Andy Bell (singer)

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Andy Bell
Andy Bell (Erasure) 2.jpg
Bell performing with Erasure at Delamere Forest in Cheshire, England, 2011
Background information
Birth nameAndrew Ivan Bell
Born (1964-04-25) 25 April 1964 (age 59)
Origin Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, England
Genres
Occupation(s)
Years active1983–present
Labels
Member of Erasure
Website andybell.com

Andrew Ivan Bell (born 25 April 1964) [1] is an English singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the synth-pop duo Erasure. The band achieved mainstream success (receiving a Brit Award for Best British Group) and are popular within the LGBT community, for whom the openly gay Bell has become an icon. [2]

Contents

Erasure have penned over 200 songs and have sold over 25 million albums worldwide. [3] [4] They have achieved five consecutive number ones on the UK Albums Chart. Hit singles include "A Little Respect", "Sometimes" and "Always". Bell is known for his soulful voice and flamboyant stage persona, which contrast with bandmate Vince Clarke's low-key, deadpan demeanour.

His solo career includes the studio albums Electric Blue (2005), Non-Stop (2010), and iPop (2014).

Early life

Bell grew up in the Dogsthorpe [ citation needed ] area of Peterborough. His family still reside in the city and surrounding areas such as Market Deeping.[ citation needed ] Bell was educated at the King's School in the city. [5] [6]

Career

In 1985, during a period in which he worked selling women's shoes and was performing in a band called the Void, he responded to a newspaper advertisement for a singer. Vince Clarke had been Bell's "hero"; Bell was successful in his audition and together they formed the group Erasure.

Bell sang the role of Montresor in the opera The Fall of the House of Usher by Peter Hammill and Judge Smith, released in 1991 and reissued with a new recording in 1999.

Bell's first solo studio album was announced in July 2005. He signed a worldwide solo recording contract with Sanctuary Records, and announced details of his debut album, released on 3 October 2005 and entitled Electric Blue . The album featured fourteen tracks, including three duets, with Claudia Brücken of Propaganda and Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters.

The first single, "Crazy", released on 26 September 2005, included club remixes from his Erasure partner Vince Clarke, plus Cicada, MHC and King Roc. Electric Blue was co-written and recorded throughout 2004 and 2005 with Manhattan Clique (Philip Larsen and Chris Smith) who have worked with Erasure, Moby, the B-52s, Stereophonics and Goldfrapp.

Bell released his second solo studio album, Non-Stop , on 7 June 2010. [7] It was co-written and co-produced by Bell and Pascal Gabriel, who previously remixed "It Doesn't Have to Be" for Erasure. It also features a collaboration with Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction.

Using the pseudonym Mimó, Bell released two Pascal Gabriel-produced singles on Mute Records: "Running Out" (2009) [8] and "Will You Be There?" (2010) [9] prior to his second solo album. [10] The name, used as a "tribute to good friend Tomeau Mimó", was not used on any subsequent solo releases, as a legal block was issued against Bell by another artist already using the Mimó name. [11] Both songs appear on Non-Stop [7] and have since been re-branded as Andy Bell.

In June 2011, he appeared on the second season of ITV series Popstar to Operastar and finished in fifth place.

On 26 July 2023, Claire Richards released a cover of the 1978 ABBA single "Summer Night City", in collaboration with Bell on co-lead vocals, as the second single from Richards' second studio album Euphoria. [12]

Charity

Bell has also donated time and made recordings for charities. These include Ferry Aid's cover of "Let It Be" (1987); a cover of Cole Porter's "Too Darn Hot", that was included in 1990s Red Hot + Blue album to raise funds for AIDS and HIV research; re-making Lene Lovich's "Rage" alongside her to be included in PETA 's album (1991) in favour of a wildlife campaign; and performing twice on Big Spender's Red Hot and Dance events to support various AIDS projects (in both December 1994 and November 2004). Bell also performed on the True Colours Tour 2008.

Personal life

Bell is openly gay, and has had long-time partners. The first, Paul M. Hickey, [13] died on 11 April 2012 at the age of 62. [14] In January 2013, Bell married his subsequent partner Stephen Moss. [15]

On 17 December 2004, Bell publicly announced that he has been HIV-positive since 1998. [16] In a 2007 interview, he remarked that there is a complacency among gay men about HIV:

There are definitely HIV-positive people who meet other HIV-positive men, and like still having unprotected sex. I think it must be quite hard for young gay men because there is so much for them now to do — there are so many saunas and stuff like that for them to go to, and it's so easy to get it. [17]

Bell has avascular necrosis. He has had both hips replaced, which keeps him from "pogoing around" in more recent performances. [17]

