@@KF-cx8bm Thatcher was a c*nt and should never have been near power. She sat back and let thousands of gay men die of AIDS without lifting a finger and then brought out Section 28 which was an attack on the gay community. Britain was a nightmare in the 70's and an even bigger one in the 80's unless you were well off.
I was 14yrs old when this song came out and growing up in a very small town in rural Oklahoma I could personally relate to this song. I was very much aware of my sexuality at the time. The 80's was a difficult time for gay youth. Being at the height of the AIDS epidemic you were easily a target of hate and bigotry. Even if you were just suspected of being gay. I left after graduation and never went back.
I from Oklahoma and grew up in 80s and all I can say is I'm sorry for what you went through. I get it. I hope your life turned out much happier when you left. I know many of my friends in LGBTQ community who moved for same reason. I keep in touch on social media and not one of them would come back. Much love and best wishes
I grew up in the UK and I can relate to your comments. I was targeted and bullied for all of my secondary school years for being a feminine male. It was a living hell each and every day. 🌈
@@manlikecheerio I can't stand falsetto voices, counter tenors, etc. Jimmy Sommerville is the only one I can listen to and enjoy. His voice is in a class of it's own, powerful, expressive and totally unique.
I remember seeing this video on MTV in 1985 when we first got cable TV... it didn’t get played often but as an introverted 14 year old I was drawn to the hypnotic synths and driving beat. I didn’t know the lyrics but it spoke to me on a deep level and I didn’t know why. I finally realized why it did when I came out 5 years later.
i've been around a bit and seen some stuff and you are not alone. and also, there are allies out there. find the people that love and support you. sometimes chosen family is better than blood.
Hard to watch this video since it brings back a lot of painful memories. But in retrospect this song and video was a turning point in my journey of self acceptance at the same time as this song and video was released. Brilliant, powerful and brave statement on Jimmy’s part, I have always loved him, whether it be Bronski Beat, Communards or solo. So glad you chose this Dereck ❤️
This song is an iconic piece of LGBT history here in the UK. For those of a certain age, this song is loaded with nostalgia and the memories of that time come flooding back within the first two bars of the music. It certainly does stand the test of time and is as relevant today as it was back then. The main riff was used in a club track a few years ago (together with another sample from Bronski Beat's 'Why?' (another great track)). The club track is pretty damn good too! Have just discovered your reactions,and am thoroughly enjoying them! Looking forward to more.....Here's a link to that dance track,for anyone interested..... th-cam.com/video/j4D1zHPBBQY/w-d-xo.html
Being one of those of a certain age myself, I went through this in a small town (hiding crushes and faking "normal"). When I moved to Seattle for college I found and nervously bought this record wondering if the clerk know I was gay because of it or even cared. Difficult period.
I grew up in the 80s and this is my coming out song. I love jimmy Somerville but this song always reminds me of coming out, being chased by a gun, running interstate to start my life. Very heavy emotions.
Being chased by a gun?! I just, I don't even have the words. I simply am sincerely sorry. I don't care who you are, NO ONE deserves living in fear and being chased out of the very person you are. I can't listen to this song without being hypnotized and torn at the same time. All my love to you and you and you also ❤️
I was a pudgy, nerdy, artsy boy in a rural New England town. Bullied, beaten up, alienated. Totally straight and I relate to this song on a visceral level. Still brings me to tears. It is by and for gay folks but anyone with empathy and compassion, who has felt alienation and abuse can connect with this beautiful song
I love the final scene when he’s got where he wanted to be and he’s with people who love him. I cry every time I watch this video. Mum’s sometimes feel torn between their husband and their children.
I remember hearing this song when I was young, watching the video on TV and not really understanding why, but I was TRANSFIXED to the screen, I didn't analyze the lyrics, I didn't really understand what was happening in the video but something deep inside me drew me to this, and I KNEW this was something special. Later on of course I made the connections, but I will never forget that feeling, hearing Jimmy's voice and feeling that this was meant for me.
Always makes me cry ! check out the film "Pride" about the miners strike in NE England where the LGBT community supported the Miners and put on a concert at The Camden Palace called " Pits & Perverts" and Jimmy Somerville headlined the concert - Great Film !!
Pride is a great film, well worth seeing. But the miners strike was across the UK not just in NE England, and the film focuses on London’s LGBT community and a Welsh mining community.
This is a song I have never been able to listen to without tearing up. The song was released the same year I was born. The song and the album "Age Of Consent", set the Diamond standard of lyrical depth and strong vocal prowess in the context of post Disco dance-oriented music. Lead singer, Jimmy Somerville kept the strong lyrical depth throughout the majority of his solo recordings.
This was the song/video I got to know when I was 12 years old and made me want to move to England. It took me another 15 years to come to the UK and This song still captivates me after all this time...
