BY GEORGE
Watch as ‘out of tune’ Boy George attempts to sing Culture Club hits and is SLAMMED by complaints ‘he can’t sing’
The singer also received some harsh comments after making his broadway debut earlier this year
POP icon Boy George has been savaged by the critics, who claim that the flamboyant frontman has lost his voice, after he staged his band, Culture Club’s comeback tour.
Culture Club, whose hit songs were the soundtrack of the 80s including Karma Chameleon and Do you really want to hurt me, have been on a nine date tour of the UK, which finished at the 02 arena on Sunday night.
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But while there was much praise for the elaboration production including, “fabulous and funky” backing dancers and special affects, music critics at were none too impressed by Boy George’s vocals.
Speaking about the stage show, one Times critic said: “None of the above could maks Culture Club’s current problem- Boy George’s voice. Sure it hasn’t been good for sometime. Here it was weak at best, often inaudible and occasionally terribly out of tune.”
Indeed the critic noted that the band’s backing singers were often required to cover for the glam rock star.
He added: “To make up for it, most of the band sang, while the backing vocalists kept the songs buoyant and in some cases completely took over.”
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The singer/songwriter was praised for his on stage persona, employing the same theatrical costumes that made him famous including, “ a huge hat covered in mirrors” and a “big colourful coat that swished up and down the staircase.”
There was also quirky jacket adorned with multi-coloured post it note slogans.
But it seems that audience members got the impression that after 40 years in pop music, Boy George’s heart may no longer be in performing.
The reviewer said: “ The sense of the singer going through the motions overshadowed some of culture club’s most famous hits."
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"As Boy George’s vocal vanished, the songs ran out of steam.”
The critic noted that he seemed happier when he wasn’t singing.
“Strangely he seemed more animated when he stopped to chat, recalling his days of living in squats and a pre-fame Naomi Campbell, appearing in the early Culture Club video.”
Indeed it’s not the first time that Boy George’s diminishing vocals have come under fire.
Earlier this year the Karma Chameleon hitmaker made his Broadway debut as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge the musical, for a limited run.
But although he was able to capture “campy energy” required, critics also noted a “lack of engagement.”
But at 63, Boy George whose real name is George O Dowd, is showing no signs of slowing down, as his dynamite stage presence will attest.
Next year Culture Club hit the road once again, as they travel to the other side of the world to tour Australia and New Zealand.
There will also be some European festival dates over the summer.
No doubt millions will flock to see the global queer superstar in the flesh, after he’s made such a big impression on pop music in the last 40 years.
Culture club came up through the 80s music scene during the new romantic movement, which influenced song writing and fashion.
Beginning with their 1982 UK No 1 Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, they became hugely successful, with six more UK Top Five hits and six Top 10 hits in the US that decade, including the transatlantic chart-topper Karma Chameleon.
Their second album, Colour by numbers sold more than 10 millions albums worldwide.
From humble beginnings in the London suburb of Eltham, Boy George’s androgynous look and unique style of dressing have made him one of the most influential and recognisable pop stars of his day.
In 2015 he received an Ivor Novello award, from the academy of songwriters and composers, for outstanding services to British music.
In 2022 he made a return to the limelight when he starred on I'm a Celebrity where his financial struggles came to light.
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It was later revealed that his showbiz firm was £1 million in debt due to money that was owed to him by ex-bandmate and ex-boyfriend, Jon Moss, 66.
The singer has since sold his palatial £17 million mansion in Hampstead.
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