Solo discography

Albums

Shelter featuring Andy Bell albums

Torsten stage and music series and remixes

Singles

Remixes

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erasure</span> British synthpop band

Erasure are an English synth-pop duo formed in London in 1985, consisting of lead vocalist and songwriter Andy Bell with songwriter, producer and keyboardist Vince Clarke, previously known as co-founder of the band Depeche Mode and a member of synth-pop duo Yazoo. From their fourth single, "Sometimes" (1986), Erasure established themselves on the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of the most successful acts of the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. From 1986 to 2007, the pair achieved 24 consecutive top-40 entries in the UK singles chart. By 2009, 34 of their 37 chart-eligible singles and EPs had made the UK top 40, including 17 climbing into the top 10. At the 1989 Brit Awards, Erasure won the Brit Award for Best British Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vince Clarke</span> English synth-pop musician

Vincent John Martin, known professionally as Vince Clarke, is an English synth-pop musician and songwriter. Clarke has been the main composer and musician of the band Erasure since its inception in 1985, and was previously the main songwriter for several groups, including Depeche Mode, Yazoo, and the Assembly. In Erasure, he is known for his deadpan and low-key onstage demeanour, often remaining motionless over his keyboard, in sharp contrast to lead vocalist Andy Bell's animated and hyperactive frontman antics.

<i>Wonderland</i> (Erasure album) 1986 studio album by Erasure

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<i>The Two Ring Circus</i> 1987 compilation album (remixes and live recordings) by Erasure

The Two Ring Circus is a remix album by English synth-pop duo Erasure that served as a companion piece to their second album The Circus. It was released in 1987 on Mute Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US.

<i>Wild!</i> 1989 studio album by Erasure

Wild! is the fourth studio album by English synth-pop duo Erasure. Released in 1989, it was the follow-up album to their 1988 breakthrough The Innocents. The album was produced by Erasure, along with Gareth Jones and Mark Saunders and released by Mute Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chains of Love (Erasure song)</span> 1988 single by Erasure

"Chains of Love" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in May 1988 as their ninth single overall. It was written by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, and released by Mute Records as the second single from Erasure's third studio album, The Innocents (1988). In the United States, Sire Records released it as the first single. The chorus is memorable for Bell's use of falsetto. The album version was produced by Stephen Hague and was slightly remixed for its single release. The accompanying music video featured Clarke and Bell performing the song while being hoisted through the air by thick, metal chains.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Little Respect</span> 1988 single by Erasure

"A Little Respect" is a song written and recorded by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in September 1988. It was written by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell. The lyrics are a plea to a lover to show compassion and respect. The heavily synthesized instrumentation is accentuated by acoustic guitar and Bell's vocal falsetto in the chorus. It was their tenth single and was taken from their third studio album, The Innocents (1988). Known as one of their signature songs, the single reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and was Erasure's second consecutive top-20 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it made number 14, and reached number two on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Savannah</span> 1990 single by Erasure

"Blue Savannah" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure from their fourth studio album, Wild! (1989). Written by members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the song was released as a single in Japan on 25 January 1990 and was issued in the United Kingdom the following month. Alfa Records released it in Japan as the album's lead single, Mute Records released it in Europe as the album's third single, and Sire Records released it in the United States as the album's second single. Considered one of the band's signature songs, the duo still perform it regularly in concerts. It has been described as an uplifting love song; the instrumentation is crisp and heavily synthesized, accented with sweeping, programmed piano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breath of Life (Erasure song)</span> 1992 single by Erasure

"Breath of Life" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released as the fourth and final single from their fifth studio album, Chorus (1991), in March 1992. It was written by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell with additional input from Pat O'Brien. An uptempo synth-pop song, its dance music elements were strongly accentuated for the club remixes. For the single release, it was remixed slightly, including a shortened intro. In the United States, it was the third single released from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In My Arms (Erasure song)</span> 1997 single by Erasure

"In My Arms" is a synth-pop ballad by English duo Erasure. Written by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the song was released in 1997, as the lead single from their album Cowboy. The album version was released as the single version in both the UK and the U.S., and the lead synthesizer melody performed during the song's middle eight section was mixed lower for the American version. It was issued by Mute Records in the UK and by Maverick Records in the U.S. The cover for the U.S. single release was used as an example in the book The 7 Essentials of Graphic Design by Allison Goodman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me</span> 1997 single by Erasure

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moon & the Sky</span> 2001 single by Erasure

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breathe (Erasure song)</span> 2005 single by Erasure

"Breathe" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure. It was released by Mute Records in the UK and the US as the first single from the band's 11th studio album, Nightbird (2005). Written and produced by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the song was remixed slightly for its radio version. The UK CD single includes CD-ROM information that allowed buyers to download the Digipro software package and use isolated musical tracks of "Breathe" to create their own remixes. For a short time, fans were able to upload their finished "Breathe" remixes to Erasure's website to share with others.