I was living in Athens Greece, Hellenikon ABS when this song came out... There was a nightclub in Glyfada, that had dance catwalks and underneath them was a pool of water with water sprays... On the side of the walls, where Alcoves, that people would dance within as well... it was a wild night club... Anyhow, as the only American at this Greek Night Club... when this song would be played, I really got into it, dancing across the catwalks and the like... and at the one part when he sings (at about 59 seconds in your video) I would fall forward off the catwalk and into the pools of water.. then get back onto the catwalk dance floor and continue dancing... the Greeks followed my example and threw themselves as well into the pools :) I even got to meet Jimmy on a few occasions as well too... The 80's... it was a WONDERFUL Time to be a 19yr old!! :)
This band and their debut album Age Of Consent really changed my life. It helped me accept my sexuality and owned it with my head up. I really identified with this song. The cover of Swedish electro act Emmon is just as impressive. It has the unique distinction of preserving the spirit of the original while updating and dusting it off.
I’m hetro and l think this is amazing story telling. It always feels good to see him leave with a couple of mates. He would have found acceptance in the cities gay community. The problem with homophobs is they can’t get past the Sex stuff. They don’t think about the love that the 2 people have for each other.
God I love this song. Being a gay Scot like Jimmy Somerville who sings this and having loved it when it was released nearly 40 years ago now, I really enjoyed your reaction. Thanks
Man... I'm almost 50 and this song takes me back to the early 90's, when I first heard it. Back then I was being bullied at highschool and struggled with denial. Without knowing the lyrics' meaning entirely, I felt that (as so many other LGBTQ people did) this song was talking about me, just another underestimated gay youngster. Lots of tears shed, mother stopping father from kicking me out of the house when I came out, but in the end I found my peace. This is one of those songs that I'll hold dearly for life, goosebumps and tears rush in every time I hear the first bar's bass notes. Thank you very much for this video.
Bronski Beat was One of the first out Gay groups, their first album was nothing but extreme RISE UP and joyful Gay anthems, Smalltown Boy and Why. Bronski and Jimmy on their own and solo continued with songs like this and I feel Love and Hit That Perfect Beat. They were such a blessing to the Gay community in the 80's and 90's. Out loud and proud and with no apologies Bronski, Jimmy, Communards, Alphaville, New Order and Depeche Mode saved a lot of young Gay and Lesbian lives with their unapologetic and pride inducing music. They were a SUPER positive influence on me and my emotional well being. They were, and still are, Pure Joy.
great reaction!!! thank you. my boss crawford, in clip salon in barrhead, had jimmy come in just before catching the train from Glasgow to go film this video, he had a mullet, hair like limahl from kajagoogoo, Crawford thought different, and shaved his head!! lol such a bold move, but the switch between the young gay man and the skinheads that were everywhere it seemed, worked brilliantly! well done crawford, and man, thank you jimmy! groundbreaking. (and life saving for many)
Many, many - too many of us went through similar situations in the 80s. This song gave us a realisation that we were not alone. It was an important song, but also happened to be catchy enough that it still appealed to a wider audience. Many memories, not all good, but a great song.
@@jankypop-a-matic58 Oh please, we all know that conservatives are the ones opposed to gay rights, don't play dumb, you know it's true. It's conservative political parties who are doing everything they can to oppose LGBT rights.
@@enriquesanchez9016 That's your true colors right there buddy! Your "indoctrinated" true colors rather. Try to think outside of the box for a change. Bad behavior like those parents comes in all colors, fashions and political affiliations. It's not a F'n political thing! Partisan politics is for the MSM brainwashed masses as far as I'm concerned...
I love this song. It is just gorgeous. At 18 I inherited a gay bar. Obviously, I heard this song a lot. I adore the melody. I loathe that the lyrics resonated with so many of the people I knew. I wish I could adopt them all. I have a big table. There is always room here.
I loved Bronski Beat, even as a 7 yr old girl, I knew they were so different and really changed the face of music in the UK/Ireland. I put "Age Of Consent" on my xmas list and was thrilled to receive it! I'd no idea what age of consent meant and the importance of a new band brave enough to take such a risk with their album title. You should check out "Why?" and their cover/remix of "I Feel Love/Johnny Remember me". Jimmy Sommerville later formed "The Communards" with Richard Coles - another brilliant band. Check out the band "Frankie Goes To Hollywood" - their songs are epic - "Relax", "Two Tribes", "The Power Of Love" - they really shocked ppl back then and Relax was banned on BBC....which just kept it at the No.1 selling single for months - and rightly so!
This song was in part, a part of the fight back against the government’s Clause 28 which restricted local education authorities to discuss issues around homosexuality. This had a double negative impact because the AIDS epidemic. In other words; how can you solve pertinent issues that adversely affect a particular community if one of your institutions can’t discuss that community?
I was just coming to terms with my own sexuality when this song came out. It resonated with an entire generation of young men in the same situation. Still does to this day.
