Boy George clueless their band is famous in the Philippines

Boy George arrived in the Philippines with the British ‘80s band Culture Club last June 15 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

They are slated to perform in a special one-night concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 18 billed as Culture Club Featuring Boy George Live In Manila presented by Royal Chimes Concerts and Events.

Boy George and Culture Club members Roy Hay, Mikey Craig, and Jon Moss faced the Philippine media during their June 16 press conference at Novotel Hotel Manila in Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

The British pop singer-songwriter, whose real name is George Alan O'Dowd, turned 55 years old last June 14.

The openly gay singer said that it was the saddest birthday for him because it was also the day of the infamous Orlando shooting that claimed 49 lives.

A gunman opened fire at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, and injured at least 53 other people. It is considered the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

“It was quite difficult to celebrate my birthday,' said a pensive Boy George.

“It's an attack on everybody.

“I think my sentiments would be the same as anyone else. I was very sad about it.

“Right now, especially in America, it’s making a lot of people aware of the LGBT community.

“I cannot even put into words how I felt.

“Unfortunately, it happened during my tour and I can’t stop to think about all the families and those who were devastated.

“It’s unbelievable… I feel very sad and I don’t know how people are going to go through it but I know they will.”

MANILA CONCERT. The band has been receiving messages from Pinoy fans on social media expressing their excitement that Culture Club will finally perform in Manila.

Upon his arrival, Boy George posted on his Twitter account to share his observations about the country: 'Gemini's [sic] hate surprises but I'm excited to be in the Philippines. It's very buzzy, vibrant, crazy. The people are super friendly!'

Upon their arrival, Boy George also tried tweeting in Tagalog.

He tweeted: “Kaya masaya na maging dito at naghahanap ng pasulong upang ang kultura club show”

A fan translated his tweet as “So happy to be here and looking forward to Culture Club's show”

During their press conference, the group members said they were delighted to perform for the first time in Manila.

Boy George admits that he was clueless that their band has been famous in the Philippines since they shot to fame in 1981 with their hit singles “Karma Chameleon”, “Miss Me Blind”, “It’s A Miracle”, “Church of the Poison Mind”, “Do You Really Wanna Hurt Me”, “Time”, “Mistake Number 3”, “Love Is Love”, “I’ll Tumble 4 U” and “The War Song.”

“As it's our first time here, it's going to be interesting to see how people react, their own levels of enthusiasm,” says Boy George.

He adds: “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.”-- For full story, visit PEP.ph