Zang Tuum Tumb and all that - recent articles

Article: Fan club magazine - issue one

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:33:06 GMT +1

First published: Sat, 01 Nov 1986

LIVERPOOL ECHOES

Welcome to the all-new official Frankie goes to Hollywood Fan Club, and what a great club it is! Due to overwhelming demand the only official fan club was launched on Monday November 10th - to coincide with the release of Warriors of the Wasteland, and to prepare for the second part of Frankies plan to dominate the World!

In the first few weeks we have received hundreds of your letters and calls from all over Great Britain, Europe, America and the Far East, all wanting to join the new club, and tell us about yourselves and your friends and talk about Liverpools greatest export since football!

Over the coming months we want to talk to as many of you as we can, on the Clubline phone number, by letter and especially at the live dates. We want to know what you want from the Club - and we want to put your writing talents to the test in the newsletters!

WRITE IN

We want to hear your ideas for the Club, what you want to hear about the band, and what else you would like to see in the coming issues, such as Penpals, Swops and Want Ads, articles and competitions and profiles.

PHONE US

The Clubline is in the Fan Club office and manned all day - by whoever is standing closest when it rings! If you want to ring at any other times, just make friends with the Answerphone - best message each month wins a mention!

CLUB EVENTS

We would like to meet you all personally, but not having forty hours in each day, weve got to make do with seeing some of you at special events all ideas welcome!

As the official fanclub for Frankie Goes To Hollywood, we will do our best to get all your messages to the lads, but please understand how busy they are, and dont get too upset if you have to put up with us loyal employees!

NASHED!

What day could be more appropriate for tying the knot than American Independance day? At least thats what Nasher and Claire thought when they chose the Fourth of July as their wedding day. Great secrecy surrounded the ceremony and reception, but we can now reveal that the honeymoon was delayed by a Saturday morning train ride to London to catch Rod Stewart in concert!

Sunday found the intrepid couple aboard a Jumbo jet bound for the sunny Seychelles. Having settled into the holiday rhythm, Nash decided to put Claires nursing abilities to the test when a combination of sunbathing and fishing led to a severe case of sunstroke!

The luck of the Liverpudlians did not desert them for long though, as the holiday was extended by a day courtesy of Air Seychelles, when the jumbos on-board computer threw a wobbly, and everything stopped for tea - and a replacement flown out specially from Paris.

Mr and Mrs Nash are now firmly embedded in a three bedroomed flat in Maida Vale along with cats Clancey and Chelsea.

FERRARI!

Heads were turning in Hampstead recently as young Peter Gill arrived at top car dealers H.R. Owen to become proud owner of a dazzling black Ferrari sports car, complete with white leather seats and mobile phone!

Peds now making room garage to fit in the new set of wheels next to the Capri Beach Buggy!

FRANKIE TAKES THE TUBE

Anybody travelling up the A1 to Newcastle upon Tyne on Friday the 30th of October at about 5.30 may be forgiven for wondering who was the loonie in the low-flying blue missile who whistled past them in the fast lane! No, we cry, it wasnt Superman, Batgirl or even Captain Courageous - it was your intrepid reporter trying to make up the hour he lost by turning left at Leeds and heading back towards Liverpool!

We finally made it up to Tyne Tees Telly at twenty past six, and having talked our way past the nicest Doorman I have EVER met(grovel grovel), we crept into Studio Five just in time to see Spandau Ballet mouthing their new single (stop yawning at the back) - good job the tape recorder didnt break down!

The only interesting bit of the song was the sight of three roadies trying to pick up a seven-foot Womble who had fallen over in the middle of the studio (watch your video!).

A bit of outside-the-Studio stuff came next while Holly, Paul, Nasher, Ped and Mark got ready to do their bit. Jools Holland sounded excited for the first time all night, and the boys were away....

Our story actually starts on a cold and blustery Thursday morning at Heathrow Airport. Courtesy of British Airways the lads were whisked up to sunny Tyne-Tees land in time for rehearsals, follow by some serious use of the swimming pool at the Gosforth Park Hotel. Thursday night was party night and all were invited to the Tuxedo Princess, a rather posh club on a rather large boat parked under the suspension bridge. Highlights of the evening were undoubtedly Peter Oxendale (the bands live Keyboards player) playing the ships piano for an all-in singsong, and Marks brother Ged (second guitar on stage) getting slightly locked in the gents (say no more if you like your job - ed).

Back to the show, the set started with Lunar Bay, and all of a sudden evrybody started to bop - even the guys in the Womble suits looked happy! In no time at all we were all dancing, but not to be outdone Paul got so excited his shades went flying across the stage, rapidly followed by a jacket and several keen souvenir hunters! Rage Hard closed the show, but after the ON AIR signs all went off we were treated to a full version of Warriors ready for future transmission.

By the end of the set everyone was ready for a night out, but the lads, all being quiet unassuming types settled for a quiet visit to Julies (the nightclub, not the house) for a Halloween party followed by a Curry to celebrate Geds birthday.

Next mornings trip back down the motorway was much more civilised, only to get home and find the video had recorded two hours of BBC2 instead of Channel Four - Oh well, thats life!

WHAT A JOB!

How many of you have secretely drooled at the thought of looking after the band - and ministering to their every need? Well... meet Jenny - the lady who, through sheer grit and determination (and a helluva lot of luck!) landed herself the plum job of Personal Assistant to the famous five.

For the past 18 months Jenny has laboured day in and day out to make sure that everything (both domestic and professional) runs without a hitch. With five hectic lives to look after, her time is seldom her own - but she loves every minute of it! Miss Fix-it sorts out evry detail on personal holiday bookings, concert and theatre tickets, planning photo sessions, TV shows, interviews etc., even domestic hassles like paying the gas billshelping to buy houses and flats (she even talks to estate agents and solicitors!)... and shes recently been roped in to choosing furniture!

So how did she get this one-in-a-million job, I hear you ask? While I was working at Island Records as Marketing Assistant, I got to hear through the grapevine that Tony Pope (Frankies manager) was looking for someone... so I wrote straight away. He rang me up when he got my letter and I raced over to see him. We got on so well that he offered me the job there and then.

What does Jenny say to the chances of any of you would-be Frankie PAs out there? I wouldnt hand over... for anything!

HOT SPOT

Remember the fantastic live version of Warriors on Rock around the Dock - Bet you wish youd taped it!

Tony Pope, the boys manager keeps disappearing off to Los Angeles on business - from the suntan we all reckon american record company offices must be equipped with sunlamps!

Jenny is off to Gran Canaria soon for her hols free icecream to the first club member to spot her!

The new single will be Watching the Wildlife - due out early in the new year.

JENNYS DIARY

- AN EVERYDAY STORY OF MUSICAL FOLK

Monday July 28th

Today seems the most appropriate day to start my diary because today we begin all the promotion for the new single Rage Hard.

Today Holly had an interview with The Face, and Nasher and Paul with Sunday magazine. I had arrangements to make for Rock around the Dock, a T.V. special to be held in Liverpool. Its being held on Wednesday, and I need to make the Hotel bookings and travel arrangements for us all to get up there.

Wednesday July 30th

Up early and into the office. When the cab arrives I go round to Pauls to collect him, and then to Euston to get on the train to Liverpool. The others have gone to Liverpool the day before to see their families so it was just Paul and I travelling today. Tony, the bands manager, has spent a few days on holiday in Cornwall and was driving up to Liverpool today to meet us there.

Arrive at the hotel, and then straight down to a very wet dockside for afternoon rehearsals. The set was very wet, and I was worried that the boys, especially Holly, might slip and fall into the Mersey! Back to the hotel where we all had something to eat and the boys did individual interviews with Ted Mico from Melody Maker and photo sessions. Back to the docks around 10pm to record the show - via an old ambulance to stop the boys getting mobbed - then back to the hotel afterwards and spend the rest of the evening in the bar!

Thursday July 31st

Up early for the journey home. Paul and I travel home with Tony by car the rest of the band are due to travel back on the train at 11 oclock in time for afternoon interviews and photosession in London.

All the next week is tied up with interviews and photos times and venues constantly changing Lorraine, their press officer from ZTT, and the cab firm both work overtime!

Wednesday August 6th

HOLIDAY! off to Israel for 2 week so Im leaving them all to it. Apart from the interviews the biggest commitment is Monday 18th, the video of Rage Hard is being shot at East Greenwich Gasworks in South East London.

Thursday August 21st

Back from hols and things are hotting up for the single release next week. Ped and Mark are in the middle of buying flats and both have appointments with solicitors in the office. Arrangements to be made for tomorrows appearance on Wogan.

Friday 22nd August

Wogan today. The band are due at the studio for 2.15 rehearsal, and as the studio is only down the road from the office they come back here between rehearsals and the actual filming. Ped moves into his new flat.

Monday August 25th

Single released today. Sales go very well on its first day in the shops. Arrangements to be made for tomorrows trip to Belgium.

Thursday August 28th

Band return from Belgium where they have been filming a T.V. show, all went well. Holly and Nasher straight to TV AM from the airport for an interview for screening tomorrow morning.

Friday August 29th

Interviews all afternoon in the office with Mark and Paul. Rock around the Dock on TV tonight. Mid week charts say single has gone in at number 6.

Monday September 1st

Holly doing an interview or Music Box in the morning, and all the band going to Amsterdam in the afternoon for a T.V. show. I have to organize the telephone and electricity for Peds new flat.

Wednesday September 3rd

Band return from Amsterdam and head for BBC for afternoon rehearsals of Top of the Pops. They had their costumes all planned, but decided it didnt quite work out, so Tony and I made a mad dash from the BBC to the Kings Road in between rehearsals and taping to get something together for them to wear.

Monday September 8th

Euro T.V. shows again this week. Band due to leave for Madrid this afternoon. Meeting today with David Griffiths about the setting up of a new Fan Club. Band away for the rest of the week.

Tuesday September 16th

Interviews all day for all the band office hectic. Ped needs some work done on his flat arrange for a builder to call tomorrow and ring early to get Ped up!

Thursday September 18th

Photo session all afternoon for all the band for a major German magazine in Fulham!

Friday September 19th

International telephone interviews with Sweden and Japan. Another meeting about the new fanclub.

Wednesday 24th September

Band to Paris for Euro Promotions until Friday, Ped then goes straight to Belgium for the car racing. Peds new garage door arrives arrange for someone to fit it!

Thursday 2nd October

Holly to Germany for the day to pick up an award the band have won the single reached Number 1 over there. Paul, Mark and Ped to Liverpool for interviews and to spend the week with their family.

Wednesday 15th October

Tony flies out to L.A. to find out whats happening recordwise etc. out there.

Monday 20th October

Album released today. The boys go into the studios for the next 10 days to practice for the forthcoming live session on the Tube.

Thursday 23rd October

David Griffiths from the Fan Club due at 1pm for lunch. Took him to see the boys in the studio and introduced him I think he was impressed.

Wednesday 29th October

Making arrangements for hotels and flights for the Tube in Newcastle confirmed itinery with the record company.

Thursday 30th October

Band leave from Heathrow for Newcastle

SCRAPBOOK

Frankie plan to tour Japan, Australia and the U.S. of A. soon - dates to be announced.

Ped and Mark are well keen on T.V.s Bullseye - the office is currently echoing to Liverpudlian Jim Bowen impressions!

Warriors of the wasteland is out on seven inch and TWO twelve inch mixes - have you got them all ?

FRANKIE ON TOUR

Kicking off on January Manchesters GMEX Frankie begin their 1987 promote the fabulous new album!

As anyone whos seen the boys in concert knows, this is a live experience not to be missed, and with only five dates confirmed in the U.K., theres no time to be wasted in applying for your tickets.

At this very moment the band are hard at work rehearsing at a secret venue in London, and I can assure you that the way they are sounding and looking, this is going to be the most visually and musically powerful tour to date.

See you there!