<i>Light at the End of the World</i> 2007 studio album by Erasure

Light at the End of the World is the thirteenth studio album by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released on 14 May 2007 by Mute Records. The album's release was announced on the band's website on 26 January 2007 in a video message from members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell. It reached the UK top 30 upon its release.

<i>Non-Stop</i> (Andy Bell album) 2010 studio album by Andy Bell

Non-Stop is the second solo album by Erasure member Andy Bell, released on 7 June 2010 on Mute Records. The album was co-written and co-produced by Bell and veteran producer Pascal Gabriel. Also included is a collaboration with Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell.

<i>Tomorrows World</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Erasure

Tomorrow's World is the fourteenth studio album by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released by Mute Records in the United Kingdom on 3 October 2011 and in North America on 11 October 2011. As with their previous album, Light at the End of the World (2007), Tomorrow's World reached number 29 on the UK Albums Chart.

<i>Snow Globe</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Erasure

Snow Globe is the fifteenth studio album by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released by Mute Records on 11 November 2013 in the United Kingdom and on 12 November 2013 in North America. The album has a holiday music theme, including classic Christmas carols with original tracks written by band members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell and is produced by longtime collaborator Gareth Jones.

<i>The Violet Flame</i> 2014 studio album by Erasure

The Violet Flame is the sixteenth studio album by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released by Mute Records on 22 September 2014 in the United Kingdom and on 23 September 2014 in North America.

<i>World Be Gone</i> 2017 studio album by Erasure

World Be Gone is the seventeenth studio album by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released by Mute Records on 19 May 2017 in the United Kingdom and on 20 May 2017 in North America. The album reached number six on the UK Albums Chart, dropping out of the chart the next week.

<i>The Neon</i> (album) 2020 studio album by Erasure

The Neon is the eighteenth studio album by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released on 21 August 2020 by Mute Records. The album debuted at number four on the UK Albums Chart with 8,394 copies sold in its first week.

References

  1. ↑ "BIOGRAPHY | Andy Bell (Erasure)". Andybell.com. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  2. ↑ "Erasure gay icon Andy Bell talks with O&AN". Outandaboutnewspaper.com. 1 April 2006. Archived from the original on 5 June 2009. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
  3. ↑ "ERASURE New Single "Elevation" Remixed by BT". Remixmag.com. 25 August 2014. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  4. ↑ Simpson, Dave (30 July 2014), "Andy Bell: 'I'd had enough of being bullied'", The Guardian
  5. ↑ Lamy, Joel (24 July 2016). "School 'owes debt' to inspirational teacher". Peterborough Telegraph. Peterborough Today. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  6. ↑ "CLAIM: Anger over 'scary city' jibe by star". Peterborough Telegraph. Peterborough Today. 21 October 2003. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  7. 1 2 "Andy Bell Official Website". Andy Bell. Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  8. ↑ "MiMó – Running Out". Mute.com. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  9. ↑ "MiMó – Will You Be There?". Mute.com. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  10. ↑ "(Erasure) Official Website". Andy Bell. Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  11. ↑ "Erasure (Andy Bell & Vince Clarke) The Official Website". Erasureinfo.com. Archived from the original on 22 November 2010. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  12. ↑ "Claire Richards teams up with Erasure's Andy Bell on storming cover of ABBA's Summer Night City". Retro Pop. 26 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  13. ↑ Harrington, Richard (29 April 2005). "Erasure's Edge: Still Sharp". The Washington Post. Retrieved 15 December 2010. One of the first openly gay pop stars, Bell used to cover Tammy Wynette's "Stand by Your Man" sporting bell-bottom cowboy chaps with the backsides cut out, long before Prince or Christina Aguilera struck that ex-pose... Spain (where Bell lives with his partner of 20 years, Paul Hickey)[ permanent dead link ]
  14. ↑ "Sometimes - A Life of Love, Loss & Erasure". Paulhickey.com. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  15. ↑ Jamieson, Teddy (1 August 2014). "Erasure's Andy Bell on his Fringe show, finding love again and living with HIV". The Herald . Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  16. ↑ Vineyard, Jennifer (14 December 2004). "Erasure Singer Andy Bell Says He's HIV-Positive". MTV. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  17. 1 2 Pool, Hannah (26 July 2007). "Question time: Erasure singer Andy Bell". The Guardian . London.
  18. ↑ "Chart Log UK – Weekly Updates Sales 2010". zobbel.de.
  19. ↑ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 52. ISBN   1-904994-10-5.
  20. ↑ "Hot Dance Club Songs". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 9 August 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
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