Just gonna say this now, if you enjoy this song you owe it to yourself to listen to the extended version. The lyrics sung over a slow, almost meandering take on the melody that builds until that familiar octave bass bounces in and before you even realise how you got there those Linn Drum snares punch through and off you go. Sublime.
I remember APPRECIATING this song for the first time probably 10-15 years ago at New City Suburburbs in Edmonton AB. Polluted with vodka in a really gay-friendly environment (I'm straight, but everyone is the same to me), it was an amazing atmosphere and I felt like there was more to the song than just being a cool 80's track. I knew it wasn't new to me, but that night really laid it out in plain sight.
I’m a 2000 kid and the 80s had some good beats. I like how some artiest will integrate into their music . Beautiful song and had a lot of meaning to those who feel like running . Good stuff 🎉
This song saved my life as a teenager growing up in the mid-late 80s. One of Bronski Beats other hits “Why” has the opening lyric “Contempt in your eyes As I turn to kiss his lips Broken I lie All my feelings denied Blood on your fist.” Which they sang live on Top of the Pops in 1984! . In case you’re wondering why the Album was called Age of Consent, it was illegal for men to have sex with men under the age of 21. 16 for straights, 21 for gays. Also, Supermode did a great mashup of Smalltown Boy and Why.
For me the most heartbreaking part was watching him seeing his childhood flashing past, like a whole part of his life and all those cherished early memories, coming to a crashing end as his father refuses his hand and turns away. What a desolate feeling that would be, sitting alone on a train and leaving everything you ever knew behind. At least there was something positive here, with the prospect of a new life in another place, but still it’s sad to watch.
Another great song from the Album "The Age of Consent" by Bronski Beat where you took out Smalltown Boy is the song "Why" - would like you very much to react to....
This song is so sentimental to me and instantly brings me back to that time as if I step through a portal. Back in the 80's and prior if you were gay and you wanted a chance to find love , be accepted and so on you did exactly what the lyrics in this song say. I stood on the platform and took the train into Chicago until I finally ,moved there. It was so amazing to discover a very large gay family that welcomed in each new arrival with love and open arms. Guidance and support. I miss those days from time to time
After 3 big beers, I came out to my dad in 2012. My mom, yes moms knows it. He response ''The family as just terminated''. Since then he has been so nice to me. I wish that to lots of you, me, him, her, everyone who are different but wath is different in those days?
Love this song,but I relate to the changes in life. I am 10 years younger and born literally just round the corner from him in Glasgow. Came out in 86 and Glasgow has a vibrant scene now. My partner is his age and like Jimmy moved from Glasgow to London as gay sex was illegal here until 1981.We have come so far.
The song dates back to the 60/70s and still a an extreamly hard time forthe gay comunity in the uk. i being a straight male 69.year old coal miner and lived through these times i recall the prejudices of the times it was never easy for for familys in hard working class comunities to come to terms with the situation, mostly the only way was a parting of the ways, its a lot better these days i have a gay grand son now and pleased that him and his partner live in a relatively safe time but i still worry for him as the prejudices are still out there
One of the endlessly great things about this song for me has always been the title, "Smalltown Boy". Glasgow - where Jimmy Somerville grew up - is not a small town, it's a big city. Its population in the 80s was a million strong. What the title really means is "Small-minded-town Boy". Well, at least to me. It taught me a heck of a lot, this track, when I was a young kid. And I am thankful for that to this day.
Even if I was a 14 year old and not out, somehow I knew what this song was about and the crying part I was living. A gay anthem that played on dancefloors way beyond it's HIT status...
My absolute favourite song, I was absolutely blown away. They were taking a huge risk in the early 80's. Should try "Why"! Makes me proud that we in the UK made this Number 1
Amazing artistry. Way ahead of its time. I loved when your jaw dropped. I seriously had the same reaction. Like no way! For such a upbeat song it gets so dark when you realize what he’s saying.
@@iainweller452 Yes it is. There's so many favorites... Strangelove, Behind the Wheel, World through My Eyes....On and On. They are/were being entered into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame this year. Theres a new generation that needs to be exposed and learn about them.
@@politicallycorrectredskin796 Oh please, when was the last time you heard of an incidence of ‘straight-bashing’? As for people’s attitude to sexuality, well you seem not to have noticed but these days, rightly or wrongly, peeps can’t get enough of hearing about others sexuality. Why do you class LGBT fighting back as ‘hate’?
the underlying message of this song is homohobia. Nobody missed the message because it was the theme of the Bronski's first album, which actually got considerable airplay.