TOUR DATES SO FAR:

JAN 10 - GMEX Manchester

JAN 12/13 - Wembley

JAN 19 N.E.C. Birmingham

JAN 22 S.E.C. Glasgow

JAN 26 Florence, Italy

JAN 27 Rome, Italy

JAN 29 Milan, Italy

JAN 30 Padova, Italy

FEB 2 Paris, France

FEB 4 Rotterdam, Holland

FEB 6 Berlin, Germany

FEB 7 Hanover, Germany

FEB 9 Brussels, Belgium

FEB 10 Frankfurt, Germany

FEB 12 Munich, Germany

FEB 13 Dortmund, Germany

FEB 14 Hamburg, Germany

PARIS COMPETITION RULES

1. This competition is open to all genuine Frankie fans excepting the bands Agents and their Fan Club management.

2. The prizes as described will be awarded to those entrants who submit all-correct answers to the questions, and who, in the opinion of the judges, have suggested the most imaginative title for the next Club Newsletter.

3. The judges decision is final and legally binding.

4. The competition closes 16th January 1987 and prizewinners will be notified by 26th January 1987. The competition result can be obtained by sending a s.a.e. to the Club address after 26th January 1987.

NEXT ISSUE

-The Boys on tour!

-Live on Stage with Frankie! profiles of the backing musicians and crew.

-Photos, gossip and interviews with the lads!

COME AND SAY HELLO TO US IN THE FOYER AT EACH CONCERT!

NAMEAFAN

- and the New Official Frankie Club will send you both a FREE GIFT!

Yes, introduce a fellow Frankie fan to our new Club and we will send you (compliments of the boys) a free gift.

YOUR NAME

ADDRESS

FRIENDS NAME

ADDRESS

Cut out this coupon and send it to....

Name a Fan, P.O. Box 4, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 8DQ

COMPETITION WIN A TRIP TO PARIS and meet our Famous Five!

Enter our exciting FREE competition and win yourself the trip of a lifetime to meet the boys in Paris!

Yes, all you have to do is answer correctly the 5 questions below, and then think of a suitable name for the next Club Newsletter. Two lucky first prizewinners will each get an all-expenses-paid trip out to Paris on February 2nd 1987* to see the boys playing their only French date, followed by a visit backstage to meet the band personally at the after-the-show party! Then a night in a de luxe hotel - and a quick tour of the sights before flying home in time to get your film into Boots before closing!

Two runners-up will each receive a FREE copy of their latest album Liverpool - personally signed by the boys. All our winners will be featured in our our special Tour Issue of the Club Newsletter, out next February.

So hurry and get your pens out - the closing date for entries is 16th January 1987!

(* as scheduled at time of going to press)

QUESTIONS

1. What are the family ties between Nasher and Mark?

2. Relax was the second biggest selling U.K. single in 1984 - What was No. 1?

3. Who directed the video for Rage Hard?

4. What is the running time of the Liverpool album?

5. Which song finally knocked Relax off the No. 1 spot?

Now think of a suitable title for the next issue of the Club Newsletter.

COMPETITION COUPON

NAME

ADDRESS

ANSWERS

The next issue of the Club Newsletter should be called

Send to Paris Competition, P.O. Box 4, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 8DQ.

Article: Fan club magazine - issue two

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:30:59 GMT +1

First published: Wed, 01 Apr 1987

ISSUE TWO

BONJOUR EUROPE!

The official Frankie goes to Hollywood fan Club magazine

SPRING 1987

RAGE OVER EUROPE

Well, here we are at last, back from the tour to end all tours! Despite all the comments appearing in the popular press before hand, the lads were absolutely STUNNING on stage! Even that wonderful woman from Smash Hits had to admit that she was impressed! Inside this issue we have got the lowdown on THE trip to Paris, with the two lucky prizewinners from last issues competition - and yours truly (well someone had to carry the bags).

The lads are now back home and at the time of writing this article the press is alive with rumours of the bands early demise. The truth is, to quote Tony Pope, the lads manager, After the tour, the plan always was that everybody would have a good rest, and then spend the summer on their own solo projects. We are still committed to another Frankie album in the autumn, and theres no question of splitting up permanently.

Plans for Hollys solo album are well advanced, and with the Aids benefit work hes doing, its a busy time for him and Wolfgang at the moment. The lads are all taking a bit of a break, with plans for Paul, Mark and Ped to work together after that.

In the office were all plugging a way for the single, and tidying up after the tour, doing all the mundane jobs like writing newsletters and answering your letters!

THE TOUR

Jenny writes It all began back on January 2nd with production rehearsals, the final week of rehearsals before the tour begins. The whole show is rehearsed as you actually see it. The stage is set up for the first time, all the lighting in place - everything as it should be. For a whole week at the Brixton Academy, the band went through the show to get it just right.

Here in the office things were getting fairly hectic as well. I was getting together the bands stage outfits, making travel arangements for the weekend, organising tickets and guest lists for the shows. Because all the bands families and friends were going to Manchester, that guest list was quite a job in itself!

Rehearsals at Brixton went well throughout the week, and Thursday is the last day. We finished about 4pm and the crew began loading the gear onto the trucks ready to leave for Manchester that evening. Friday was the bands day off, although by then evryone just wanted to get started.

On Saturday, Tony and I flew up to Manchester with Holly and Paul. The lads had got the early morning flight up there. After checking into the Hotel, we went straight to the GMEX centre for the sound check. Everything was ready for the off. By the time the boys arrived back at the gig in the evening at about 8.30 the place was packed.

Berlin had almost finished their set. Everyone was nervous although we were all trying not to show it. I went out and stood on the lighting desk for a good view. The lights went down. The show had begun

OH YES THEY DID!

True to our word, several weeks ago, we found ourselves ringing the two lucky prizewinners from last issues mega-competition to meet the lads in Paris.

The questions were answered correctly by nearly fifty applicants, so it was all down to the slogans, to be judged by the great Tony the Pope himself. We had put in a couple of questions that we thought would stump most of you, specifically who directed the Rage Hard Video?, but a list of credits after the video on the Tube over Christmas meant that that was the easiest question of them all! Lucky winners turned out to be Katie Farnell from Liverpool, and Nigel Hunt from Barnsley.

But, I hear you cry, why are there two girls in the photo? Well, dear readers, we have a story to touch your very hearts, because Nigel, that man amongst men, gave in to the unbearable pressure of one Ju1ie Barr, his dearly beloved, and gave her the ticket! Incidentally, I hear that Hes nearly recovered from the gentle persuasion she exerted over him, hope the bruises heal soon!

In case youre interested, the answers were: 1. They are cousins, 2. Do they know its Christmas (Feed the world), 3. David Bailey, 4. 44 minutes 29 seconds, 5. 99 Red Baloons by Nena (Easy, eh!)

Anyway, back to the story. All arrangements were made to meet up at Manchester Airport bright and early Monday morning, and as Katie tells it: Got up at 5.30 a.m. It was like Christmas day all over again. We arrived at Manchester about 7.30 and met up with Dave G about 8, but couldnt find Joo1s (as she likes to be known) anywhere. We wernt too worried because the flight wasnt until 9 oclock, but at five to, still no Jools Dave was getting distinctly worried! He left her boarding pass at the desk and we ran to catch our flight.

It was like Magnum doing a mad dash through the airport, only to get put on a coach all the way back to Liverpool. We arrived at Liverpool Airport and decided to have some breakfast - just as we sat down they called our flight. Dave said Oh dont worry, plenty of time so we ate our breakfast before walking to the gate. Not a minute too soon either we nearly missed it! We boarded the plane and who should be there but Joo1s the Woolyback (scouse for anyone with a funny accent like on Emmerdale Farm), she had got to Manchester five minutes after we left and driven (Good Old Nigel) all the way to Liverpool looking in each coach on the way!

Me and Jools had never flown before so it was pretty exciting stuff, Dave of course was dead laid back about it all, I was just scared. Jools now likes flying, I myself do not! We landed in Gatwick and had a quick drink, and Dave took some photos of us for the mag before we caught our connection to Paris, its terrible being a Jet-setter. We arrived at about 2.30, and after Dave and Jools trying to use the phones and me doing my best to look french, we caught a cab to the Hotel. Jools and I were so unbelievably nervous.

The hotel was brill, just like La Mirage on Dynasty, it was called the Warwick, just off the Champs Elysee. I was in room 322 and Jools was in 325. The Frankies were under the assumed name of the Bollox Brothers and by the end of the trip we had worked out who was who: Mr Rowdy Bollox - Holly Mr Chad Bollox - Paul Mr Archibald Bollox - Ped Mr Chris P. Bollox - Peter Oxendale (Keyboards) Mr Brad Bollox - Ged OToole (Guitars) Mr Airey Bollox - Nash Mr Chuck Bollox - Mark.

The rooms were dead posh, champagne in the fridge, remote control telly, the lot. At about 3.30 we went down to the foyer and met Mark, Ped, Ged and Peter Oxendale, and when Nash turned up with Dave the Tour manager we got on a big posh coach avec the lads and drove to the soundcheck. Something I must warn you about if you ever go to Paris the Parisians are mental drivers. They totally ignore signs, lights and police. It took about 30 minutes to get to the Palais Omnisports de Paris, which was tres grand - the biggest indoor concert venue in Europe!

We watched the lads play, then they asked us onto the stage, I had a go on Nashs guitar and Jools tried out the drums brilliant! We drove back to the hotel, had a quick meal and met up again with the band (they dont eat until after the show). Paul arrived carrying a gorgeous leather jacket with

We got back to the stadium to hear Berlin booming out Take my breath away. Dave gave us Backstage passes so that we could go anywhere in the hall, and we met Holly and Wolfgang in the Bands Suite, they were playing on the Arcade machines. Holly posed for photos and made us both a drink, Wolfgang asked if we had enjoyed flying and I told him exactly what I thought of it! Everyone went out to the wardrobe room and changed into their costumes, same ones as they wore for Lunar Bay and Rage Hard on the Tube, and we had some more photos with Holly in his Blue suit.

Paul brought Jools a Frankie says Wear Condoms T-Shirt, LOVE and HATE on the collars, tassels along the arms and big Silver shoulder pieces dead sound. In the coach Paris by night is beautiful, all the lights along the Seine very poetic!

and then we went out onto the sound desk to watch the show. It was incredible to see the change in the lads when they went on stage, they were so strong that the crowd were with them from the first song. As the lights went down for The Power of Love, the crowd lit matches and sparklers, it was an incredible sight, and when Holly said Look at all those stars, isnt Paris beautiful, Vous etes magnifique, they all went mad.

After the show we had to fight our way out of the hall, and I did my regal wave to all the french fans outside from the coach. Mark laughed at me waving and joined in. We all went out for a meal to the City Rock Cafe, which has a real 1960s Cadillac in the lobby, and then back to the Hotel bar for a drink. Paul had met up with some of his friends who live in Paris, and Peter played the piano in the bar, making up songs about the rest of the band as he went along.

Eventually after loads of photos and autographs and souvenirs we went to bed for a few hours sleep. Next morning we went down the Champs Elysee where I bought some brilliant sunglasses. I was dreading the flight back but I was so tired I just fell asleep. I was sad to leave the lads in Paris and wished we could have gone with them to Rotterdam, ah well maybe next time! It was a really great trip, everybody was so nice to us and we had a sound time.

I never used to believe that people won these competitions, but I do now! Thanks to the lads, Tony, Jenny, Dave G and Dave M, Ta very much lads, we had a great time.

Article: Snobbery and Decay - Exclusive Moonlighting Mix

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:24:56 GMT +1

First published: Fri, 01 May 1987

TITLE: SNOBBERY AND DECAY Exclusive Moonlighting Mix

ARTIST: THE ACT

LABEL: ZTT

Hi Everybody!

Heres a special treat from the bunch at ZTT to whet your appetites!

