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Monday's Connector of the Day: Boy George
His outlandish costumes and androgynous image have helped make Boy George one of the most popular and recognizable music figures in the world.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/16/george.art.jpg
caption="What do you want to ask Boy George?"]
As part of the 80s group "Culture Club", Boy George had a wide range of number one hits including "Karma Chameleon" and "Do you Really Want to Hurt Me?".
After releasing four popular albums through the 80s, the group eventually disbanded after a number of controversies that included the death of the group's keyboardist as well as rumours of Boy George being addicted to drugs.
After his time with Culture Club, Boy George had a solo career through the 90s and had a number of hits, including the number one single "Everything I Own".
While Boy George had a successfull music career, he has struggled in the past with the law.
In January 2009, Boy George was sentenced to 15 months in prison for his assault and false imprisonment charge and ended up serving 5 months of the sentence.
From April, "Boy George Up Close and Personal: Live in Concert" sees George back on the road. To coincide with his tour, Boy George will release, on March 22nd, his first single of 2010 – "Amazing Grace".
Here's your chance to ask Boy George a question.
Do you want to know what his favorite song is? What was his time like in jail? Who would he love to work with today? Maybe you are dying to know what is with his selection of hats?
Please post your questions below and remember to include where you're writing from. Tune in on Monday at 2100 GMT to watch the full interview.
On Twitter
Hello George Alan O'Dowd and CNN friends,
I would like an answer from George Alan O'Dowd to the following questions:
– How do you think about Safe Sex, especially in the Gay and Lesbian community?
– How are you inspiring people to practice Safe Sex?
– How are you inspiring people all over the world to make our world a Better Healthier and Beautiful Place?
I am awaiting George Alan O'Dowd’s replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
Latin-American
Hey,George, when can I see you face to face.I had chance in london
i missed.now I am disable i can onley see you in panama city florida,be safe.and keep on singing
J.tissa Wijekoon
Hello Boy George,
I am and will always be a fan of yours. I grew up having photo albums of you and trying to duplicate the beauty of your makeup. I think (I know) you should make a big comeback soon!!!!
Come back with your uniqueness and style, but most of all comeback to share your music/your voice. Your songs made us dance, made us happy and watching you in videos certainly made us smile.
1. Have you been recording lately?
2. Do you have plans to return to the music scene?
3. Do you miss singing?
4. If you do have any late recordings, how could a fan get your latest music?
A fan!!!!
Dear George:
I have been a die-hard fan since the very first Culture Club album, and have followed your career ever since. Some of my most memorable moments actually are from times during your solo career. (The concert at the Cameo in Miami Beach with the two pompadour guitarists is forever burnt into my memory 🙂 Of course, my Summer was RUINED when your tour got cancelled and I missed you at Stubbs in my hometown of Austin, TX. It seems like you have had an up and down relationship with the USofA – never fully being welcomed and often hounded by legal issues or (god-forbid) the closing and opening of purse-strings aka ROSIE! Have you soured on the United States now that you are wiser and have less time for exertion? Do you think you could ever see the "world" of the US as your oyster again like in the 80's when you could do no wrong and throngs of Americans were just so enamored with you and your band and art. Any answer is of course fine – but here's to hoping that maybe you still have a soft spot at least for us in Austin, TX. You and your art have been an absolutely HUGE part of my life, and I miss you.
Sincerely and forever in LOVE with you,
Michael in Austin
I am so happy for his comeback and i think he really come back with style can"t you see his hat i am one of his strong fan i remeber in school days and i really happy for his come back
Hi George, would you be willing to record a new song by an unknown songwriter if you realized the song could be hit? I believe i have such a song. If you are interested in finding out more, feel free to contact me at 1868361-0177
rawlelincoln@gmail.com
Nathaniel Lincoln from Trinidad and Tobago.
Hello George,
I'm glad I can write to you. I'm a great fan of yours and I want to know the following:
1. Will you have a come back?
2. Which Culture Club song do you like most?
3. I like "Time Clock of the Heart" What was your inspiration when you wrote it?
4. Which song is the least you like?
5. What are you doing now? Which projects do you have?
5.. Can I obtain a signed photo of yours, either from your web site of any other means?
Thank you for your time and God bless you always.
Regards,
Edgardo Vazquez
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Hi George, I'm a big fan. What sort of music do you listen to these days, what's your favorite genre and favorite song of all time.
Ted
Hi George-
What do you think the meaning of your life is?