An old friend of mine used to run around London with Jimmy in the early '80s.... & from the tales I've heard, that was a very different life to any young gay man in Scotland during the '80s! I'm glad to say most of the baked-into-pretty-much-every-institution homophobia had dissipated by the late '90s, & Scotland these days does not abide any gay-bashing, I'm happy to report. :)
First time watching, love the black background. I watch a lot of music reaction videos and yours by far has been the best. Short, sweet, articulate, focused, in the moment and very present. Too many reactors try too hard to be funny, constantly talk over the video, pause entirely too much, are too long winded or simply inarticulate. Your reaction came across as polished and professional, the others need to take notes
For me as a straight christian (not anymore) teen I felt so sorry for him and the video made me so sad. Still an amazing song in every way, goosebumbs! ❤
It's incredible, just an incredible song - and that video! It seriously helped me understand gay people's struggle, espcially at that time. One of the most important pop songs of all time, in my opinion.
I was five when the clip came out, and this title made me realize two things. The first that I was gay (I admit that I was in love with jimmy, I was precocious!) And the second that I should hide it, until the outlook of society have changed ... Thank you Bronski Beat
I was born in 1983 and have been hearing this song since I can remember.. Some great music come out in the 80s... best decade to grow up in! hands down!
He left home because his dad was mad he lost a fight, He didn't tell them he was gay for fear his dad would have beat him. They will never understand why I had to leave. He kept his secret ran away to be with people like him. My dad was mad and threatened to toss me out when they found out my best friend of 6 years was black. Hanging around her caused the neighbors to talk and he wasn't having that! Imagine if I came out to them then.
They had some bollocks in 1984 to write and perform this. Very different times. Very brave.
True
The group were all openly gay, It's basically Jimmy Summerville's (the singer) life.
Very true
Jimmy Somerville isn't just singing a song and telling A story .. he's telling HIS story.
Exactly
OUR story! spoke for so many at such an important time. thatcher was a bastard.
I thought Thatcher was the right person to be in charge at that time to drive the UK forward, Britain was a nightmare in the 70,s
@@KF-cx8bm Thatcher was a c*nt and should never have been near power. She sat back and let thousands of gay men die of AIDS without lifting a finger and then brought out Section 28 which was an attack on the gay community. Britain was a nightmare in the 70's and an even bigger one in the 80's unless you were well off.
This is the story of so many of the LGBTQQIA+ people... this story keeps on repeating endless times around the world.
I was 14yrs old when this song came out and growing up in a very small town in rural Oklahoma I could personally relate to this song. I was very much aware of my sexuality at the time. The 80's was a difficult time for gay youth. Being at the height of the AIDS epidemic you were easily a target of hate and bigotry. Even if you were just suspected of being gay. I left after graduation and never went back.
I from Oklahoma and grew up in 80s and all I can say is I'm sorry for what you went through. I get it. I hope your life turned out much happier when you left. I know many of my friends in LGBTQ community who moved for same reason. I keep in touch on social media and not one of them would come back. Much love and best wishes
I grew up in the UK and I can relate to your comments. I was targeted and bullied for all of my secondary school years for being a feminine male. It was a living hell each and every day. 🌈
True ! People have no idea how hard it was gay youth in 80s , beaten up , pushed around , laughed at , rocks thrown was the norm
Love and peace Gregorio
Like oologah Oklahoma but perhaps smaller
Jimmy Somerville is one of the best voices to ever come out of these islands, his range is impeccable.
And still is!! You should watch newer videos of him!!
Always loved his falsetto! So different and unique. Amazing.
agree - his lower notes are if anything more impressive than the high
@@manlikecheerio I can't stand falsetto voices, counter tenors, etc. Jimmy Sommerville is the only one I can listen to and enjoy. His voice is in a class of it's own, powerful, expressive and totally unique.
He is great but Freddie was one of a kind
I remember seeing this video on MTV in 1985 when we first got cable TV... it didn’t get played often but as an introverted 14 year old I was drawn to the hypnotic synths and driving beat. I didn’t know the lyrics but it spoke to me on a deep level and I didn’t know why. I finally realized why it did when I came out 5 years later.
OMG, OMG!!! I wasn’t even born, heard it in my teens when I came out. I knew I wasn’t alone. 🏳️🌈
i've been around a bit and seen some stuff and you are not alone. and also, there are allies out there. find the people that love and support you. sometimes chosen family is better than blood.
Came out of what?
@@kanervatie JERK...
I really hope your family supported you like we did our daughter couldn't be more proud of her plus I got to be in the pride parade bonus
Hard to watch this video since it brings back a lot of painful memories. But in retrospect this song and video was a turning point in my journey of self acceptance at the same time as this song and video was released. Brilliant, powerful and brave statement on Jimmy’s part, I have always loved him, whether it be Bronski Beat, Communards or solo. So glad you chose this Dereck ❤️
This song is an iconic piece of LGBT history here in the UK. For those of a certain age, this song is loaded with nostalgia and the memories of that time come flooding back within the first two bars of the music. It certainly does stand the test of time and is as relevant today as it was back then. The main riff was used in a club track a few years ago (together with another sample from Bronski Beat's 'Why?' (another great track)). The club track is pretty damn good too! Have just discovered your reactions,and am thoroughly enjoying them! Looking forward to more.....Here's a link to that dance track,for anyone interested.....
th-cam.com/video/j4D1zHPBBQY/w-d-xo.html
Being one of those of a certain age myself, I went through this in a small town (hiding crushes and faking "normal"). When I moved to Seattle for college I found and nervously bought this record wondering if the clerk know I was gay because of it or even cared. Difficult period.
absolutely,bro
As with Relax though it was also just a great record which was popular just based on music and performance.
