16 16UP
16© Getty Images© Doron GildErasure on 30 years of glitter and Spandex
F
ans of Erasure will be relieved to learn that Andy Bell has vowed never
to tone down his fl amboyant performances. Refl ecting on 30 years
of glitter and Spandex, the frontman spills: ”I just felt like that was my
purpose, like that was what I was supposed to do and I thought, ‘I
can’t perform in any other way’. I sort of felt like, ‘OK, so you want a
gay stereotype? I’m going to give you one then and make it even more over
the top than it really is’. Even though I was really shy I felt compelled to do
something with all guns blazing.”
Latest album, World Be Gone is Erasure’s 17th studio effort in 31 years. So
what is the secret to their longevity? “I really like Andy,” deadpans partner in
crime Vince Clarke. ”That helps. I still get a lot of satisfaction in writing and
producing with him. It’s a very easy relationship − he’s very laid-back. When we
start to write a new record, it’s always a surprise when songs start coming out. I
think also the reason why we’ve been together for so long is because there’s not
any ego in the band.”
Erasure are supporting Robbie Williams on his summer stadium tour.U2 trump
US leader
U2 have banned President
Donald Trump from attending
their Joshua Tree concerts.
Bono was disappointed
when Trump’s administration
cut funding for HIV research in
the US. He told the Irish Times:
“Trump’s supporters − the
people who voted for Trump
− are welcome at U2 gigs in
America, but Donald Trump
himself is not welcome at U
gigs in America. I welcome his
supporters. But him? I don't
want him here.”
The singer met US vice
president Mike Pence in
February, where he was told
that the new administration
would be “levelling out” funding
for HIV research.I think we’re
serious now
Tiffany, the 80s pop princess,
still wrestles with being taken
seriously. The chart-topper,
who now dabbles with country
music, and recently performed
a string of UK shows, told the
Washington Times: “People say,
‘what is she gonna sing for 90
minutes? Doesn’t she just do I
Think We’re Alone Now? Once
they see the show, they are
like, ‘Oh my gosh, I remembered
more songs than I thought’.”
The association most people
have with Tiffany is as the
girl who sang in shopping
malls. She laughs: “I have a
lot of validating to do. But
I’m resilient. I’m not going
anywhere. I’m a shopaholic. So
I still love going to malls. But I
don’t sing in them anymore!”.Good Times
are back
The best-connected producer in
pop is becoming, err... better
connected. Nile Rodgers, is
fi nally close to completing
the fi rst new Chic album in
25 years. Over 12 months
ago the guitarist revealed
Elton John and Janelle
Monae were among the
guestlist on It’s About
Time. A year on and
Rodgers is still working on
the new Chic album. He
told the NME: ”The spectrum
of artists goes right through to
the beginning of my career. I’ve
cut God knows how many songs
with Anderson Paak and Bruno
Mars, I wrote a song for Debbie
Harry, I just wrote a song for
Hailee Steinfeld – that’s killer.”
As well as the new album to look
forward to, Chic fans will also
have a chance to catch Niles
when the band tours with Earth,
Wind & Fire across North
America this summer.CP30.News.print.indd 16 09/06/2017 11: