Frankie Goes To Hollywood

Pop group formed in Liverpool, UK in 1980.

William [a=Holly Johnson] (vocals – b. 19 February 1960)

[a=Paul Rutherford] (backing vocals, dancer – b. 8 December 1959)

[a=Brian Nash] (guitar – b. 20 May 1963)

[a=Mark O'Toole] (bass, backing vocals – b. 6 January 1964)

[a=Peter Gill] (drums – b. 8 March 1964)

The band gained notoriety following the banning of their debut single, "[m=74500]", by BBC 1 Radio DJ [a1072997]. The single was an international smash, and "Frankie says Relax" T-shirts became ubiquitous. In 1984 the singles "[m=74527]" and "[m=74522]" and double-album "[m=71134]" all hit number one in the UK.

The second album, "[m=69928]", released in 1986, failed to repeat the success of the debut. In 1987 Johnson left the band to pursue a solo career. Following litigation, ZTT lost their claim of contract-breaking against Johnson. Rutherford quit too, leaving a diminished group who subsequently disbanded. In subsequent years ZTT released many remixes and compilations of Frankie material. In the 2000s the band reformed for some live performances, with Johnson replaced by [a252580] and Nash replaced by O'Toole's brother, original Frankie guitarist [a799039].

The classic line-up reunited to play one song, "Welcome To The Pleasure Dome", during the National Lottery's Big Eurovision Welcome concert on 7 May 2023.