All the best to you-
Hillary
Hello,
Just curious- what, if any, musicians influenced your musical style and presentation with Culture Club and later as a solo act? Who did you listen to in the '80s and '90s? Who do you listen to now?
How has the passage of time and your life experiences affected your approach to writing, composing and performing?
George - What artist "borrowed" the most from you, style-wise?
Much success.
Dear boy george,
Why is this story listed under top stories on CNN.com? It does not seem like it relates to anything important in the world at all.
Love Derek
Hey George,
I would like to know when are you planning to stop stealing oxygen from the rest of the world.
Thanks!
I've heard some of your DJ sets...and I think you're talented there as well.
So, as a DJ, what say you.
Vinyl, cd, or everything on a laptop?
George, What was Annabella L'win like when you first met her? Gary
George, what do you think were your responsibilities to your fans when you were a star, particularly when they were mostly kids and teenagers?
Do you feel guilty now that you may have ruined countless lives by encouraging them to become homosexuals?
Do you still follow a "gay" lifestyle or have you chosen to go straight now?
Hi George,
I'm such a fan of yours! A few questions:
1) Were you truly happy at the height of your fame – Do you miss all that attention?
2) What makes you happy?
3) What would've it been like had Culture Club not broken up? Do you ever think of the "what ifs"?
4) Did you ever want a child of your own?
What do you miss most from the 80's????
Hey George
While your image was borne from a time when great societal changes were occuring and points were being made, do you see the new influx of flamoyant performers, like Lady Gaga, as merely branding themselves to gain fame and fortune?
If you read this, please know that you have honoured me... coz you rock it something fierce! Come to Sydney!!!
Yours obsessively
Mark
George,
Do you really want to hurt me? Do you really want to make me cry?
Wondering
I saw Culture Club back in the day. I'm still a big fan and wish you all the best, Boy George.
I'd like to know if you'd consider working with Lady Gaga? I'd also like to know what you think of today's music stars who are mostly from reality shows? What do you think of Bollywood also?
Are you happy that you were positioned early on as a gender-bender, as opposed to a great voice? Had you been 'packaged' differently early on, do you think your career would be different today, given that pop music demands youth and video-ready images?
George are you going to write a third book?
Will you ever relase a solo dvd of all your solo videos from 1987-2009?
Will the first song you ever recorded called "The Eyes Of Medusa" it appeared on your musical Taboo , but we fans want to know will it ever be released? It wasnt on the 2002 Culture Club box set and Why? We know Culture Club drummer Jon Moss has it in his box of demos from the early Culture Club Days.
Hare Krsna,
I enjoyed your silky voice in concert in Toronto in like '85ish. My son was a fan and so was I.
Please continue japa. This is the only important thing. All else will fall away in the end. The rest is all simply foolish emptiness, ego maintenance, desperate screams in the darkness. You're above all that.
The question is: will you take this good advice?
Love you,
gHari
Georgie Darling, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE "The Crying Game"! Would you ever perform it Live? Preferably with the producers...? xxx
Hi George, I love your song SHADOW BOXING, it deserves a great studio production. When are you planning to release it?
Love you. Always have. Glad to see things are looking up for ya. I've always wanted you to do a cover album of Elvis and Sinatra songs. Please? Could you? Could you give us a little sample now? 🙂 Big hugs from the Midwest.
I'm going to be in London in April to go to your concert. is there any possibility to to see you face to face or even to get an autograph or foto with you?
Love,
Corinna (17) from Germany
Dear George,
I´ve been your fan since I was a kid, 25 years now...a long time. And you know my love for you is growing and growing. I only have one question to you: when are you gonna come to Hungary? I`ve never seen you on stage, and this is my big dream! I wish it could come true one day... I love you. Big hugs:)) Reka
Hi George, I'm from Riverside California. I've been your fan since the early 80's! I know you have a great relationship with your mum! Has she ever inspired you to write any of your songs? Thanks and good luck with your new song! It's beautiful!
George – I'm curious how it feels to know that some fans (like me!) have been following you loyally for over a quarter century?
We love you and cannot wait to see you (hopefully soon!!) back in the States someday!
Hi George- love you longtime :-))
I've heard you say some pretty bitchy things about Madonna in the past-
what's your feelings towards her now?
and this is gonna be interesting-
What do you think Madonna really thinks about GaGa and her rise (and rise)?
Boy George is awesome.
He gave the World such great classics as Victims * If I could Fly * Unfinished Business * Masheri and and and
Please Boy George could you please reINvent Helen Terry for some new Moruning Vocals on your New Album? And dont forget Zee Asha.