@@starry2006 but it left a meaningful message in the hearts of many ones like me
Not gay but love this track
“The love that you need will never be found at home.” 👏👏👏💁🏻♂️
So sad.
No matter how many times I hear this song it gives me chills.. Jimmy is so cute and has one of the best voices ever....
I grew up in the 80s and this is my coming out song. I love jimmy Somerville but this song always reminds me of coming out, being chased by a gun, running interstate to start my life. Very heavy emotions.
Being chased by a gun?!
I just, I don't even have the words. I simply am sincerely sorry. I don't care who you are, NO ONE deserves living in fear and being chased out of the very person you are.
I can't listen to this song without being hypnotized and torn at the same time. All my love to you and you and you also ❤️
being gay or not this song and video must be observed as pure emotion
I was a pudgy, nerdy, artsy boy in a rural New England town. Bullied, beaten up, alienated. Totally straight and I relate to this song on a visceral level. Still brings me to tears. It is by and for gay folks but anyone with empathy and compassion, who has felt alienation and abuse can connect with this beautiful song
Es gay...pero su talento es lo importante! muy buen tema, la mejor época !! y está de vuelta!! 😁👍
He's not just super talented but a genuinely nice guy. I love his energy.
This channel is kinda awesome. Thank you for your humanity....and your empathy....You are a good man. We need more of this these days.
Iconic song.
An expression of bravery and overcoming your fears
Thank you
I love the final scene when he’s got where he wanted to be and he’s with people who love him.
I cry every time I watch this video. Mum’s sometimes feel torn between their husband and their children.
That last scene really gets me too. i always tear up a bit.
I'm glad you enjoyed this Masterpiece from the 80's. It was an anthem for a lot of people.
I remember hearing this song when I was young, watching the video on TV and not really understanding why, but I was TRANSFIXED to the screen, I didn't analyze the lyrics, I didn't really understand what was happening in the video but something deep inside me drew me to this, and I KNEW this was something special. Later on of course I made the connections, but I will never forget that feeling, hearing Jimmy's voice and feeling that this was meant for me.
My song loved it. Shout out to New York WLIR of the 1980's I always related to it when I first heard it in my teens.Love you Jimmy and Bronksi Beat.
Always makes me cry ! check out the film "Pride" about the miners strike in NE England where the LGBT community supported the Miners and put on a concert at The Camden Palace called " Pits & Perverts" and Jimmy Somerville headlined the concert - Great Film !!
ooh! will try to check that out. thanks for sharing!
Pride is a great film, well worth seeing. But the miners strike was across the UK not just in NE England, and the film focuses on London’s LGBT community and a Welsh mining community.
The pit the LGBT group adopted was in the South Wales valleys, but yep, ggrrreat film (apart from some of the Welsh accents ! )👍
It got me this time. I didn't remember him being beaten up!
I used to work in the Camden Palace in the 80s! Late 80s. Xx
This is a song I have never been able to listen to without tearing up. The song was released the same year I was born. The song and the album "Age Of Consent", set the Diamond standard of lyrical depth and strong vocal prowess in the context of post Disco dance-oriented music. Lead singer, Jimmy Somerville kept the strong lyrical depth throughout the majority of his solo recordings.
i was 16 when this song came out. it hits me just has hard now as it did then. it also helped give me the courage to leave home for good a year later.
3 years it took me. 17... out the door.
This was the song/video I got to know when I was 12 years old and made me want to move to England. It took me another 15 years to come to the UK and This song still captivates me after all this time...
He's from Scotland.
I was living in Athens Greece, Hellenikon ABS when this song came out...
There was a nightclub in Glyfada, that had dance catwalks and underneath them was a pool of water with water sprays... On the side of the walls, where Alcoves, that people would dance within as well... it was a wild night club...
Anyhow, as the only American at this Greek Night Club... when this song would be played, I really got into it, dancing across the catwalks and the like... and at the one part when he sings (at about 59 seconds in your video) I would fall forward off the catwalk and into the pools of water.. then get back onto the catwalk dance floor and continue dancing... the Greeks followed my example and threw themselves as well into the pools :)
I even got to meet Jimmy on a few occasions as well too...
The 80's... it was a WONDERFUL Time to be a 19yr old!! :)
Wow, sounds like a pretty rockin' club to lose your mind in! 🥳 🕺💃 🎶 🎹 🎸 💦
This band and their debut album Age Of Consent really changed my life. It helped me accept my sexuality and owned it with my head up. I really identified with this song. The cover of Swedish electro act Emmon is just as impressive. It has the unique distinction of preserving the spirit of the original while updating and dusting it off.
