CULTURE DUB TOPS CHARTS (BUT OH BOY – GEORGE ISN’T HAPPY)
New versions of classic Culture Club hits, recorded by former band members- have shot to the top of the unsigned charts, but guess who won’t be popping champagne corks – Boy George.
Three terrific tracks – Karma Chameleon, Mighty Real and Victim’s Trance – have all steamed in to the top five at fair trade music site www.amazingtunes.com
But pop icon Boy George has delivered an ‘amazing’ snub to the new project - Culture Dub- dedicated to reviving and refreshing his musical legacy.
Former keyboard player Phil Pickett and bassist Mikey Craig have teamed up with outrageous artist Silvio Gigante to form the outrageous tribute review destined for the West End.
But following rave live concert reviews and a new download venture with revolutionary ‘fair trade’ music site amazingtunes.com George failed to heed the compliment and forced Mikey to quit.
“The music is as strong as it ever was.” Said Phil, who co-wrote many of culture Club’s great tracks.
“It’s wonderful that we had had such a positive response from the public – but George doesn’t just doesn’t get it.
“We have brought new life and a new sound to the music. He should be pleased for us – pleased with us.
“Mikey said that his spine tingled when he first heard Silvio sing – and he was so excited about getting on board. He felt that the party had started all over again.
“We made some fantastic music together. Then he got the word that George was furious about the venture and throwing a fit. Poor Mikey was pressured in to leaving – but he didn’t want to go.”
Culture Dub front man Silvio from Dudley is disappointed that his idol George should try and break up the band.
“It’s very sad.” Said Silvio. “We witnessed Mikey having the time of his life!
“I am sure that I will come in for the wrath of George myself – but I’ll take it on the chin. I don’t want a war with him- just a cup of tea and a chat will be fine.
“I suppose these songs are very personal to him – his love songs if you like.”
Silvio, aged 29, who was famously told by Simon Cowell on The X Factor that he was ‘too out there’ to work in the music business, auditioned last year as a backing singer for the reformation of Culture Club who, without Boy George, were planning a World tour.
“The fans are ready for a revival – and so are we!
“The industry is dying – that’s why the World needs me – and amazingtunes.”
The music, including a reworking of smash hits, Karma Chameleon and Did You Really Want To Hurt Me?, can be played for free on the site which champions unsigned artists.
Founder Paul Campbell believes that amazingtunes.com will not just help break new artists overlooked by the redundant record industry – but also come to the aid of those that have been put through the system, chewed up and spat out.
“It is only natural that Silvio and Phil came to us - the perfect place to get their music heard and their story talked about.” Said Paul.
“The beauty of the situation is that George is more than welcome to upload his latest tracks too. We are here for musicians of all ilks and genres.”
More than 3,500 artists from around the World have uploaded tracks since the site, which took three years to develop, went live last month.
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM:
FURTHER INFORMATION:Contact Caroline on 0191 245 3831 or caroline.duff@amazing-media.com
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