Introducing the exclusive Herbie (from Mastermind) Moonlighting Mix of Snobbery and Decay which will not become commercially available. In other words, you have a 100% exclusive which has been made especially for the DJs of the UK from the ever thoughtful ZTT camp.

The Act jumped to No 68 on the Top 100 this week and with radio play increasing, Snobbery and Decay is well on the way to becoming a major hit.

The Act comprises of Claudia Bruchen (ex-Propaganda) and Thomas Leer, both artists having made left-field dance classics before with Dr Mabuse, P. Machinery and International, most of which achieved far better success in the U.S. and Europe than in the UK.

Hopefully your support will change the previous lack of club play. ZTT have made every effort to provide DJs with the goods, so lets see some support out there!

Once again, we are monitoring reaction returns very carefully. Have you been returning?

All the best

IAN DEWHIRST JON WILLIAMS KATHY EYKELENBOOM

Article scan kindly provided by Nick Ryder.

Article: Absolutely Immune press release

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:06:49 GMT +1

First published: Wed, 02 Sep 1987

HALL OR NOTHING PRESS
01 434 3080
01 734 4429

ACT.
CLAUDIA BRUCKEN.
THOMAS LEER.

The second single - Absolutely Immune.

Released by ZTT on September 7th.

The seven inch catalogue number - imm 1.

The three track twelve inch - with an extended Absolutely Immune, and extra track, a version of Grace Slicks White Rabbit. (timm 1).

Absolutely Immune, a song for those with all the time in the world, for those who smile in the face of advertising. Their first single, Snobbery And Decay, was dedicated to all the heroes and heroines of 20th Century show-business, from Noel Coward to Bette Midler: Immune is for all the anti-heroes and heroines of 20th Century self-centredness, from Henry Miller to Martin Amis.

We had two choices. To write a song, Euro-beaten up, that shut its eyes to the world and brightly grinned, or to write a song that opened its eyes wide open, and yelled in hope. The first we decided, was best done by machines, left to their own devices. We set machines on their way to make such a record, which we may never release. The song we decided to release seemed to be that much more optimistic and intoxicating than a hollow laugh set to music.

Act are presently working on their debut album, organising live shows, thinking up a musical, admiring Bette Midler and Bruce McClean, writing a hundred minutes of instrumental music that may never see the light of day, setting machines in motion to come up with whatever, and fighting the cold.

For more human warmth call Philip Hall or Sallie Johnson on 01 434 3080.

Dated September 2nd 1987.

82 BERWICK STREET
SOHO LONDON W1V 3PJ
FAX 734 5411 VAT No. 466 4614 29

Article scan kindly provided by Nick Ryder.

Article: Duels

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:45:49 GMT +1

First published: Sun, 01 Jun 2008

Pop machine

DUELS

ANONYMAT / SUCCES,DUSSELDORF / LONDRES, TUBES / CHOSES A DIRE, CLIPS / IMAGINATION, CLAUDIA / RALF, MICHAEL / SUZANNE, UN PAR UN LES PROPAGANDA CROISENT LE FER AVEC GERARD BAR-DAVID.

«Congregatio de propaganda fide» : («Pour propager la foi» - La Compagnie de Jesus)

La foi, ça va. Merci. Six mois pour transformer le quatuor robotique de la ZTT en lame de fond vertigineuse, Propaganda se propage en tous terrains. Pour nous autres rockers «les quatre de Dusseldorf incarnent la filiation directe de Kraftwerk aux Sex Pistols». Pour les lectrices de ELLE, Propaganda est sans doute «très mode et caetera», ceux de lHUMA adhèreront «au rock revendicatif de ce socialisme synthétique avancé», ceux de FRANCE SOIR, reconnaîtront sans doute en eux «les nouveaux Abba». Comme dab, je parie que LIBE crache dans la choucroute et que PODIUM dévoile la marque «Petit Bateau» des culottes «Petit Bateau» de la chanteuse. Ils inaugurent la 5 ET la 6, sans rire, tous les rateliers bouffent du Propaganda et ça les rend furieusement intrigants.

Sous les spotlights multi-mediatiques, Propaganda révèle ses quatre invididualités. Exit lanonymat robotique de lépoque «Dr Mabuse», Claudia Brucken, Michael Mertens, Suzanne Freytag et Ralf Dorper incarnent aujourdhui la toute puissance du video power. En décembre dernier, Propaganda remplissait lEldorado, aujourdhui le Zenith y suffirait à peine.

Euro-et, pourquoi pas, Mondo-rock le groupe est le fruit parfait dune double défonce. Sonore, dabord, avec la production ZTT téléguidée par Trevor Horn. Defonce de marketing aussi, échaufaudée de main de maitre par Paul Morley, un ex-rock critique roué à toutes les ficelles du métier.

Pari gagné. En un seul album et un gig fugitif de quarante minutes à Paris, Propaganda est le groupe le plus grave du moment. Romance et aventures sonores à la Indiana Jones, mystère, suspense, coups de théâtres, la musique de Propaganda est un montage dimages. Mais elles sont si variées quelles nont guère le temps de suser.

Fugitive mais imparable, la dynamique Propaganda mérite dêtre cernée. Gagner sur tous les fronts et sur un seul disque, cest si rare de nos jours

Un studio vidéo de plus à Boulogne, dans les odeurs de peinture fraiche, les Propaganda se sacrifient pour le département NRJ de la 6. Fromage, donc. Et dessert avec linterview de Best en carré das.

CLAUDIA BRUCKEN

Blonde, chanteuse, originaire de la lointaine Bavaria, Claudia est la première pop star au tarin de Cléopâtre. Jules César, cest Paul Morley, le co-boss de Zang Tumb Tuum. Figure de proue de la Propagande, Claudia incarne létincelle militante qui enflamme toutes les notes de pochettes et les textes. La dialectique du charme se pratique à deux, je lai testée pour vous.

- Parlons de la citation de J.-G. Ballard au dos de «P Machinery».

Claudia Brucken: Pour moi, les positions politiques ne sont pas déplacées, même dans lunivers de la pop. Thatcher en Angleterre, le terrorisme en Allemagne, tout est lié. Baader, par exemple, est une réaction face à léducation hyper coincée imposée aux jeunes Allemands.

- Dailleurs toi tu as choisi de texpatrier au Royaume-Uni.

C.B.: Jai vingt-deux ans, je veux expérimenter différentes villes, différents pays, différentes vies. A Londres jai pu voir des tas dautres choses, cest très hygiénique pour la tête. Je suis fascinée par lattitude politique des jeunes Anglais lorsquils réagissent de manière viscérale face au gouvernement Thatcher.

- LAllemagne a été socialiste durant des années ; avec le recul cétait positif ou négatif?

C.B.: Sans lombre dun doute la social démocratie était dix fois plus positive que le pouvoir actuel. Kohl est une catastrophe, une pauvre marionnette du système.

- Ah, comme dans la vidéo de Propaganda...

C.B.: On voulait une vidéo abstraite et Zbig Rabichensky, le réalisateur a suggéré lidée des marionnettes. Le symbolisme est peut être facile, mais elles ont une forte coloration politique. Je nai rien contre les idéologies, je pense même quelles doivent sintroduire dans la musique. Contrairement à ce que beaucoup pensent, la pop music nest jamais tout-à-fait innocente.»

Paris, Zurich, Milan, New-York, re-Paris en passant par Londres; les Hilton sont sans doute confortables mais surtout bien ennuyeux. Lorsquelle retrouve son douillet foyer londonien, elle ronfle, cuisine ou peint des trucs abstraits. Lorsquon parle fringues, Claudia réplique Azzedine Alaïa ou Gaulthier. Quant au rock

C.B.: Je suis très branchée Velvet Underground/Lou Reed. Lorsque nous avons fait ce titre, «Dr Mabuse», on sest dit quil incarnait le mal au masculin. La face B du maxi devait donc incarner le mal au féminin, nous avons donc choisi de reprendre «Femme Fatale». Chez Propaganda, on aime bien les situations parallèles. Toutes nos faces B ont une corrélation directe avec les faces A.

- Le mouvement Bauhaus opposait souvent le noir au blanc, on peut comparer ?

C.B.: Personnellement, je ne suis pas du tout influencée par le Bauhaus, mais cest vrai, dautres éléments de Propaganda y sont plus sensibles. On a chacun nos propres sources. Moi cest Marlène Dietrich et le Velvet, Suzanne adore Brecht et les Buzzcocks, Michael plane dans ses trucs classiques et Ralf se fait un revival «No Future 77» en permanence. Propaganda a un drôle déquipage. Nous jouons sans cesse avec des images. «Mabuse» incarnait le mal, «Duel» est une pop song à paillettes jusquau boutiste. Avec un nom comme Propaganda, tu peux vraiment emballer nimporte quoi».

RALF DORPER

Genre Tournesol, avec ses petites lunettes, Ralf Dorper cultive sans doute son look «professeur fou». En tout cas, il na pas lallure de ses passions punkisantes.

- Vu de lextérieur, le fonctionnement de Propaganda parait un peu obscur. Quel est ton rôle dans le groupe?

Ralf Dorper: En fait chacun touche à tout: musique, concept etc. Nous revendiquons notre identité pour chaque aspect de Propaganda. En ce moment, je fais moins de musique pour me consacrer au texte et au travail conceptuel.

- Tu viens de Dusseldorf; tu y es né et tu y as grandi, nest-ce pas?

R.D.: Affirmatif. Dusseldorf est une ville trop riche et trop clean, une cité de mode et dadministration. Le contraste est assez intéressant. Dusseldorf a toujours engendré des mouvements artistiques. Pour le rock, le groupe local de référence est bien sûr Kraftwerk. Cette ville a toujours été le noyau de la musique électronique allemande, peut-être sommes-nous le prolongement de cette tradition.

- Tu vis encore là bas?

R.D.: Oui, car pour moi, Dusseldorf est lendroit idéal, même si avec Propaganda nous travaillons toujours en Angleterre. Mais rien nest immuable dans ce groupe, je parie que notre prochain album sera enregistré ailleurs. Pourquoi pas à Paris. Propaganda na pas de base géographique fixe.

- Quel âge as-tu?

R.D.: Jai vingt-six ans.

- Tu as un hobby?

R.D.: Oui je collectionne les disques punk. Tu comprends, pour moi, la musique démarre à la fin des seventies avec le punk. Mon tout premier disque fut enregistré dans ma chambre sur un 4 pistes. On le distribuait nous-mêmes.

- Tu étais punk?

R.D.: Pas exactement, disons que je pratiquais de la musique électronique experimentale et destroy. Avec mon second groupe, Krupps on a même décroché un hit en travaillant uniquement sur des percus métalliques. Quant à ma collection de disques, jai surtout une très belle série de singles rares ou en tirage limité de groupes disparus: Thomas Lear, les premiers Human League ou quelques raretés Factory. On retrouve cette tendance punk sur le titre «Jewel», le B side de «Duel». Avec Propaganda nous aimons multiplier les idées et les balancer à différents niveaux pour brouiller les pistes.

- Tu ne crains pas que tout cela échappe au public de base, celui qui achète «P Machinery» au supermarché local?

R.D.: Nous voulons fabriquer de la pop et nous voulons quelle se vende, mais ceux qui veulent regarder notre musique de plus près auront au moins le choix de découvrir un autre niveau. La pop aujourdhui est désespérément vide. Je crois que le public attend quelque chose dautre quune jolie coquille. Il faut quil sache que ce quil recherche est désormais disponible sur le marché: Propaganda. Nous, on joue révolution permanente. Tiens, par exemple jai lair sérieux tandis que Mike est franchement plus rigolo. Eh bien ça va changer. Demain il sera un mystique sarcastique et vice versa.

- Dernière question quel est ton plat allemand favori?

