Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Musical Group

Forfans of 1980s new wave, synth-pop and pop-rock; readers interested in music history and iconic pop controversies.
3 Reviews 4 Definitions 2 Charts

The Profile

English band formed in Liverpool, best known for the 1984 debut Welcome To The Pleasuredome and hit singles "Relax", "Two Tribes" and "The Power of Love". They gained major commercial success and a controversial public image in the mid-1980s.

Line-up (as cited in reviews and public records): Holly Johnson (vocals), Paul Rutherford (dance/vocals), Mark O'Toole (bass), Brian Nash (guitar), Jed O'Toole (guitar), Peter Gill (drums). Signed to ZTT Records; debut double album Welcome To The Pleasuredome released 1984.

Reviewers praise the band's 1984 debut Welcome To The Pleasuredome for its genre-mixing ambition and production. Liverpool is viewed as a weaker, more linear follow-up. Compilation Frankie Say Greatest is noted for remastered singles and commercial intent.

Notable Quotes

❝ "The question arises spontaneously: why buy a best of Frankie Goes To Hollywood?"

❝ "With this record, 'Frankie Goes To Hollywood' quickly climbed the world charts, shattering some records, and established themselves as a new phenomenon in the pop-rock scene of the 80s (years that absolutely need reevaluation)."

❝ "What is certain is that on the second attempt, the hopes of replicating the enormous success of Welcome sank with a work decidedly below expectations."