Steve Bronski was born in 1960. He discovered his love for music at an early age and played in a country band. During his move to London he met his later band mates. They were also gay and they all lived together in a shared flat. However, that doesn't seem to have been the real topic of discussion.
The three were not what you would describe as "offensive scene members." They were just gay. Period. They didn't really feel they belonged to the community. Maybe because they were still afraid for their careers back then? After all, public outings were far from being standard back then. That's exactly what was to change over the course of the decades. Especially in the 1980s, there was still no question of this.
What is Smalltown Boy about?
The song Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat quickly became a kind of "anthem" for the LGBTQI+ community. The song tells the story of a young man who is actually from the village, but now wants to live in the city. He feels alone and is confronted with different problems, including not feeling like he belongs. And yet: despite the seemingly hopeless situation, something like hope germinates in him. The result: a song full of confidence, fear and the good feeling that probably "everythingwill beokay" after all.
Bronski Beat - a band with a long (and unforgettable) history.
No question: Bronski Beat was more than "just" a band for many people. Rather, in a way, listening to the songs of the three gay men was also a kind of statement.
After some time, however, the singer decided to separate - at least artistically - from the other two and go new ways with a new band. The remaining duo hired a new singer and Bronski Beat made it into the charts again. Towards the end of the 1990s, however, the band's heyday was over.
The death of Steve Bronski, who gave the band its name, shocked many people. But one thing is certain: his songs will remain unforgotten.
By the way, Wil Wheaton publicly apologizes for his statements.