R.D.: Les pommes de terre. »

MICHAEL MERTENS

Yeux verts, lèvres fines, environ trente ans, jimagine assez Michael Mertens, le romantique de Propaganda, en habits dix huitième, jouant dans un chateau fou quelque part en Bavière. En fait Michael est originaire de Stendhal, RDA. Qui sait, jai peut-être enfin interviewé mon premier agitateur rouge.

Michael Mertens: Mes parents se sont échappés de RDA lorsque javais trois ans. Heureuse initiative. Hélas, mon grand père est encore là-bas. Il vient nous voir de temps en temps, mais il se refuse à quitter sa terre. Elle représente toute sa vie.

- Quel est ta fonction chez Propaganda SA?

M.M.: Je suis responsable du travail musical, de récriture des morceaux. Je suis sans cesse à la recherche de nouvelles trouvailles sonores. Je suis un musicien professionnel, jai passé des années au conservatoire et jen suis sorti avec un prix de percussions. Je fais aussi des claviers, je programme les machines. Avant de rencontrer Ralf, je bossais pour un orchestre symphonique; la transition a été brutale mais passionnante. Jétais très excité par toute lidée des instruments électroniques. Dès que jai posé les mains sur ces machines, létendue de leurs possibilités ma donné le vertige.

- Au fait comment sest passée ta rencontre avec Ralf?

M.M.: De manière tout-à-fait accidentelle. Javais une petite boite à rythmes à vendre et jai passé une annonce dans un canard de Dusseldorf pour men débarrasser. Comme Ralf la voulait, il a débarqué chez moi pour lessayer. Tout lespace de ma chambre était encombrédinstruments divers, de percus, de marimbas. Ralf ma posé un tas de questions sur mes activités et on est devenus potes.

- En fait tu es une sorte dexplorateur du son plutôt quun collectionneur?

M.M.: Cest vrai car je ne collectionne pas vraiment les instruments, disons que jessaie plutôt de dénicher dautres sources sonores pour nous sortir de nos habitudes. A Cologne, au Symphonic Orchestra, ils ont une salle entière où sentassent des percussions venant de toute la planète. Jai travaillé avec eux, on se connait assez bien, alors de temps en temps je leur emprunte quelques instruments pour les échantillonner sur flexi disc. Je me balade sans cesse avec un Walkman Sony Pro, ça me permet de prélever mes échantillons à peu près nimporte où. Pour la plupart des bruitages cest largement suffisant. Parfois nous échantillonnons directement au studio et on injecte le son dans le Synclavier, la qualité est parfaite.

Cest ainsi que jai échantillonné et usé Stewart Copeland pour «Duel». Un soir Trevor (Horn) nous a amené Copeland au studio. Il a joué directement sur le titre, mais ça ne collait pas. Sa batterie était trop identifiable. Alors nous lavons mis en boite pour ne garder que les sons les plus hauts comme les cymbales. Stewart Copeland peut disparaitre, son flexi disc lui survivra à jamais.

- En dehors de Stewart Copeland, quel est le dernier son étrange que tu aies capturé?

M.M.: Lorsque nous étions à Liverpool nous sommes allés visiter cette rade où des bateaux étaient abandonnés comme des vaisseaux fantômes. Lacoustique y était incroyable. Il suffisait de percuter les parois avec un marteau et grâce à lécho, le son se répercutait. On a aussi pris quelques sons de machines car nous en faisons une très forte consommation, il suffit découter les moteurs utilisés sur «Jewel». Bien sûr, tout cela nest pas spectaculairement nouveau, dautres lont fait avant nous, mais jaime assez être un Frankeinstein du son digital.

- Avec toutes ces trouvailles sonores, Propaganda fonctionne un peu comme un film pour aveugles.

M.M.: Yeah beaucoup de gens nous lont dit, nous essayons toujours de créer des images musicales. Car la musique est aussi sensuelle quoptique; si tu lécoutes bien tu VOIS des tas de choses, à condition de débrider ton imagination. La musique de Propaganda cest aussi la liberté pour les images des autres car nous leur préservons toujours assez despace pour quelles puissent se développer. Les gens doivent utiliser leur imagination au lieu de se contenter de consommer celle des autres.»

SUZANNE FREYTAG

Blonde aussi, mais encore plus jolie, Vénus un peu maigre mais Vénus quand même, Suzanne a une manière de vous fixer de ses yeux bleus qui peut vous liquéfier. Lorsquelle tire la langue sur la vidéo de «P Machinery», la sensualité nous expédie dans ses filets. A 25 ans, la responsable du département séduction de Propaganda ne se défend pas vraiment «à corps perdu».

- Si on parlait de «Frozen Faces», la face B de «P Machinery»?

Suzanne Freytag: Si ce titre a lair quelque peu expérimental, cest quil a été enregistré de manière parfaitement spontanée. Claudia et moi avons écrit le texte un soir à Dusseldorf. En ce moment nous travaillons en Ecosse car le bassiste Derek Forbes, qui nous a accompagnés en tournée, un ex-Simple Minds, y possède une superbe baraque en pleine campagne. Il nous a offert son studio de répète pour bosser. Ralf et Michael sont venus dAllemagne, Claudia et moi de Londres et Propaganda sest retrouvé chez Derek.

- Dans la galerie de portraits Propaganda, Claudia est un peu la diva politisée, Ralf le mec sérieux, Michael le petit rigolo branché classique et toi tu tires la langue dans tes vidéos.

S.F.: Eh oui je suis assez inattendue, la langue est la meilleure et la pire des choses.

- Es-tu une bonne fée ou une sorcière?

S.F.: Je crois être une bonne fée, mais on nest jamais sûr de rien.

- Pourquoi avoir quitté Dusseldorf pour Londres?

S.F.: Tu sais jai 25 ans et je vis à Londres depuis juin dernier. Jai donc passé toute ma vie à Dusseldorf, javais envie despace urbain. Notre signature sur un label anglais fut pour moi une chance inespérée. Jadore Londres, la preuve, jy ai même choisi mon boyfriend.

- Si tu nétais pas Suzanne de Propaganda, voudrais-tu être actrice?

S.F.: Jen ai toujours rêvé, mais cest un peu tard pour les cours dart dramatique. A Dusseldorf je bossais parfois dans un théâtre pour me faire de largent de poche, ça me faisait rêver. Jai une formation dorfèvre dart; jai passé des années à lécole pour apprendre à dessiner des bijoux.

- Tu lis beaucoup?

S.F.: Des bouquins, des magazines allemands à Londres, des trucs variés comme «A la Recherche du Temps Perdu» de Marcel Proust en traduction car jai appris le français à lécole, mais je manque dentrainement pour déchiffrer un texte.

- Quel est ton rêve/fantasme?

S.F.: Peut être faire lamour dans un avion de ligne, je nai encore jamais essayé.

- Que détestes-tu chez toi et à lopposé quest-ce que tu aimes le plus?

S.F.: Je peux être très paresseuse, mais je crois que je maime beaucoup en général. Tu dois être capable de taimer si tu veux pouvoir aimer les autres.

- Si tu nétais pas une Propaganda qui serais-tu?

S.F.: Je ne sais pas moi une espionne.»

Propos recueillis par Gérard BAR-DAVID

Article: Frankie says

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:51:46 GMT +1

First published: ?

Frankie Says

give it loads! Loads of verbal, that is. These lads have more rabbit than Sainsburys - we take a look at some of their choice quotes.

OTHER BANDS

I think Echo and The Bunnymen are brilliant. They deserve all their success. Holly.

He doesnt like us, Nick Beggs. He thinks were morally wrong. Paul.

If you see someone like Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran, hes got a Fairlight but when it comes to playing gigs and you ask him if he knows how to work one, hed say, No. Same as us. Ped.

I dont like Lloyd Cole & The Commotions because they dont like us. Mark.

Cyndi Laupers obnoxious. Nasher.

Culture Club have definitely wimped out. The Thompson Twins are really wimpy. Duran Duran used to be really brilliant but theyve wimped out too. Nasher.

I used to watch lots of bands like The Who and Led Zeppelin on the television and wished I could be there. Ped.

THEMSELVES

He was a skinhead and I thought, Oooh! Hes weird! He had this blond skinhead cut with Psycho sprayed in black on his head. I hated that. He was wild but hes not any more. Hes been tamed by age. Nasher on Holly.

When Holly was in Big In Japan I used to think, God, he must be dead famous. Mark.

He sounded like Johnny Rotten. Holly on Paul.

Nasher always gets up earliest, the little egg, but then hes usually in bed first. He bangs on Peds door but Peds taken the door knob off so he cant get in. Mark.

Hes a great one for asking everyone, even the cleaner, what they think. Mark on Frankie producer, Trevor Horn.

You used to get people writing in to the Liverpool Echo saying, Who is this Martian walking round town? I used to get battered. Going out for lunch was like running the gauntlet. Holly.

I suppose wed have to buy individual gaffs and a communal gaff cos in twenty years well be a phenomenon. Mark.

Usually, Im friendly and gregarious, but there are times when I wonder why anyone would want to speak to someone as boring as me. Paul.

AMERICA

Its been a dream come true for us. America has always been the place to succeed. Holly.

You get lonely so you turn on the telly and theres some news about cab drivers getting shot in the head for five dollars. All the TV makes you paranoid. Mark.

I love New York and I hate it. New York is Hello I love you, give me some work!. Holly.

Beware, the Big Apple is full of maggots. Paul.

I have little doubt that America will be as beguiled by us as Britain has been. Holly.

Like I phoned up me ma and everything sounded dead normal at home, you know theyre watching Corrie and Im on Madison Avenue! Mark.

TELEVISION

I used to like The Avengers and The Champions. The Champions were the ones who used to wear polo necks. Mark.

John Noakes (Blue Peter presenter) was brilliant. He had loads of bottle doing all these things that no-onell do anymore like jumping out of planes and getting stuck on mountains in Scotland. He was a bit of a plank like, but he was dead funny. Nasher.

I still love Corrie - Vera Duckworth is God. I saw her once at Granada walking round singing a little song. Im in love with her. Paul.

You were either a Jackson cartoon fan or an Osmonds cartoon fan - I was a Jacksons cartoon fan. Michael Jackson hadnt had a nose-job then and the Osmonds were a bit pearly-white teeth for me. Mark.

Brookside is a brilliant programme, its far too subversive to be called a soap. Paul.

SUCCESS

This is harder work than any other job Ive ever witnessed. Holly.

The playing side is great but the non-stop Press! Paul.

Showbiz is a very strange thing, Ive got a love-hate relationship with that. In Liverpool your mates say, Youre there, Holly, youre there but they only see the end product, not what that entails. Holly.

Its brilliant. I mean, a year ago. I hadnt even been to London - honest! Mark.

Course we like making money but we like working as well. Ped.

We are here to stir things up. Even people that hate us have to admit that weve already succeeded in doing that. Love Frankie or hate it - thats what we want - a strong reaction. Holly.

When you become a public figure you cease to seem ordinary. Paul.

Were only rich on paper. Maybe well become tax exiles on the Isle of Man. Imagine the three lads as millionaires! Mark.

Article: Person 2 person

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:26:31 GMT +1

First published: ?

PERSON 2 PERSON

This week Laura Campbell from Inverness puts some burning questions to Holly Johnson from Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

Laura: Do you have a girlfriend, and what is her name?

Holly: Ive got lots of girls who are friends, but I dont have a specific girlfriend.

Laura: Do you like Glaswegians?

Holly: Yeah, I do. I like them a lot actually, because I like Scotland.

Laura: How did you become a singer?

Holly: I used to be a bass player and the band I was in was a bit naff, and I wanted to make a single, so I left. I did always want to sing though.

Laura: The woman who says Youre late as well, thats three times on the run on the Sex-Mix B side of Relax, is it Marie from Brookside?

Holly: No, its Susie from Brookside. Susie is a friend of one of the girls, and shes not in it any more because she went to San Francisco to live, but shes just come home. Her names Helen Murphy, shes a friend of mine.

Laura: What do you listen to in your spare time?

