Bronski Beat

Bronski Beat is a British synth-pop trio formed in London in 1983, most famous for their 1984 debut single "Smalltown Boy" and the critically acclaimed album The Age of Consent, which highlighted the disparity in legal ages for gay sex. Composed of openly gay members Jimmy Somerville (vocals), Steve Bronski (keyboards), and Larry Steinbachek (keyboards), the band was known for its political activism and distinct Hi-NRG sound, challenging the inoffensive nature of contemporary gay performers. Following the departure of Somerville in 1985, who went on to form The Communards, the group continued with other vocalists, including John Foster and Jonathan Hellyer, achieving further hits like "Hit That Perfect Beat" before ultimately dissolving in 1995. Though Steve Bronski briefly revived the band in 2016, the deaths of Steinbachek in 2016 and Bronski in 2021 left Somerville as the sole surviving original member.