I’m hetro and l think this is amazing story telling. It always feels good to see him leave with a couple of mates. He would have found acceptance in the cities gay community. The problem with homophobs is they can’t get past the Sex stuff. They don’t think about the love that the 2 people have for each other.
His voice is crazy good
This song is pure brilliance...his story told so powerfully
God I love this song. Being a gay Scot like Jimmy Somerville who sings this and having loved it when it was released nearly 40 years ago now, I really enjoyed your reaction. Thanks
Man... I'm almost 50 and this song takes me back to the early 90's, when I first heard it. Back then I was being bullied at highschool and struggled with denial. Without knowing the lyrics' meaning entirely, I felt that (as so many other LGBTQ people did) this song was talking about me, just another underestimated gay youngster. Lots of tears shed, mother stopping father from kicking me out of the house when I came out, but in the end I found my peace. This is one of those songs that I'll hold dearly for life, goosebumps and tears rush in every time I hear the first bar's bass notes. Thank you very much for this video.
Bronski Beat was One of the first out Gay groups, their first album was nothing but extreme RISE UP and joyful Gay anthems, Smalltown Boy and Why. Bronski and Jimmy on their own and solo continued with songs like this and I feel Love and Hit That Perfect Beat. They were such a blessing to the Gay community in the 80's and 90's. Out loud and proud and with no apologies Bronski, Jimmy, Communards, Alphaville, New Order and Depeche Mode saved a lot of young Gay and Lesbian lives with their unapologetic and pride inducing music. They were a SUPER positive influence on me and my emotional well being. They were, and still are, Pure Joy.
Still makes me cry. Shows how things where back then 😢
great reaction!!! thank you. my boss crawford, in clip salon in barrhead, had jimmy come in just before catching the train from Glasgow to go film this video, he had a mullet, hair like limahl from kajagoogoo, Crawford thought different, and shaved his head!! lol such a bold move, but the switch between the young gay man and the skinheads that were everywhere it seemed, worked brilliantly! well done crawford, and man, thank you jimmy! groundbreaking. (and life saving for many)
Many, many - too many of us went through similar situations in the 80s. This song gave us a realisation that we were not alone. It was an important song, but also happened to be catchy enough that it still appealed to a wider audience. Many memories, not all good, but a great song.
Ended up here because I was watching the movie 'Pride' and this band are tangentially involved in events portrayed within
The parents being more upset finding out their son is gay rather than being upset at him being beaten up.
I was there! This song speaks to my own experience. But even though Bronski Beat is the original, I prefer the version by Paradise Lost.
Unfortunately it's very common among conservative people, they have a strange sense of priority.
@@enriquesanchez9016 Not really....stop with the partisanship divide please. We've had enough of that with this lockdown don't ya think? Ugh!
@@jankypop-a-matic58 Oh please, we all know that conservatives are the ones opposed to gay rights, don't play dumb, you know it's true. It's conservative political parties who are doing everything they can to oppose LGBT rights.
@@enriquesanchez9016 That's your true colors right there buddy! Your "indoctrinated" true colors rather. Try to think outside of the box for a change. Bad behavior like those parents comes in all colors, fashions and political affiliations. It's not a F'n political thing! Partisan politics is for the MSM brainwashed masses as far as I'm concerned...
Jimmy Somerville voice is amazing and that's song is a masterpiece
The sadness of my youth, and the power of the music of the 80s.
I love this song. It is just gorgeous.
At 18 I inherited a gay bar. Obviously, I heard this song a lot. I adore the melody. I loathe that the lyrics resonated with so many of the people I knew. I wish I could adopt them all. I have a big table. There is always room here.
I loved Bronski Beat, even as a 7 yr old girl, I knew they were so different and really changed the face of music in the UK/Ireland. I put "Age Of Consent" on my xmas list and was thrilled to receive it! I'd no idea what age of consent meant and the importance of a new band brave enough to take such a risk with their album title. You should check out "Why?" and their cover/remix of "I Feel Love/Johnny Remember me". Jimmy Sommerville later formed "The Communards" with Richard Coles - another brilliant band. Check out the band "Frankie Goes To Hollywood" - their songs are epic - "Relax", "Two Tribes", "The Power Of Love" - they really shocked ppl back then and Relax was banned on BBC....which just kept it at the No.1 selling single for months - and rightly so!
Possibly one of the best vocal intro's EVER.
ONE WORD..
HYPNOTIC...in every sense, including subject matter of lyric.
This song was in part, a part of the fight back against the government’s Clause 28 which restricted local education authorities to discuss issues around homosexuality. This had a double negative impact because the AIDS epidemic. In other words; how can you solve pertinent issues that adversely affect a particular community if one of your institutions can’t discuss that community?
I was just coming to terms with my own sexuality when this song came out. It resonated with an entire generation of young men in the same situation. Still does to this day.