Holly: A lot of disco music basically, a lot of disco. Occasionally I listen to things like Joni Mitchell, and really quiet things, but mainly I listen to the latest American import disco singles.

Laura: What do you wear in bed?

Holly: Chanel Number 5!

Laura: Whats the most embarrassing thing thats ever happened to you?

Holly: I really cant think of anything, honestly!

Laura: Have you any lifelong unfulfilled ambitions?

Holly: Ive always wanted to be in a film.

Article: A suitably spectacular finale

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:27:26 GMT +1

First published: Fri, 01 Jan 1988

A SUITABLY SPECTACULAR FINALE

ZTT/Frankie Goes To Hollywood was the perfect pop partnership of the eighties; its success pointed to a new dawn for independent record labels. Simon Garfield watched it submerge itself in a sea of good old fashioned acrimony.

It was May 1987, and Paul Morley was making a point at a ZTT board meeting in Ladbroke Grove. Morley, then a ZTT director and - since his writing days at NME - a man aware of the power of bad press, had scanned the recent cuttings on his labels relationships with Propaganda and Das Psych-Oh Rangers and observed that ZTT is now perceived as a bully label.

Eight months on at the High Court in the Strand, and Morley is nowhere to be seen. But his observations have seldom been more prophetic. In some eyes, the bully label had turned into a grisly ogre, a baffling high-walled maze of super-tech studio gadgetry and exploitative business practice. This was Holly Johnsons view, an opinion he raised throughout his three-week attempt to free himself from all ZTT ties and win back what he regarded as excessive recording costs deducted from the royalties he earned with Frankie Goes To Hollywood. And having toured the ZTT studios and turned a nose up at all manner of trivial pop diversions, it became - in essence at least - the view of Mr Justice Whitford, who let Johnson go to MCA with considerable funds in his pocket.

The popular press loved the saga. Not so much because it exercised the great, famous pop stars getting their own back on their publishing and record companies, but because it repainted a reassuringly venal and depraved pop world picture. The case covered homosexuality, bags of used fivers, drunken envy among spoiled adolescents, and an element that readers with even the slimmest knowledge of modern-day recording techniques were well aware of - that and these days rather trendy, rite of not all the sounds on every record were made by good-looking cover stars playing old-fashioned instruments.

For ZTT, the courtroom events marked not just the end of its relationship with Johnson, but also the close of a unique and ever-tumultuous first period in the labels history. Why bother to paraphrase the last decade of British pop in terms of CBS, PolyGram and Virgin or George Michael, Dire Straits and Boy George, when you could do it in terms of just one small independent company?

From its inception in 1983 to the court case in January 1988, ZTT had everything: entrepreneurship; sound creative judgement; inspired marketing; dramatic, shooting success; bullish financial takeovers; harsh boardroom tussles; and then a protracted downward spiral, bereft of most of the above. There was a human-interest angle: the two ZTT directors, businesswoman Jill Sinclair and record producer Trevor Horn, were married and had kids; Sinclair even wrote long workmanlike letters attempting to narrow the chasm between herself and Horns parents. And then there was the legal angle: the severing of ties, rarely amicably, with signings The Art Of Noise, Propaganda, Andrew Poppy and Das Psych-Oh Rangers, and even a row with their distributors Island Records.

Its a perfect parabolic parable: massive success, massive failure and now, at the time of writing in June 1988, what looks like an upward swing with The Pogues and Nasty Rox Inc. How can this happen? Isnt success supposed to breed success and failure to breed failure?

For Jill Sinclair, the answer is rooted in experience: Its very hard when youre a small licensed label, and youre very successful, to keep everyone happy. When you have great success, you think all you need to do is to make good records, but theres a lot more to it than that. We in our naivety did not realize the problems that small labels can get into with things like recording costs. Those experiences have been very painful. Running a record label is so hard.

For music business solicitor Brian Carr, the answer has something to do with ZTT contracts. Acting for Propaganda in their successful attempt to leave ZTT in 1987, he discovered there was no limit to the amount Trevor Horn could charge for his efforts as producer. In theory this could mean that even a successful artist might never see any net earnings, such would be the debt to the recording process. Normally a company exercises some control over expenditure in the studio, says Carr, and in this case there was no control over Trevors expenditure. The agreement entered into by the group [contained] no way in which one could obtain control Theres no use saying, as I think was said, that Trevors not prepared to work to a budget, thats just being irresponsible.

Another ZTT act, bombastic Das Psych-Oh Rangers, signed to the label on the express understanding that they would not be produced by Trevor Horn, but soon found themselves part of the common ZTT dilemma. Horn and Sinclair seemed to control everything. They had signed the band, were producing the band, were using their own studios and were able to charge their own rates and work at their own pace, secure in the knowledge that any royalties due to their artistes would first have to pay their ZTT bills.

Additionally, the ZTT producers would receive royalties on each record sold, and the companys publishing arm, Perfect Songs, would take a large cut from all earnings accruing from every song in their catalogue. Frankie Goes To Hollywood - produced by Horn, engineered by an in-house ZTT engineer, recorded at ZTTs Sarm Studios and initially published by Perfect Songs on a 60/40 split - were locked into the lucrative Horn/Sinclair circle for every penny they made bar touring receipts and T-shirt sales (the latter of which cost them a royalty for use of company copyrighted artwork).

The terms of Holly Johnsons employment with his record and publishing companies were exposed fully in the courtroom. The band received perhaps half of the royalties a group with their success could expect (only 8 per cent of retail price on album sales at home, 6 per cent abroad; 4.5 per cent on single sales at home, 3.2 abroad). Technically they could be held to ZTT indefinitely, with no guaranteed release dates for any of their recordings. Publishing terms were similarly ungenerous.

There was nothing illegal in any of this, nor was there anything terribly novel - even in the wised-up late eighties it was clear that George Michael, Annie Lennox, Elton John and Joan Armatrading had all learnt little from the experiences of The Beatles, Stones and hosts of other shamelessly exploited artists.

In freeing Johnson, Mr Justice Whitford found the recording contract to be unreasonable, nonsensical, and unfair in that it detailed no way of limiting what were seen as excessive recording costs.

Johnson claimed afterwards that it was a great day for musicians everywhere, and forecast wide-reaching implications for the music industry. In effect, the implications are likely to be small. The publicity generated by the case may direct more artistes towards good solicitors, but Frankie Goes To Hollywood themselves sought legal advice before signing. If anything, it may improve an artistes case during any contractual renegotiation that follows commercial success.

Its a depressing detail of music business life, but it is exactly that - a business. Faced with such a pedigree of exploitation, not least in black music, who can blame new artists for signing now and deciphering all the niggly clawback clauses later?

Six months after the court hearing, Holly Johnson had recorded two tracks for his first solo album for MCA, and looked back on the trial as one of the worst experiences of his life. The press aspect was dreadful, he claims. Using the first days evidence they tried to discredit me both as a performer and as an individual. I felt a bit like an empty shell afterwards. I wish I hadnt gone through the wear and tear. This probably sounds like idealistic twaddle, but it was worth it because you have to fight for what you believe. Its such a shame I was in the courts rather than in the charts.

Article: The nine lives of Dr Mabuse

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:58:24 GMT +1

First published: ?

PROPAGANDA The Nine Lives Of Dr Mabuse (ZTT)
AD INFINITUM Telstar (Factory)

If you really desire to be hoodwinked by hogwash masquerading as art then you need go no further than Telstar. That theme tune has been dragged up once again, fed into a computerised synthesiser and led docilely into tedium where it will serve time as just another Factory artefact - it is neither a joke nor clever.

Tony Wilson ought to take a tip from Zang Tumb Tuum Records, where, with their egoes gently throbbing, they justify their (deliberately pseudo, no doubt) pompous pretentions by producing massive pop records.

ZZT are a success because they are brimful with conceit, they are playing the game for all its laughs and all its worth and they know that everyone is waiting, aching for them to fall flat on their faces. Without belittling Propagandas part in Dr. Mabuse it is that clever Trevor Horn who has whipped up this outrageous epic, with a decidedly fascist feel to the marching rhythms in the way they totally dominate you - he has been caught rubbing his adventurous production up against the boldness of Propaganda.

If you want to watch ZTT collapse into a pathetic shambles then, Im afraid, your wait will be a long one. There is a theme and co-ordination to all of their releases which acutely sums up what so many others have been desperately striving for. One day they will tap into a streak of pure, brilliant madness. Alternatively Trevor Horn may just produce Foreigner. Yes, Asia

Article: The FON mixes

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:52:49 GMT +1

First published: ?

THE ART OF NOISE
THE FON MIXES
(China)

AROUND the time of their inception in the early Eighties, avant-futurists The Art Of Noise were widely regarded as a preposterous arty gimmick. Their use of such revolutionary techniques as sampling the sounds of car doors and farmyard animals to create a new form of dance music was seen as nothing but a vulgar fad. Now, following the huge upsurge in sample-based techno, the group have finally been accredited with the pioneer status they deserve.

The Fon Mixes is a double album of remixes/reconstructions by many of todays sampling sorcerers (from Rhythmatic to 808 State) and works both as a homage and a brilliant album in its own right. Kicking off mightily with Prodigys next single, Instruments Of Darkness , the mood is set for a dizzying excursion into brutal esoteric techno: the squidging subsonics of Rhythmatics Yebo and Roller 10, the urbane delirium of Robert Gordons Back To Backbeat and the superb shimmering of Carl Coxs Shades Of Paranomia. Like many of the mixes, Paranomia is almost unrecognisable from the track its based upon.

The finest techno functions not only as dance music but also as a catalyst for imagination. Listening to Graham Masseys Legs , a sulphurous concoction of 808s boss, fizzing high frequencies and juvenile chants, Im presented with an image of the children of the damned arising like spectres from a bubbling hot pool, (What, you too? Ed) while Mark Brydons L.E.F. is like a hymn to the awakening of a huge computer creature.

The Fon Mixes is brimming with the adrenalin, adventure and innovation of a music which reaches a high peak with every turn.

File next to Fluke and System 7: essential, state of the art, boundary-bending modern dance.

DAVE SIMPSON

Article: In No Sense? Nonsense!

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:45:28 GMT +1

First published: ?

THE ART OF NOISE In No Sense? Nonsense!
(China Records WOL4/CD)
**

THE SOUND of telephones ringing down distant corridors, doors slamming, footsteps on cold marble floors. Yes, theres music in them thar heels!

The Art Of Noise reckon on it because they take the clamour of ordinary comings and goings, then tweak and twiddle them beyond all sensible use and come up with something even more ordinary.

But here truly is 42 minutes with a little for everyone in it and its not often you can say that these days. Low flying aircraft for a start. Some distorted laughter, the theme from Dragnet, huddled and half-heard conversations and the Ely Cathedral Choir theyre all here.

And in between, slices of music too. Well, its more doodling really, sometimes with a full orchestra, more often just light synthetic rhythm tracks with disembodied voices repeating key words or phrases over and over.

In No Sense? Nonsense! should not be allowed to slip carelessly into the hands of agoraphobics as it could set em back a couple of years. The rest of us should just walk on by, happy in the knowledge that as we do, our boots are making an artistic statement.

PETER KANE

Article: artofsilence.co.uk

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:42:37 GMT +1

First published: Tue, 01 Oct 1996

ART OF SILENCE
Artofsilence.co.uk
AXIOMATIC/PERMANENT PERMCD 32

Grasping the multimedia nettle with a fanatical two-fisted frenzy, JJ Jeczaliks latest album is but one strand of a synchronous assault on the senses that also boasts an ever-changing web site and a software bundle that enables Mac users to sample, loop, mix and transform sounds to their hearts content. Vaguely recognisable from past project Art Of Noise, Art Of Silence have created a strange and dizzying musical beast which cross-dresses the most sophisticated of orchestral melodies with gentle ambient bleeps, thunder storms, leaking pipes, rainforest chirrups and monstrously pounding hard and heavy house beats. Underpinned by a sprinkling of pop immediacy, Messenger Of Heaven, 4:34 AM, West 4 and Fear No Malice look set for heavy clubland and radio rotation. ***

Paul Davies

Article: Songs From The Victorious City

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:39:36 GMT +1

First published: ?

