So I just finished re-reading Boy's 1995 book Take It Like A Man, which I mentioned briefly under the Tea Room topic under different context. But I have to start a topic here, because I am surprised there isn't one.
Two decades ago, as a confused and searching high school senior driving around the suburban wastelands of DC, I heard this song on the radio. My friend said to me- "have you seen how the person looks who sing this song?" which was Do You Really Want to Hurt Me. I hadn't, but I shortly did on some afterschool pop music show, and I was completely awestruck, and subconciously inspired. Here was this person wearing make-up, garrish clothing, and making a success of it as well! Since then I have been a fan of the music and exploits of Boy George. And as I went off to college, the success of Culture Club mirrored my own public sartorial and personal explorations. And when their pop star fizzled, I still remained an eternal and fascinated fan, which still holds true today.
One of the highlights of the past decade of being in NYC was the night I met him at Squeezebox. So I turned the corner, and there he was talking to Jayne County, so I, like an eager child, ran up to her and said "introduce me, please!" (probably tugging at her skirt as well). She hushed me in her southern drawl "I will girl, hold on, when I'm done talkin' to him." I waited patiently, but probably tapping my toe, but then she did introduce me. I cringe in retrospect when I recall what I said, as it was not my usual easily adopted New York blase when one sees a celebrity out and about. I mumbled something about seeing Antony sing Victims (one of my fave Culture Club songs) earlier that evening. He tolerated the gushing fan so politely. I ran back to my friends Sunny (now off in London with her new life and newly installed Thai plumbing) and Nick (goddess rest his soul in a hopefully happier place) and jumped up and down in my 6" heels "I just met Boy George!" Linda Simpson was there too and she had her camera, and thankfully wanted to meet him too, so we went back and took pictures with each of us. That picture still hangs on my fridge as one of my prize possessions.
So I was wondering if Boy George has affected others in the same way as his life has been an inspiration to me?
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