Just gonna say this now, if you enjoy this song you owe it to yourself to listen to the extended version. The lyrics sung over a slow, almost meandering take on the melody that builds until that familiar octave bass bounces in and before you even realise how you got there those Linn Drum snares punch through and off you go. Sublime.
He has such a distinctive falsetto voice
I remember APPRECIATING this song for the first time probably 10-15 years ago at New City Suburburbs in Edmonton AB. Polluted with vodka in a really gay-friendly environment (I'm straight, but everyone is the same to me), it was an amazing atmosphere and I felt like there was more to the song than just being a cool 80's track. I knew it wasn't new to me, but that night really laid it out in plain sight.
I’m a 2000 kid and the 80s had some good beats. I like how some artiest will integrate into their music . Beautiful song and had a lot of meaning to those who feel like running . Good stuff 🎉
This song saved my life as a teenager growing up in the mid-late 80s.
One of Bronski Beats other hits “Why” has the opening lyric “Contempt in your eyes
As I turn to kiss his lips
Broken I lie
All my feelings denied
Blood on your fist.”
Which they sang live on Top of the Pops in 1984!
.
In case you’re wondering why the Album was called Age of Consent, it was illegal for men to have sex with men under the age of 21. 16 for straights, 21 for gays.
Also, Supermode did a great mashup of Smalltown Boy and Why.
I found this song as a result of the 80's dance challenge and I just love it! The vibe,the beat , all of it!
That's one of the million reasons I love the 80s, Videos like this - telling stories. I love this song and this video!
For me the most heartbreaking part was watching him seeing his childhood flashing past, like a whole part of his life and all those cherished early memories, coming to a crashing end as his father refuses his hand and turns away. What a desolate feeling that would be, sitting alone on a train and leaving everything you ever knew behind. At least there was something positive here, with the prospect of a new life in another place, but still it’s sad to watch.
Another great song from the Album "The Age of Consent" by Bronski Beat where you took out Smalltown Boy is the song "Why" - would like you very much to react to....
This song is so sentimental to me and instantly brings me back to that time as if I step through a portal. Back in the 80's and prior if you were gay and you wanted a chance to find love , be accepted and so on you did exactly what the lyrics in this song say. I stood on the platform and took the train into Chicago until I finally ,moved there. It was so amazing to discover a very large gay family that welcomed in each new arrival with love and open arms. Guidance and support. I miss those days from time to time
Plus you had the birth of house music
After 3 big beers, I came out to my dad in 2012. My mom, yes moms knows it. He response ''The family as just terminated''. Since then he has been so nice to me. I wish that to lots of you, me, him, her, everyone who are different but wath is different in those days?
YES!!! Such a great song, powerful. There's a video from few years ago of lead singer Jimmy Somerville singing this and he still sounds amazing!
Love this song,but I relate to the changes in life. I am 10 years younger and born literally just round the corner from him in Glasgow. Came out in 86 and Glasgow has a vibrant scene now. My partner is his age and like Jimmy moved from Glasgow to London as gay sex was illegal here until 1981.We have come so far.
The song dates back to the 60/70s and still a an extreamly hard time forthe gay comunity in the uk. i being a straight male 69.year old coal miner and lived through these times i recall the prejudices of the times it was never easy for for familys in hard working class comunities to come to terms with the situation, mostly the only way was a parting of the ways, its a lot better these days i have a gay grand son now and pleased that him and his partner live in a relatively safe time but i still worry for him as the prejudices are still out there
One of the endlessly great things about this song for me has always been the title, "Smalltown Boy". Glasgow - where Jimmy Somerville grew up - is not a small town, it's a big city. Its population in the 80s was a million strong. What the title really means is "Small-minded-town Boy". Well, at least to me.
It taught me a heck of a lot, this track, when I was a young kid. And I am thankful for that to this day.
Beautiful analysis there
Best explanation of this song that I've seen.
The story is very much a part of reality
Jimmy Sommerville also sang with the Communards and had some great songs with this band.
@Marvin Morawski Same here, a brilliant emotional song one of the best ballads of the '80s. Cool video, worth a reaction too.
Even if I was a 14 year old and not out, somehow I knew what this song was about and the crying part I was living. A gay anthem that played on dancefloors way beyond it's HIT status...
For deceptively cheerful tune. Orchestral maneuvers in the Dark did a stellar job on Enola Gay. The name of the plane that dropped the atomic bomb.
I like this song because it has a serious message but still a good pop song. Wonderful job.
My absolute favourite song, I was absolutely blown away. They were taking a huge risk in the early 80's. Should try "Why"! Makes me proud that we in the UK made this Number 1
Thank you so much for reacting to such a wonderful anthem! It speaks to a lot of people, truly iconic. 🙏
Amazing artistry. Way ahead of its time. I loved when your jaw dropped. I seriously had the same reaction. Like no way! For such a upbeat song it gets so dark when you realize what he’s saying.
grown up, beaten up, lived the video, Love in all my 62 years
This song and music video are very important to a lot of people.