ANNE DUDLEY AND JAZ COLEMAN
Songs From The Victorious City (China LP/Cassette/CD)

THE FORMER knob-twiddler with Art Of Noise and Killing Jokes mainman and all-round nutter have become musical Livingstones and scoured The Dark Continent for something to prop up their floundering careers. Well, the idea of Westerners exploiting Third World sounds to authenticate themselves is nothing new, but this is actually a rather good LP.

Any prejudices one harboured against these pilferers - and there are many - are overwhelmed by the sumptuousness of this enterprise. Recorded in Cairo and pieced together in London, Victorious City has Egyptian artists lovingly recreating their homelands melodies in freeform jams with Annes computers and Jaz hitherto unexplored prowess at violin and cobra pipes. The motifs are classical - most songs feature sweeping strings - but without the attendant musical snobbery.

In many ways this is what Ambient House should sound like. The opening Awakening is just perfect for that Sunday afternoon feeling and is the closest they come to the actual source music. Other tracks are more interested in fusion - mixing cod-Arabic grooves and sub-disco beats with the Eastern stylings on display. Heck, A Survivors Tale even samples an old Frankie Goes To Hollywood rhythm proof that this is not an entirely sombre venture.

Musical purists-especially World Music curators - will baulk at the shameless pop element but Id like to think this is their saving grace. Victorious City is something to challenge even the most jaded mind. Just goes to show first impressions arent always right. (7)

Dele Fadele

Article: (untitled)

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:34:58 GMT +1

First published: ?

PROPAGANDA this week release their first new material in five years, their debut for Virgin, with a single called Heaven Give Me Words. Taken from their forthcoming LP, its backed with a non-album track, Count Zero. The 12-inch and CD versions carry extended mixes as well as the seven-inch version of the A-side. The song was written by band member Michael Mertens, co-producer Ian Stanley and the Howard Jones! Jones also plays keyboards on the track.

Originally a five-piece from Cologne, Propaganda have trimmed to a four-piece and changed their line-up. Mertens, the only original member, is joined by singer Betsy Miller and the former Simple Minds duo of Derek Forbes (bass) and Brian McGhee (drums). Forbes has been with Propaganda for some time, appearing live with them in 1985.

Article: Welcome to the pleasure tome

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:32:54 GMT +1

First published: ?

WELCOME TO THE PLEASURE TOME

A BONE IN MY FLUTE: Holly Johnson (Century)

SINCE THE first time the multi-million selling Frankie Goes To Hollywood urged the scandalized populace to Relax, to his groundbreaking successful court action against the record label Zang Tumb Tuum, to his public announcement that he had the HIV virus, Holly Johnson has been relentlessly abused, ridiculed and misquoted in the press. Now, in the autobiography, A Bone In My Flute, he seizes the opportunity to get his side of the story on record.

The bulk of the book is naturally concerned with the rise and fall of Frankie, but if Johnson is blisteringly acid about their demise, he saves his real venom for the ZTT fiasco. Company bosses Jill Sinclair and Trevor Horn are described as reptiles, repulsive with ugly souls, while another ZTT director, Paul Morley, is depicted as a pariah feeding of the dreams of famous and talented people.

Elsewhere in the book, Johnson dishes the dirt with equivalent relish if not malice. Fellow Frankies, Bill Drummond, Mike Reid, Pete Wylie, Lemmy, the tabloids (the enemy of all homosexuals), Boy George, even Prince, David Bowie and George Michael (couldnt hold his ale) all receive tongue-lashing ranging from the casual to the devastating. Make no mistake, given the chance Johnson vents spleen like other people drain swimming pools.

As one would expect from an autobiography named after a euphemism for an erection, A Bone In My Flute is also exuberantly explicit when it comes to its authors sexual adventures. Thus, we go the whole way with Johnson, from the first time he was wanked off in Newsham Parks public toilets (I was petrified) through a bewildering sea of massive, erect cocks and great arses. One things for sure, Johnson always knew which side he wanted to bat for. To Johnson heterosexuality was never so much normal as simply terribly common.

Unsurprisingly, A Bone In My Flute is peppered throughout with references to AIDS (the modern day horror story, full of vampires). Johnson tells us of the friends whove died; the appalling misinformation (apparently, in the early years, it was widely thought that you could only catch the virus from Americans); his own diagnosis and understandable despair (I felt BAD sorry for myself DIRTY, worthless, ANGRY, upset). Movingly, however, Johnson ends the book stressing the touching kindnesses he has since been shown, disarming his reader by proclaiming that hell never climb into a wheelchair (Unless its designed by Vivienne Westwood). Courage never swanked so piquantly.

Barbara Ellen

Article: (untitled)

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:14:26 GMT +1

First published: ?

THE ART OF NOISE spearhead an unlikely alliance this week when they release their new single which features Tom Jones singing Princes Kiss! The idea took shape when Anne Dudley and JJ Jeczalik saw Jones performing the song on the Jonathan Ross Show. They created a backing track and persuaded Tom to sing over the top. JJ and Anne point out that this is Tom Jones as we will never hear him again - Kiss was the last song he recorded before an operation to remove nodes from his throat.

Article: ZTT: The value of entertainment

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:12:29 GMT +1

First published: Sat, 01 Jun 1985

ZTT: THE VALUE OF ENTERTAINMENT
Ambassadors Theatre

SPANNERS WITH accents. Poe-Paul Morley jumps out of the seat behind me and bounds (well, clambers) onstage to announce the non-appearance of The Art Of Noise. He explains, not without poetry and Scotch that the original ZTT plan was for that musical body, not to have a visual image at all because a spanner is intrinsically more interesting than than Howard Jones!

Previously we beheld the first in a continuing action series of sublimely unusual women. She sang with Instinct, an unpretentious funky pop group. Her voice impressed, her attitude confused - was she arrogant or shy? Andrew Poppy was certainly the former, expecting us to stay with his astral Glass/Oldfield/Lloyd-Webber creations for nearly 30 minutes. For five, though, I found it pleasant to read to.

But back to spanners. Spanner Pigalle is thoroughly charming, despite nearly knocking over the mikestand with one dramatic gesture and nearly losing her buttonhole rose with another delicious Piaf-by-numbers pose. She doesnt - with her sometimes drily resplendent voice - provoke much approval, but since when did style care about results? Encore, I cried, amazed at my own adaptability.

The surreal humourist whod been acting as the evenings compere raised yet more groans and then the curtain for Propaganda. Claudia in white, Suzanne in black (oh, and the two blokes, I suppose) are propelled by a pedigree rhythm section of Derek Forbes and Steve Jansen into something which sounds dangerously close to the thinking persons ideal pop group. It soars and snaps and leaves space for you to dream in, sweetly. Meanwhile the crucial image remains functionally flamboyant. They say theres no business like it ZTT alors!

CHRIS ROBERTS

Article: Press release

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:41:20 GMT +1

First published: Sun, 01 Feb 1987

In a sense, what has happened here is that ZTTs incidental instrumental series, kicked in the least by the departure of Art of Noise, has revolved to start up again. Released 3 years after Into Battle, an Art of Noise pro-extended play that set the pattern for all the snaps and bucks buckling sound these days, Andrew Poppys 32 Frames is made up of the same nature and un-nature of that record: 25 minutes of stabs at themes, plus further developments, and so on.

The original point of reference for the 12 - ZTIS 200 - is a piece from Poppys debut LP. The original work has been drummed, blended, hummed, bent into drum and so on sorts of shapes: there can be no authentic response to this particular endeavour unless listeners take themselves through the whole record, if you see what we mean. By authentic, we mean something, if you see.

Things that could be said about this record from the crass - the pro-notion of value for money with the record - to the considered - the development of this certain type of Poppy music thanks to the ZTT sound system - will only be hinted at in this press release.

In four weeks, Andrew Poppys first 7 single will be available: also as a 12. The Amusement (ZTPS 02) will prepare the way for Andrew Poppys second long player, which will be released early 1987. What the singles, and all the Poppy music have in common with new age is that it is instrumental. You see. To coincide with the releases of these two singles, Andrew Poppys digitally recorded The Beating of Wings is released on compact disc.

Further information:
Paul Morley
Lorraine Reid
Tel: 221 5101

Article: Tumbometer 4

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 14:34:01 GMT +1

First published: Fri, 01 Aug 1986

TUMBOMETER

ZANG ZUUM TUMB

Dear dear Zangsters, HAN-kie Frankie FAN-kies and other interested parties.

Dear oh dear.

You could call this a comeback. You could call this an announcement. You could call this Sebastian. You could call this an up-date. You could call this Tumbometer No.4. In the end, before the beginning, its just another paper bit of bits and pieces for those of you who might just think whatever happened to zang tuum tumb? For that matter, whatever happened to the clothes we wore? Whatever happened to the things we saw? Whatever happened to The Bible?

Whatever, as in the shoulders are shrugged and the boulder is rolling; a Tumbometer must concern itself with information, a chunk of truth and a few weak lies. To begin, after the end, ever so candidly: this Tumbometer arrives at just the right time to inform you that from Monday 25th of August 1986 the fifth Frankie Goes to Hollywood single will be on the shelves in your favourite records shops. As if you did not know, as if you did not care, as if you thought we would not mention it. The fifth Frankie Goes to Hollywood single, Rage Hard, will become number 22 in Z.T.T.s Action Series, a series that began with Relax and that will end with a smile.

Rage Hard is about understanding that you will never fool the children of the revolution, and its packaged as would be some toy in a post-revolutionary country in one or other alternative universes. That might not concern some of you, which is more than fair enough. In that case, Rage Hard is hi-metal tech melodrama; positive noise for those of you driven beserk by Anita Dobson and Chris De Burgh. Life need not be a dreary sentimental sing song sing along.

For those of you who just want to introduce some strength back into your system after one of the silliest summer seasons ever, Rage Hard is ready for you as a seven inch in plain glory, an a side, a b side and a colour sleeve, straight excitement for your own private room. For those of you who wish to join in a single consumer adventure, Rage Hard will be prepared and packaged in other formats. Rage Hard+ is the firsT twelve inch, including on the second side a sci-zip-fi run up of Bowies Sufragette City. A limited edition of this twelve Inch also include an elegantly vandalised poster of Frankie Goes To Hollywood: with lipstick and crayon you can add you own personal slangy. If you are feeling seriously whimsical and can never resist sophisticated frivolity, there is also a limited edition seven inch Rage Hard packaged as a gate fold glossleeve featuring bonus moving parts. Rage Hard++ is the second twelve inch, as radically different from the first twelve inch as a kiss is to a fingernail: on the second side there is a roughed up down run of The Doors Roadhouse Blues. A limited number of people who pick up this second twelve inch will also receive a containing box to place their cuttings, posters, photos, souvenirs, records etc. that have something to do with Frankie Goes To Hollywoods Rage Hard. At the end, by the beginning, for those of you addicted to sound, a compact disc containing 25 minutes of edited highlights of the single will be manufactured and in the shops.

The most devoted of you will then have a beautifully boxed Rage Hard: everyone can look forward to the Frankie Goes To Hollywood long player, their second, called Liverpool.

Further information about Liverpool and about other Zang Tuum Zumb projects will come to you in the next Tumbometer, in a months time. To give you a small tantalizing idea of what is coming in the next Tumbometer: there will be news of Claudis Brueckens new group, the true identity of the best while male singer in the world who has signed to Z.T.T., ten reasons why you should tryout the Andrew Poppy 12 32 Frames The Impossible Net which is released on September 15th, odd thoughts from members of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, an introduction to the way outs and the lifestyles of a brand new more than pop group that Z.T.T. have signed, and a few reasons why the new group Trevor Horn is building will carry on the original pre-Duane Eddy Art of Noise spirit light.