Love and adore your amazing skills. Bring up new great Songs like Amazing Grace and some collabs with Coby Koehl, Madonna and Lady Gaga.
One of the best records you ever recorded was 'The Crying Game' with Petshop Boys.
Neil Tennent and Chris Lowe said it was a pleasure making that record with you and have shown interest with working with you again, is this something you would like to do also? and would you consider a full Petshop Boys produced album of dance or electronic music with them?
Will Taboo ever be on again – please, PLEASE!! Loved it!
Do you still see Jon, Mikey and Roy?
Please will you sing Black Money on your upcoming tour?
Do you remember when my friend Jane and I got on the stage at the Culture Club reunion gig at the Royal Albert Hall in 2002 during Bow Down Mister (Philip Sallon was on there too!)
After several years of completing many different concept albums like 'One Man Bandit' 'Yum Yum' and your Reggae/Ragga album to see them go unreleased when the songs are evidently too good to leave them in a vault, do you feel frustrated by this? and would you still like to release these albums properly?
Also there was a hint of a new Jesus Loves You revival with the release of 'Love Your Brother' would you consider recording and releasing another ambient dance Jesus Loves You album?
Dear George~
I'm a pretty young person, I wasn't born during the time culture club was around, or anything like that. But i am an absolute huge fan of your work! I first heard one of your songs off of a movie, and since then, I've fallen in love with all your music, including culture club, your solo work, and even your work as a Dj. Your an amazingly talented and beautiful person, and you have the most brilliant voice ever! Your music always seems to get me through any situation, and everytime I see an interview of yours, or a song of yours that i listen to for the first time, I'm in a great mood. When I listen to one of your songs I always wonder; what's your biggest insperation? Or if the song was really inspired by the moment? What type of people do you mostly target your music at? I hope to hear more of your music soon! Absolutly Love you!
~Caitlyn
~Age-14
Hi George!
I've been a been a fan of yours since I was a toddler. I'm 24 years old now and I still love you so much! You are actually my first crush (no kidding). You are also the reason why I respect gay people. anyway, I've heard your new single "amazing grace" and I think its really awesome. I hope you'll answer some of my questions.
1. Are you going back to Manila, Philippines for a concert?
2. How often do you pray?
3. Do you still speak to your culture club band mates?
4. What can you say about this? When I was 10 years old (wayback in 1996), my dad freaked out when he found out that you are my very first crush. (He got over it after a few hours anyway)
5. How do you deal with people who are rude, homophobic, or hyprocrite? Like when someone says bad about you on showbiz blogs.
6. Will your new single/album be released in the Philippines?
7. What do you do when you are stressed?
8. Do you write back to your fans?
9. BONUS QUESTION: If ever I meet you in person, will we become friends?
I am always praying for your success and good health! God Bless you always Georgie! I love you so much! You'll always be my NUMBER ONE HERO and INSPIRATION!
Jennilyn
Manila, Philippines
Hi George,
A huge fan of yours since '82.
I have so many questions, but I'll submit 3 of them:
1) Have you ever met Siouxsie Sioux in person? If so, can you tell of the experience?
2)If you could have a "DREAM" tour, who else would be on the bill?
Forever a fan,
Troy
What's going on with B-Rude these days? I'm in Los Angeles (also a designer) and think it would do very well here, especially if you could get it to stylist who work with some of young hollywood. Or even get to the skate/surf community. These kids wear printed hoodies and tees all day.
Your fan since Nov. 1982!
Robert
Ziggy Stardust versus Aladdin Sane? (Or Thin White Duke?)
I really want to see a concert of you, here in Italy.
I have ever listened your cds and I love your songs.
Some of these are very sweet, I hope youll organize a concert!!! Please Id like seeing you.
My best dream it would be meeting you face to face.
Giusy from Italy
Hey George!
Wish I could say amazing stuff like "I'm your fan since 82!" as well, but I was born 10 years to late for that. Well.
I know the question's already been asked, but I'm really interested if Taboo will ever be on stage again, and if yes, would you consider to take part as Leigh Bowery again?
And – another question – will you play 'More Girls Just Like You' on your upcoming tour? I just love that song.
Hope to see you live soon, never got the chance yet!
Lots of love from good old Germany!
Sophia
PS: post more raw recipes on twitter, wanna know some more! 😉
Hello Boy George. Please i wan't know your short biography.thanks 4rm murtala muhammed kawo-kaduna state.
Hola! volverÃas con Culture Club... Jon, Mickey y Roy?
