About Boy George: Singe-songwriter-DJ Boy George (or George Alan O'Dowd) was born June 14, 1961, in London, England. George captured worldwide fame in the 80s as a member of the group Culture Club.
Boy George and Culture Club: Boy George's music is classified as blue-eyed soul for its R&B and reggae influences. George, discovered by music executive Malcolm McLaren, made his start as a member of the group Bow Wow Wow. Boy George left Bow Wow Wow shortly after joining to form his own group, In Praise Of Lemmings. Drummer Jon Moss soon joined George followed by bassist Mikey Craig and later guitarist Roy Hay. The new group finally settling on the name Culture Club as a representation of the members' diverse cultures.
Culture Club released its first album in 1982, but didn't top the charts until they released the third single, "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me."
Gay Boy George: Boy George was known throughout the 80's for his eclectic style. He routinely performed painted with androgynous dress. However, his style didn't define his sexuality. For years George was romantically involved with Culture Club drummer Jon Moss. It's speculated that George turned to drugs after they broke up. Culture Club eventually disbanded. In a 1984 London paper, George claimed, "I'm not gay, and I'm not a transvestite."
Boy George Solo: After Culture Club disbanded, George released his solo album (and UK hit) Sold. Though still popular in the UK, George failed to recover his previous U.S. fame and record sales. His next U.S. release, High Hat, saw moderate sales. Boy George didn't score another U.S. hit until 1992, when he released the title song to the movie The Crying Game.
Boy George as DJ and Actor: Boy George began touring the world as a successful DJ in the late 1990s. He then wrote the score for and starred in the popular London musical Taboo, based on his life. Later the U.S. production of Taboo, backed by Rosie O'Donnell, failed after only a short run and a loss of $10 million.
George's autobiography Take It Like A Man also captured headlines for revelations about George's relationships with Spear of Destiny singer Kirk Brandon and Culture Club drummer Jon Moss (both of which are presently in heterosexual marriages with children).
Boy George's Struggle with Drugs: George blames his addictions to heroin and cocaine on his failed relationship with Moss and attributes it to his loss success in the U.S. On October 7, 2005, Boy George was arrested in Manhattan on suspicion of possessing cocaine. George failed to show up for court and on June 17, 2006, a Manhattan judge issued a warrant for his arrest. George was fined $1000 fine and sentenced to community service. He was ordered to collect garbage in Manhattan.