This is now the end, before the beginning, of this Tumbometer. All you questions will be answered, in time. For now: consume, consider, contain, control.

You can bump and grind.

Article: Tumbometer 5

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:48:01 GMT +1

First published: Thu, 01 Jan 1987

Recording memorandum 5

Zang tuum TUMBometer measure!

ACT NOW!

zang tuum tumb: at home on happy pills

greetings to all zangsters. Z.T.T. collectors innocent by-standers, the occassional extra-fanatic and even the unlikely apathetic onlooker whos only accidentally looked in, or dropped in etc. welcome to no. 5 tumbometer: the up-date, up to a point, all things considered.

So, up to a point, what has happened to zang tuum tumb?

five things.

1. PATIENCE
2. worry
3. energy
4. DETERMINATION
5. love

Art of Noise at a point

look out for the Art of Noise compact disc DAFT a truly spot-on item for those of you in long real love with the energy and worry of these damned hot times. DAFT is an honestly modest exaggeration of the Art Of Noise as they stood and sat during the one year they were on the Z.T.T. record label: honestly modest and yet dishonestly moist. DAFT contains 1 hour of noiseness, music taken from the Art Of Noise albumette Into Battle, the Art Of Noise album Whos Afraid (Of The Art Of Noise) and the Art Of Noise 12 Moments In Love

The Customer Is Always Right: which Art Of Noise single should Z.T.T. re-release?

And remember, if it wasnt for the Art Of Noise, it wasnt where it was.

F.G.T.H. at holiday

Look out for nothing much from Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and dont cross your eyes because the wind might change.

Those of you who have written in hostile agitation regarding the disintegration of the Liverpool wonders, take heart. Something collectable will be your way directed not longer than extremely soon. Individual members of the group are at this particularly virile moment preparing their collectable delights.

The Customer is always right: What was your favourite Frankie Goes To Hollywood moment?

Psych-oh Rangers at work

look out!

Those of you who still watch on video tape the glamorous tube appearance by the psych-!oh rangers will be watching your local stores for new record releases by the group. For those who didnt know, an introductory e.p. is buyable - ask for The Essential Art Of Communication. As for their next single release, The Customer Is Always Right: should the next psych-oh rangers single be

a) Power Station
2) Intellectual Gangsters
iii) The Death of Innocence

The rangers work on, all for one and ten for all, waiting for just that right moment when pop is at it worst flabbiest and they can leap in, as unpleasantly as possible. this weeks psych-oh! mott-oh! life is for smashing-oh!

Andrew Poppy at the moment

looking at the sales figures, it would seem that more and more people are all and all the time learning more and more about the original music of Andrew Poppy. What can Z.T.T. say but good. Anyone claiming any record by Andrew Poppy will, up to the point of EMOTION, SATISFACTION, REFRESHMENT, not be disappointed. Let us hope that amidst the shrieking hysteria of these damned hot SELLING TIMES there is still real room for privacy and moments of authentic bliss. There must be some humanness left to-day.

The Customer Is Always Right: Is there much more to life than the consumer breakdown?

Act at play

Look out, look out, theres a single about. The new Act single, the first Act single, will be in the shops from May 5th onwards. Snobbery & Decay is number 28 in the Action Series, and its certainly a song for the times: these damned hot times, these charmed hot times, and so

lifes like that.

like what?

listen to Snobbery & Decay like that.

Snobbery & Decay is a f---ing suave seven inch and a sheer showtime 12 - the 12 includes an alarming interpretation of a song from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rices Evita. Lifes like that!

Were wondering at Z.T.T. what with the gorgeous shock of Snobbery & Decay, if some wit and sophistication will be charging back towards the charts.

Act are currently recording their debut album, also to be called Snobbery & Decay.

When you purchase Snobbery & Decay, the catalogue number is, for the f---ing suave 7, ZTAS 28, for the sheer show-time 12 ZTAS28. A special de-lux gatefold sleeve, for those in pursuit of excellence, has a catalogue number 12ZACT 28.

The Customer Is Always Right: what other formats would you like of Snobbery & Decay?

SEND ALL YOUR ANSWERS TO:

TUMBometer
111 Talbot Road
London W11 2AT

Tumbometer 6: when you DEMAND it.

be feeling you.

Article: Tumbometer 2

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:27:29 GMT +1

First published: Fri, 01 Mar 1985

TUUMBOMETER

A GENERAL ALERT FROM ZANG TUUM TUMB: ITS MAJOR!

Tuumometer edition two; notes and counternotes.

Frenzy for two: zang and you.

Here comes a chopper.

Whats Up ? Good question. These are the things that are up, in no particular order, for every particular reason Here at Zang Tuum Tumb, were up, with reason, without guilt. Were coming youre way, dont move Be way out! Oh, the things you do in print Lets list again.

THE SPRING 1985 ZTT LIST FOR THE GOOD AND MIGHTY ZTT LISTENERS.

1/ The Frankie Goes To Hollywood single Welcome To The Pleasure Dome is in fact part one of Frankie Goes To Hollywoods 1985 Escape Act - and that is in fact faster than the fact and slower than the proof. Where The Escape Act is leading to is everybodys guess. Best suggestion wins a prized rare ztt type tee shirt.

2/ Sterling took the photograph on the front of the Anne Pigalle single. We dont know either.

3/ The second Art Of Noise long player will be daft. Do you feel like a fool?

4/ Wick wack sacky nack give the love a stone. The Art Of Noise do things for you.

5/ Andrew Poppy is spending the first six months of 1985 recording his first long player to be called The Beating Of Wings.

6/ A Secret Wish is ZTTIQ 3

7/ The second Zanglette published by ZTTetc will be called Daft As A It will say things like oh, its a bloody circus about The Art Of Noise.

8/ The words spoken at the beginning of the Frankie Goes To Hollywood twelve inch How To Remake The World were written by Nietzsche. It is not the hour in which to say much about Nietzsche. The dissentient voices are silent. The crowd has stopped howling. But a worse thing is happening to him; - he is becoming accepted - the preachers are quoting him and the theologians are explaining him. Were sorry.

9/ The Propaganda L.P. will be available in May: when we say available, and boy, do we mean available. It is called A Secret Wish and it will go like it will go. Like THAT!

10/ by the way

11/ On May 20th at the Ambassadors Theatre on Shaftsebury Avenue in London West One Zang Tuum Tumb will begin two weeks of exhibition. The Art Of Noise, Andrew Poppy, Instinct, Anne Pigalle and Propaganda will all be appearing on stage, surrounded by their own way of doing things, every night until June 1st. Bottle that and know the secret of life. Tickets priced at £3. £4 and £6 will be available during April from usual booking centres - plus booking fee. Be seeing you.

12/ Instinct are right now and how recording their first single Sleepwalking (ZTAS 9) with Trevor Horn. Maybe May.

13/ The autobiography of Anne Pigalle, Why Does It Have To Be This Way will be Zanglette Number Three, to be published during 1986.

14/ Who knows?

15/ It must again be stressed that over no circumstances and under no dress - very much including being bored to death by persistent requests can the magic of Zang TuumTuum comment on the availability of any of their product, nor confirm or pretend to know in which sleeves the records may or may not appear, nor advise on how to distinguish between different mixes which seem to have the same catalogue number, nor explain what prefix numbers are scratched into the run off groove that should or not help the collector. This may not help you. And how you get hold of some of our photo-discs, including the brand new Art Of Noise cut out Tortoise, is again everybodies guess. No prizes. We, must stress though that ZTT singlettes - singles on a cassette, better than yoghurts on a stick - are mightily worth chasing about. Two new ones are available at the moment - Welcome To The Pleasure Dome as All In The Mind, All In The Body (CTIS 107) and Moments In Love as The Tortoise And The Hare. (CTIS 109)

Puzzle is love.

16/ Propaganda return on April 15th. Theyre ready, so you can be as well. Duel fights with Jewel, BitterSweet fights with Rough Cut It all fits together and it all comes apart and its all yours.

17/ Anne Pigalles second single will be called Why Does It Have To Be This Way from the long player everything could be so perfect. This is certain. Anne Pigalle is on ZTTs generous Certain Series because of her magnificent contempt for material truth.

18/ Six months after it was written the Frankie Goes To Hollywood pamphlet And Suddenly There Came A Bang -Zanglette Number One - is finally buyable. A crass bod might say that this is the banned book of the banned single, but we couldnt wouldnt baggage stoop so low, not even slowly could we stoop so low. It is though what you could call a work of sub-art, or at least better than the usual crap written about pop groups and sold purely and badly to cheat you you up. This is all understatement. ZTT could easily swoop high enough to call it a life enhancer. For those who want their first copy, or even their second and third, it is available at £2-50 inc. p&p from ZTT ETC at 8-10 Basing Street London W.11. - the price includes an uncensored bonus.

Love this list!

19/ Listen

20/ Warriors Of The Wasteland is the follow up to their LP Welcome To The Pleasure Dome.

21/ Welcome back to Bernard Rose, hairpulled director of the two newest Zang Tuum Tumb videos, Hé Stranger and Welcome To The Pleasure Dome.

22/ Zang Tuum Tumbs musical director is Trevor Horn.

23/ Propaganda wont go away for so long this time. Their time is taken.

24/ Camilla Pilkington? we dont know either

25/ and on it should go the spring list, the spring cleanup, the spring bean, the big jump. Zang Tuum Tumb get serious, but dont take it too seriously or youll take our life away, or the laugh. We laugh so as not to lie. We debunk and prove a point but we also express gratitude. The test? Only time will tell, and then very quietly. Until the next time, have a good time. Until when?

After five more hits.

Youre seeing us.

Article: Frankie goes to the collections

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:12:46 GMT +1

First published: Sat, 01 Dec 1984

Frankie goes to the collections
and says, Yamamoto, Montana, Gaultier and Hamnett

Seen them somewhere before? Holly Johnson (red-haired, diminutive, quizzical), and Paul Rutherford (tall, dark, lively) are the mainstays of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, the band that sashayed its way to stardom with Relax and Two Tribes. Their new single, Power of Love, and album, Welcome to the Pleasure Dome, are out now; they are currently touring, and their film, Holly Goes to HolIywood, directed by Brian de Palma, is due out in the spring. Holly wears Gaultier, Yamamoto, Armani, Basile, thinks Montana and Hamnett are wonderful. Paul adds Stephen Linnard and Girbaud. Both have always been foes to the fitted jacket. I have always worn things over-sized, says Holly, regardless of any fashion. Paul is a purist: I like classic clothes, but when you wear them, you pervert them almost. Nevertheless, his Matsuda spencer and Gaultier sweater, main picture, do not seem to have degenerated on him. He has a gitane charm that goes with the roll-neck sweaters he often wears. Hollys views are lined with pearls of sartorial wisdom: People who dont wear costume jewellery have no future; and, often, no past.

Holly Johnson, main picture: pinstripe jacket, at Yohji Yamamoto. Silk sweatshirt; royal blue silk shirt; both by Katharine Hamnett, at Browns. Leather body belt with attached scarf, at Yohji Yamamoto. Cycling cap, white gloves and bow-tie, Hollys own. Insets, as above, plus ribbed wool pleated trousers, at Yohji Yamamoto. Brogues with fringed vamp, at Churchs.

Paul Rutherford, main picture: shawl-collared wool spencer with detachable edging, by Matsuda, at Browns. Roll-neck sweater, by Jean Paul Gaultier, at Bazaar. Coat, at Yohji Yamamoto. Silk handkerchief, Pauls own. Insets, as above, plus wool dress trousers with cream satin side stripes, by Matsuda, at Browns. Ankle-high leather lace-up boots, at The Natural Shoe Store

Jolly Holly, inset top: roll neck sweater, by Montana, at Browns. Cotton corduroy evening trousers, at Yohji Yamamoto. Silk tie, by Memphis; leather plaited braces; leather belt, silver plated studs, by Sergio Palumbo; all at Browns. Cap at Versace. Brogues, at Churchs. He holds a leather jacket with appliqué and fringes, by Montana. In his pocket, royal blue silk shirt, by Katherine Hamnett. Both at Browns.