Sé que vienes a Colombia y aqui te esperamos en septiembre.. bienvenido de nuevo. Un abrazo.
Hello, lifelong fan here, fourteen going on fifteen. I love your music and you're a very inspiring person; your music helps me get through a lot of depression I have in my life and it allows me to have an outlet to express myself I wouldn't otherwise have. I'm transsexual and just want you to know your one of the influences pulling me through this mess!
1. How do you get your eyeshadow to be so vibrant in color?
2. Do you plan to get married one day?
3. What would you suggest for a teen in a meat eating house to do to be a vegetarian?
Dani/Desiree Bouchard
Greenville, Maine.
Hi dear George ..
In September 2010 it expected to come to Brazil tells the site 100% Boy, we can expect it to show or doing a DJ? Brazilian fans We look forward to your return. Welcome back to Brazil. We love you George!
Hi George, I would like to know if you'll be releasing 'Pentonville Blues' as a single, it's a true gem! By the way you're looking fantastic these days! Love you! xxx
It is so exciting to see you back on the singing end of music. "Amazing Grace" fab and I can't wait to hear the rest of the new album. I know that you are going on tour and I was wondering what the chances are of you bringing the tour to the states? Best wishes and lots of love!
Will you ever relase a solo dvd of all your solo videos from 1987-2009?
Will the first song you ever recorded called "The Eyes Of Medusa" it appeared on your musical Taboo , but we fans want to know will it ever be released? It wasnt on the 2002 Culture Club box set and Why? We know Culture Club drummer Jon Moss has it in his box of demos from the early Culture Club Days.
george,
i have been a fan of yours and culture club since 1983. you are all tremendously talented individuals. i do truly miss your beautiful, soulful voice and music.
you have been through so many ups and downs through the years which i presume is mostly related to your involvement with drugs.
in april, i will be six years alcohol free. while my life is by no means perfect, i know at least that i am living it without the confusion of the alcohol haze.
you have been given a gift of a beautiful voice that many of us would give anything to be as talented as you are.
i wanted to write to let you know that you do still have the support of your lifelong fans who wish you nothing but happiness in your life.
my question is: how will you plan on staying drug and alcohol free this time so that you can truly focus on continuing to make more beautiful music that the rest of us can enjoy?
all the best to you
kristin in columbus ohio
1, What is your opinion now of the last CC album Don't Mind If I Do? I think it was a great album that was unfairly ignored by the public.
2. Would you ever consider doing another album and tour with Culture Club?
3. How do you feel when your fans out of loyalty to you say horrible things about Jon Moss? Do you think that's right?
4. Have you ever met Courtney Love and what do you think of her as an artist? I have heard songs from her new album and I think she is a brilliant artist who like you hasn't always gotten the respect she deserves.
Dear George,
I was wondering why u never responded to my letter that i wrote while you were at Edmunds Hill. It was like 7 pages long and very heart felt. I know you cant answer all your mail, but i just wanted to be sure you got it. I even sent an email to your facebook page to no reply. I just have been a fan since the 80's and have always loved your work.
Thanks,
Todd
Wat'up?boy George,hw re u doing,as am going through other pple comment,u hv a good recommendation,just keep it up,but did u release late.
Hi George,
Apart from the basic and fundemantal reasons as health and simply surving, what was/is your most essental reason(s) to become/stay drug free? Knowing you´ve read Eckhart Tolle, in what way has his way of thinking changed and helped you through? I´m reading "A New Earth" at the moment and really enjoying it. Every page, so far, has made my thoughts spin. What´s the most essential thing, in your opinion, one should focus on in life?
I´ve been a fan since 1983, am now pushing 40 and still a true fan of yours!! xx
Wish you good luck in life and all the best for Mondays appearence on CNN!!
Anne Seppänen, Huskvarna, Sweden
Hi George,
I am a big fan of you and I really adore your music! It makes me happy all the time. What inspires you to write your songs and how do you train your voice that it sounds so beautiful?
Love
Corinna (17) Germany
We are looking forward to your UK Tour in April George! Love you as always!
Is there going to be a European tour (as a singer) and will Greece be included?
Gorgeous eye shadow!
xx
I loved the video montage journey of past commercial videos you used to display on BoyGeorgeUK.com, especially the collages and more recent work. Will we be seeing any more of your visual work any time soon? A brilliant artist, thank you for all you share. We want EVERYTHING!
Much love,
Devisattva
Hi geoge,
what advise do u av 4 d youth of dis generation?
Hey Georgie :))
Tazzer here I post the jokes on ur youtube site .been a fan long time now. Seen you and the guys in concert a few times.