I like your choices..... I don't know how old you are but these are the modern classics. NEW SUBSCRIBER . How about Depeche Mode.
WHY NOT? Depeche Mode “Enjoy the Silence” is a masterpiece
@@iainweller452 Yes it is. There's so many favorites... Strangelove, Behind the Wheel, World through My Eyes....On and On. They are/were being entered into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame this year. Theres a new generation that needs to be exposed and learn about them.
Thanks for getting it. Other reviewers have missed that
Sadly this is also my story. Scotland in the 80s was so gay hating.
True dat.
Amazing how much that dissipated by the late '90s tho. Scotland is shockingly accepting these days, I'm happy to report! :)
Thatcher didn't help 😣
It's amazing that nearly 40 years later.. these problems still exist.
Most people think sexuality should be private, not something to talk about constantly. All the hate is going the other way.
@@politicallycorrectredskin796 Oh please, when was the last time you heard of an incidence of ‘straight-bashing’? As for people’s attitude to sexuality, well you seem not to have noticed but these days, rightly or wrongly, peeps can’t get enough of hearing about others sexuality.
Why do you class LGBT fighting back as ‘hate’?
Heartfelt and sensitive review - thank you
the underlying message of this song is homohobia. Nobody missed the message because it was the theme of the Bronski's first album, which actually got considerable airplay.
Jimmy Somerville literally left his home in Glasgow Scotland with his only belongings in a small bag to search for fame in London. He did it.
I hadn't heard it in years until it was on Euphoria last year. I had to look it up. Love it
An old friend of mine used to run around London with Jimmy in the early '80s.... & from the tales I've heard, that was a very different life to any young gay man in Scotland during the '80s! I'm glad to say most of the baked-into-pretty-much-every-institution homophobia had dissipated by the late '90s, & Scotland these days does not abide any gay-bashing, I'm happy to report. :)
No they have gone too far where a man rape a woman and dress as one and go to a woman’s prison….got to love the SNP
my dad was 60 and loved this video so much
Gay and Scottish in the 80s, this guy had balls, a true pioneer
And ginger
Him eating an apple and his mate then taking a bite of the same apple. This was a big fuck you to AIDS fright.... Greetings from the USA.
Bronski Beat pet shop boys erasure all had a profound effect on me great stuff love you
Jimmy Somerville had and still has the voice of an angle.
And acute ass?
What angle 360 degrees
Adore this song, strikes a chord deep down inside x
JIMMY PERFORMED THIS ON A BBC SHOW A FEW YEARS BACK AND IT WAS ELECTRIC
That songs always plays here in some Canadian radio
Please react to some Ace of Base (All That She Wants, Beautiful Life, Cruel Summer U.S. version or The Sign)!
First time watching, love the black background. I watch a lot of music reaction videos and yours by far has been the best. Short, sweet, articulate, focused, in the moment and very present. Too many reactors try too hard to be funny, constantly talk over the video, pause entirely too much, are too long winded or simply inarticulate. Your reaction came across as polished and professional, the others need to take notes
Thank you! ❤️
His voice ist so unique❤❤❤😮😮😮
For me as a straight christian (not anymore) teen I felt so sorry for him and the video made me so sad. Still an amazing song in every way, goosebumbs! ❤
Wow, a young guy who's articulate and interesting. Good work, sir, new subscriber here. Cheers.
It's incredible, just an incredible song - and that video! It seriously helped me understand gay people's struggle, espcially at that time. One of the most important pop songs of all time, in my opinion.
Im a straight 50 yr old married father of 2..grew up listning to jimmy because my mum was friends with jimmys mum😊 hes a hero in parts of glasgow ❤❤
I was five when the clip came out, and this title made me realize two things. The first that I was gay (I admit that I was in love with jimmy, I was precocious!) And the second that I should hide it, until the outlook of society have changed ... Thank you Bronski Beat
Awesome and iconic song.
For some more fun/up-tempo Bronski Beat, you should try 'Hit That Perfect Beat'.
I was born in 1983 and have been hearing this song since I can remember.. Some great music come out in the 80s... best decade to grow up in! hands down!
I was 17. So remember this song
A masterpiece on every level.
That was a great holistic review, Dereck 😃👍
Thank you, very enjoyable.
He left home because his dad was mad he lost a fight, He didn't tell them he was gay for fear his dad would have beat him. They will never understand why I had to leave. He kept his secret ran away to be with people like him. My dad was mad and threatened to toss me out when they found out my best friend of 6 years was black. Hanging around her caused the neighbors to talk and he wasn't having that! Imagine if I came out to them then.
I never noticed that angle before
@@LeeWright337W You have to have that kind of father I guess, lucky me!
Jimmy Somerville is such a nice guy. He looks amazing and still sounds amazing ❤