Probably the most successful English alternative band to blend the sensibilities of American pop rock and English Gothic, Gene Loves Jezebel music broke through traditional radio barriers. They influenced many of mainstream alternative acts of the late 80’s and 90’s. Perry Farrel, of Jane’s Addiction, cites lead singer Jay Aston and Gene Loves Jezebel as one of his main musical influences.
GLJ started in 1981 when two brothers arrived in London from South Wales. Initially interested in fashion, the flamboyant pair drew attention with their outrageous fashions. Soon after, the two brothers took to music and started a loose, experimental band. Word spread quickly about the band’s charismatic and energetic frontmen. Fans became fanatics. Beggars Banquet Records signed the band and immediate success followed.
Their first album, Promise (1983), hit high on the English charts. Album number two, Immigrant (1984), again hit on the English charts and became their first U.S. release (Relativity). Meanwhile, their single “Desire” was becoming a raging hit on the Billboard Dance Chart, eventually reaching the top five, as well as being featured in the John Hughes film, She’s Having A Baby.
Their next album, Discover (1986), hit #1 on the British charts, and another US tour solidified them as a major act. Major label Geffen Records soon caught wind and signed them. Conscious of the visual as well as musical, the group’s video for single “Heartache” became a instant hit on MTV.
When “Desire” was re-recorded by Peter Walsh and released as single in the United States, the video was nominated for three American Video Awards, and it set the standard for dance club music in the 80’s.
In 1987, the success of the single “Motion of Love” led the band into a major tour of the US and Japan. The song eventually reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Pop singles chart. Soon after, House of Dolls(1987), was released. Change was in the air for the twin brothers and one departed to pursue a solo career.
Jay Aston, the main songwriter of the band, kept it going and Kiss of Life (1990) was released. The record contained their biggest hit to date, “Jealous,” which hit #1 on Billboard Modern Rock Chart.
A new label, Savage Records, offered the band more money and signed them along with David Bowie as flagship acts. But midway through a 1993 US tour, the band received word the label had gone bust. With no tour support, the band was forced into hiatus.
The Savage/BMG album, Heavenly Bodies(1993), still went on to sell more than 150,000 copies worldwide and established them as a major act in Portugal and Latin American markets.
Years passed. Jay went on to record a solo album, Unpopular Songs (1998, Paras/Rykodisc Records). And things probably would have stayed that way if it weren’t for one ardent fan. Convinced they still had plenty of music left in them, a fan miraculously brought Jay, James, Peter and a new American drummer, Joel Patterson, together to record the new album, VII.
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A GREAT LIVE CD FROM GLJ!!.......2000-11-08
Wicked City.......2000-08-21