Steve Bronski: Founder of openly gay band Bronski Beat dies aged 61

Steve Bronski: Founder of openly gay band Bronski Beat dies aged 61

THE founder of openly gay band, Bronski Beat, Steve Bronski dies aged 61, a source close to the group has confirmed. No cause of death was given.

Bronksi Beat member Jimmy Somerville reacted to the news on Twitter: “Sad to hear Steve Bronski has died.

“He was a talented and a very melodic man. Working with him on songs and the one song that changed our lives and touched so many other lives, was a fun and exciting time.

“Thanks for the melody Steve. Jimmy x”

https://twitter.com/JimmySomerville/status/1468930308699480066

Bronksi Beat were an openly gay British synthpop trio who achieved success in the mid-1980s, particularly with the 1984 chart hit “Smalltown Boy” taken from their debut album The Age of Consent. Smalltown Boy was their only US Billboard Hot 100 single.

Their songs often contained political commentary on gay-related issues.

The initial line-up, which recorded the majority of the band’s hits, consisted of Jimmy Somerville (vocals), Steve Bronski (born Steven William Forrest, keyboards, percussion) and Larry Steinbachek (keyboards, percussion).

Steve Bronski revived the band in 2016 after it was dissolved in 1995, recording new material with 1990s member Ian Donaldson. Larry Steinbachek died later that year.

Tributes have flooded Twitter, with one user writing: “Just heard that Steve Bronski has passed away. Very sad news. Thinking of fellow fans, friends and family. Bronski Beat were a fabulous band whose legacy will last.”

https://twitter.com/vodkaangel22/status/1468931183853686788

Another wrote: “RIP Steve Bronski. Imagine being the keyboardist on Smalltown Boy! Haunting, decade defining music. One of my ten fave tunes. The album wasn’t bad either.”

RIP Steve Bronski.
Imagine being the keyboardist on Smalltown Boy!
Haunting, decade defining music.
One of my ten fave tunes. The album wasn't bad either. pic.twitter.com/mAZHBlxbJJ

— Matthew Black (@NoirMJ) December 9, 2021

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