I love ur new song "Amazing Grace"
Amywho time to get to my ? what is a womble
but for the real ? ...do you plan to come to Canada
Have fun Georgie ...always remember to laugh,smile dance, and smile like its nobodys business ... Tazzer :))
Dear George,
I first heard you when I was 10, with I just wanna be loved and though bizarre, you are very interesting, and still find you to be so until now. I really wish I was already born in 82 but wasn't till 5 years later.
Anyway, I have a few questions for you, I hope they get picked. 😀
1) After all the ups and downs of your carreer and personal life, is there anything else that you want to do right now, aside from making good music?
2) Now that you have come in better terms with yourself and have a better grounding, how do you see yourself twenty to thirty years from now?
3) What are the positive and negative differences of the youth today and of your time, and what do you think are the best ways to overcome the negative ones?
I really hope that my questions get answered, and I am wishing you all the best in the world. I want you to know that you have inspired so many people in the world and I hope that you are more aware of it now, more than ever. I love you so much, you have been the reason of my liberation.
Love Across the Ocean,
–Ella/ Cavite,Philippines
P.S. I love Pentonville Blues, I hope to hear it as a single or a part of your new album. Wishing you all the best sweetheart, I love you! xx
Hi do kwn what to say but i think u are good.love u
George,
I hope your new single is a success, from what I've been seeing and reading it already is. I see you've been working with the amazing singer Coby Koehl. Are you planning to releasing the duets with him on an album sometime this year?
Love you always,
Marina
George,
I hope your single is a success, from what I've been seeing and reading it already is. I see you've been working with the amazing singer Coby Koehl. Are you planning on releasing these duets on an album sometime this year?
Love you always,
Marina
Your work in "TABOO" was astounding and a touching tribute to Lee Bowery and his genius in performance art, fashion & popular culture.
My question is: "Who do you think is breaking through in setting trends or innovation of sub culture, fashion, art and music? Who deserves our attention and who doesn't?"
Huge from Cape Town.
continued...
...."Who deserves our attention and who doesn't?" Besides yourself, off course.
Huge from Cape Town
Hi George!
I'm writing from New York and i've been a huge fan of yours since high school, when I saw the VH1 Storytellers show w/ Culture Club back in 1998.
If I may ask 2 questions:
1. Do you know if Taboo will ever return to New York, even if it were an off-Broadway run? The timing for this masterpiece to make a comeback and earn the respect is deserves is definitely now.
2. This is random, but have you ever personally been to areas in Upstate New York, for example Rockland County, Albany or even Saratoga Springs? Have you traveled to parts of New England? Any thoughts on what you thought about these places in contrast to Manhattan?
3. Not a question, but please release the original mix of 'Turn to Dust', the version that has been played on Sirius radio. This song is an anthem that would also have perfect timing right now in this country, not to mention it's VERY "Boy George" !!
George –
Do you know if it would be possible to get the Culture Club album 'From Luxury to Heartache' released on iTunes? In the US, we never had this re-released, it was not even included when the first 3 Culture Club albums were remastered and released on CD. Getting the 'luxury/heartache' album released on iTunes would be a big seller! If you can even point fans in the right direction as far as who to try to contact (virgin records?), would be great. Thanks a million, babe!
Hey George,
at first I have to say that I really adore your music!!!
My question is: Is there anything people say about you that makes you really happy?
Love
Corinna
Hi George,
question is: is there any of your songs you don't like at all (anymore)?
Why?
Love
Corinna (17) from Germany
Hi Georgie!
1. Do you still have your 1983 "Best New Artist" Grammy award?
2. When are you going to write another book?
3. What can you say about the teen stars of today (like miley cyrus, taylor swift, etc.)?
4. Which one do you love doing most: singing or being a DJ and why?
5. Does your brother Kevin O'dowd sing? (coz he's really cool!)
I am so excited to watch you on CNN later (5 am in Manila) and I hope you'll answer one of my questions. God Bless and I love you Georgie!
Jennilyn
24 years old from Manila, Philippines
Hi George!!!
At first: your new single is absolutely AMAZING, really love it!!!!
Are you going to release a new album? when?
Are you going to do a tour in Germany again one day?
Kisses
Corinna (17) from Germany
Hello George.....Your new Single is "AMAZING".....You ARE Amazing .......Your New Discovery Coby Koehl is Amazing......I Wish you both the most AMAZING success With Love From Cobys #1 FAN.......Joyce Yorba.....Cobys Mom