Boy George and Culture Club to bring ‘universal music’ to Manila

After more than 12 years, English band and 80s supergroup Culture Club has reunited to perform once again for their adoring fans all over the world.

The Philippines will be part of the legendary tour featuring music icon Boy George and band members Roy Hay, Mikay Craig, and Jon Moss on June 18, Saturday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

In a press conference on Thursday, the band expressed their excitement for the show, as it is their first time to perform in the country.

“As it's our first time here, it's going to be interesting to see how people react, their own levels of enthusiasm,” said George. “It's exciting, and we really don't know what to expect. For me, it's all about the show... I would want to focus on the show and do the best job possible.”

“As a band now, we're at the best we've ever been. I think we enjoy this more now, and that translates to the performances we give the audience. We've had warm receptions from Australia—it was such a lovely trip. We've been on the road for three months, so it's a really big tour. The thing that we'll remember is whether the people enjoy the show or not,” he added.

Filipino fans will be hearing the band's greatest hits, including  "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" "Time (Clock of the Heart)," "I'll Tumble 4 Ya," "Church of the Poison Mind," "Karma Chameleon," "Miss Me Blind," "The War Song," and "I Just Wanna Be Loved.”

More than thirty years since their band was formed, the musicians believe that they are currently at their best, both as performers and individuals.

Aside from making music as well as—or arguably even better than—they did during the 80s, they have also found a greater appreciation for each other.

Hay said, “I have a great appreciation of my bandmates and everybody's abilities. We were just kids then who want to make music and form a band. Somehow, it exploded. What's been great when we reunited, I watch us writing songs, playing instruments, and I thought, 'We are so good!'”

“For example, George, he's a crazy genius when he writes lyrics. It's a special thing this band has, you know, and I hope the audience sees that when they watch us onstage. We really enjoy it,” the band's lead guitarist added.

Boy George, Culture Club Live in Manila on June 18, Araneta Coliseum: We're the best we've ever been! @gmanews pic.twitter.com/YeOq3yIBic

— Bianca Rose Dabu (@biancadabu) June 16, 2016

Many Filipinos in their 30s would argue that the 1980s was a “golden era” for pop music, having grown up with hits by the Culture Club as well as other music icons including Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, and Cyndi Lauper.

Boy George admits that it has been a rollercoaster ride growing up with different people from all over the world, but being an inspiration to many people fuels his desire to continue making music and entertaining his fans.

“Music is universal, especially the kind of music that we make. People are familiar with the songs,” he said. 

“We kind of grew up with our fans. When you're famous, you tend to live your life in the public eye, so  people kind of have a relationship with you.”

George added that music always brings him back to the exciting times in his life—“the romances, the joys, the sadness. That's what we try to communicate to the audience. Music should make you dance, cry, or sing. If you could do all of those things in one show, I think you're on to a good thing.”

Culture Club's members said they were also thankful for the continuous support and love they receive from their fans, many years after the band's heyday.

Prior to arriving in the Philippines, the group had toured Australia, the United Kingdom, the US and and Canada.

According to Hay, “It's amazing that we're still able to do what we do. When we started this band, we never really thought we'd make it to a year or even six months. To be able to sit here after more than 30 years, it's amazing.”

The Culture Club's Philippine concert is part of their 40-city tour, which also includes dates in the US, Australia, Mexico, and Japan. — Bianca Rose Dabu/BM, GMA News