Holly, inset centre: wool pinstripe jacket, ay Yohji Yamamoto. Striped shirt, by J.E. Casely Hayford, at Joseph. Floral silk tie, by Prochownick, at Bazaar.

Paul: checked jacket, by Thierry Mugler, at Browns. Wool roll-neck sweater, by Jean Paul Gaultier, at Bazaar. Black Levi 501s.

Tall Paul, inset below: block stripe shirt, ribbed wool waistcoat; both at Yohji Yamamoto. Wool dress trousers, cream satin side stripes, by Matsuda, at Browns.

Paul, far left: silk brocade smoking jacket; striped trousers; both by Jean Paul Gaultier, a Bazaar. Cloqué fronted cotton shirt, at Johji Yamamoto. Silk handkerchief, Pauls own. Ankle-high lace-ups, at The Natural Shoe Store.

Holly, centre left: evening suit; jacquard cotton and silk pleated cummerbund; both by Jean Paul Gaultier. Multi-patterned waistcoat, by John Galliano. All at Bazaar. Cotton shirt, by Montana, at Browns. Hand painted tie, by Dunford Wood, at Paul Smith. Evening gloves, by Akco. Medal, Hollys own.

Paul, near left: snap-fastening wool jacket; cotton waistcoat; both by Yohji Yamamoto. White shirt, by comme des Garçons, at Browns. Tartan trousers, at Crolla. Bow-tie, Pauls own. Ankle-high lace-ups, as above.

Hair, all pages, by Huw at Atlas

Article: (untitled)

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:31:41 GMT +1

First published: Thu, 19 Jul 1984

Please please tell me if theres any address where I could contact Holly Johnson of FGTH. I read somewhere that he only got letters from blokes so I hope I can be the first female to tell him hes wonderful.

The Buzzard On Hollys Shoulder, Nottingham.

So do I, but youd better hurry. You can write to him at the fan club, based at PO Box 160, Liverpool L6G 8BT or, alternatively, c/o the Press Office, Island Records, 22 St. Peters Square, London W6L 9NW.

Article: (untitled)

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:16:22 GMT +1

First published: Thu, 16 Aug 1984

When two tribes go to the bar, a pint is all that you can score: (left-right) Tom Bailey, Paul Rutherford, Gnasher Nash, rude sign, Mark OToole, Holly Johnson, Alannah Currie, Joe Leeway.

Its cruel what people do to photographers sometimes. Ganging up on them, rude signs, having a laugh at their expense.

The persons up top are, of course, the members of new supergroup sensation Thompson Goes To Hollywood. Actually, Bitz tells a lie. Theyre Frankie and Thompson persons snapped while meeting up in Norwich for the first in a new Peter Powell BBC 1 TV series On The Road. Frankie sang War (see it?) and the Thompsons jetted in specially from Ireland (where theyre busy writing the next LP) especially to do Sister Of Mercy. And they almost didnt get there as the plane broke down. Dont say we never tell you anything.

Article: Frankie Goes To Hollywood: Relax

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:50:43 GMT +1

First published: Thu, 10 Nov 1983

FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD: Relax (Zang Tumb Tuum) Naughty lyrics that will shock the powers that be at BBC. Which is a shame as this Trevor Horn-produced powerhouse dance record screams out to be heard. In the sterile, germ-free world of disco this is one contagious disease which should be caught.

Article: (untitled)

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:14:44 GMT +1

First published: Thu, 01 Mar 1984

In his Personal File, Holly, (of Frankie Goes To Hollywood) claims that he used to be called Joyful Johnson. Could this be the same Joyful who went to Liverpool Collegiate school and used to wear make-up, dye his hair weird colours and have a mate called Gay May? Id also like to know what his favourite drink is and what other groups he likes.

Dave Edwards, Northwich and Lynne Booth, Leeds.

Weellll! The Joyful Johnson you describe is indeed the same one, but unfortunately your own name (Dave Edwards, as you know!) didnt ring a bell for him. Pity! He did tell us, though, that of late hes tended to drink more champagne and orange juice than anything else, due to the fact that hes had rather a lot to celebrate. Quite. Finally, among his favourite groups he lists Grace Jones, The B-52s and The Peech Boys all Island recording artistes and fellow label-mates, I note!

Article: A day to remember

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:11:13 GMT +1

First published: Thu, 15 Mar 1984

Holly Johnson The day Frankie Goes To Hollywood got to number one

I woke about 8 oclock. I was staying with some friends in Stoke Newington in London. I dont sleep very well on Monday nights anymore because we get the new chart position on Tuesday morning.

I rang up Zang Tumb Tuum, our record label its like a Greek Palace and they said, youre Number One! I started singing and dancing round the room. I was with me friend Jed. Jed works behind the bar at a club and is just an old friend from Liverpool. Sometimes he cuts my hair.

I didnt have time to eat anything. I had no clothes with me because Id been out to the pub the night before and I was looking a bit scruffy. But I thought, it doesnt matter, Im Number One. I can wear scruffy clothes if I want to!

I ordered a cab and came down to the Columbia Hotel where I had a shower and changed into some new clothes the clothes I wore on Page 2 of the last Smash Hits. We did that photo session on that day.

Anyway I rushed to the studio and did about five interviews on the telephone while the other members of the band did photo sessions in the other room. And we were preparing to go to Europe the next day. We were really manic with hard work. Then it was over to Covent Garden to do another photo session with a huge buzzard for a German magazine. Theyre really vicious birds and everyone was a bit frightened to do it. You should see those beaks! They also set us in this gothic fantasy scene - a kind of fairy castle. People often ask us to do strange things like that.

Then we were rushed headlong back to Z.T.T. to do some more interviews. Oh, on the way, I did drop into the clothes shop Paul Smith in Covent Garden to get a waistcoat and shirt. Theyre like hunting gear with little pheasants and men with guns. The waistcoats red, the shirts black.

By this time its 7.00 in the evening. Were back in the studio and Im getting really annoyed because weve been working so hard and Island, who distribute our records, hadnt laid on provisions for us. I thought that was really a bad show. I rang them up and was really rude to them. Also Id heard they were celebrating their first Number One in years with champagne! So they rushed over four bottles of champagne and lots of McDonalds. Thats why Ive got such a mean expression on my face in that Smash Hits picture. Im starving to death.

I did get time to ring me Mum and Dad then. They were really pleased that wed knocked Paul McCartney off the Number One spot. Me Dad drives a cab and me Mum works as a nurse in a childrens heart clinic.

After the photo session I staggered to the London Apprentice pub in the East End for a quiet drink where I met my friend Jed again. I said, lad Im exhausted, lets go home. So we did and started to chat and after that went to sleep.

The next day we went to Europe and there were lots of photographers at the airport. It was exactly like that - being a Hollywood star. But all that slowly died off. When youre in that position, the record company tends to overwork you to keep themselves in a job. Youre pounced upon. Its good fun but very hard work.

Because the record was banned I thought the glory had been stolen slightly because we werent able to do Top Of The Pops. So I was glad we went to Europe. Doing Top Of The Pops is part of the enjoyment of being Number One. Mike Read? I thought, thank-you Mike Read.

Article: (untitled)

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:07:46 GMT +1

First published: Thu, 24 May 1984

In the March 29 issue, Get Smart printed a letter saying that the B side of Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood was Ferry Across The Mersey. My B side is One September Morning. How come?

Nicola Johnson, Cardiff.

The answer is that the 7 and 12 versions have different B sides. The 7 has One September Morning while the 12 has Ferry Across The Mersey and another version of Relax. This of course means you have to fork out twice to get everything. Record companies call this marketing.

Article: David Jordan interview

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:13:28 GMT +1

First published: ?

all this stuff about fat people being fat because of society is rubbish.

David Jordan talks apocalypse, his cat and girls with twitchy faces

Some people consider David Jordan to be the next big hope for British soul. All we know is that his single Place In My Heart is amazing and his debut album is pretty decent too.

We spoke to David Jordan recently and put to him a selection of questions based around the song titles on his album. Some worked, others sort of didnt. See for yourself...

Hello David Jordan. If you are On The Money, what was the last thing you bought in a shop?

I bought some shampoo. I tend to buy from Toni & Guy because Ive had so many disasters with my hair in the past. One day I kept chemicals on my hair so long that it started burning into my scalp and it burnt my hair off. Even to this day my hair doesnt grow in certain parts of my head.

In there anyone who has a Place In Your Heart at the moment?

Only my cat, and shes called Cat. Im happy with that name but she wont leave me alone. Shes cute and sweet but shes just another reason why Im never on time for anything because she commands so much of my attention. She follows me everywhere around the house I mean everywhere. I go to the toilet, she follows me. I have a bath, she sits at the end of the bath tub...

How do you feel about the fact that the Sun Goes Down about five oclock now?

Its a bit annoying isnt it. I prefer the summer when the sun stays out although I like the winter when it rains sometimes - it can be very soothing and very melancholy.

How do you Set The Mood when you are hoping to seduce someone?

Ive never been seduced and I have never seduced anyone. However I do have a girlfriend who has an eye-look, a thing she does. It looks like shes got a twitch in her eye, and Ive told her this, but we went out in Germany and she told me she was about to use her eye on this guy and it worked, the guy was really into her. I cant believe guys fall for girls with a twitch.

Can we just throw your track Love Song on the enormous EU stockpile of generic love songs? Why do people only ever write songs about love?

The word love can be understood in countless countries across the world. As a society we very much revolve around a particular type of love, the love we have for a significant other and that is the sort of love we relate to. Every time you hear a song that hints towards some kind of love we automatically think of our boo. Thats not the case where my album is concerned. I wrote these songs from all sides, different angles. None of them are about my cat though, thats one angle I didnt approach but will do soon.

What do we all need to Move On from and get over?

People need to stop being so greedy. Its like fat people, theyre greedy, all this stuff about fat people being fat because of society is rubbish, we cant blame everything on society. Im good now, you can put a chocolate cake in front of me and I wont eat it and I never used to be able to do that.

Which of Princes William and Harry are you referring to in Sweet Prince?

Neither! I prefer Princess Diana, although I really dont have a favourite royal. I dont read newspapers or watch the news, I spend all my free time watching Futurama and The Simpsons instead.

Is being In Love just an overrated chemical reaction that always ends in disappointment and misery?

Well, it can be. Were all looking for that special someone and its always made out to be a beautiful fairytale thing and making out for the first time is always supposed to incredible but you get there and think, what the hell was all that about? Its like getting married, women want to because they get to be a princess but men arent into that sort of thing.

When was the last time you had anything other than a Glorious Day?

I had a really bad period of my life a few years back. All of my friends were getting recognition for their music and I wasnt, I wasnt getting any love from them either. That was the worst period I can remember, they were all working in music in one way or another and I wasnt.

What would be the first thing youd do if you woke up and you were the Only Living Soul left on the planet?

Oh my God what would you do? Id be so scared! Id probably just go to the shopping malls and pig out on all the crap I could for the next couple of days and once all the food had gone off Id just die no doubt. Id have to find other life to keep the species going or just perish. Im gonna fight and if I survived the holocaust then there was sure to be a reason why. You could have a really good time in a shopping mall though, finding what you want to wear, Id be the last man on earth but Id make sure I was the best dressed man on the planet.

If were going to Fight The World, what exactly are we going to fight against?

Terrorism. And George Bush, hes the worst terrorist of all. Terrorism and war, we live in a beautiful world and its truly amazing. The people in the world are the reality though and we are our own downfall.

What a bleak way to end things. Thank you nonetheless, David Jordan.