Limahl and Tippa Irie Go Hyper….
KajaFax goes detective again today with a Limahl and Guy Phethean produced release dating back to 1994. The first question you are probably asking is “What have Kajagoogoo got to do with Tippa Irie??” Well, keep on reading, as all is about to be revealed….
This particular offshoot of the band’s history starts back in 1986. Anybody old enough to remember this track?
Well, for those who don’t remember, that is Brixton rapper and MC ‘Tippa Irie’ and his hit single Hello Darling. Starting his career as an MC on the legendary Saxon Studio International soundsystem, Tippa has also achieved success in collaboration with other artists, most notably Alexander O’Neal and more recently with The Black Eyed Peas.
In 1994, Irie found himself in the studio with Jungle act Bass Boyz and two producers….. Limahl and Guy Phethean.
The result was Hyper Hyper.
Regular KajaFax readers will remember our previous articles on the Jupiter production team HERE.
Whoever would have thought that Limahl had the Ragga/Jungle vibe…..??
….featuring Nick Beggs….Lux Aeterna….
Back in 1997, Nick Beggs along with David Fitzgerald recorded an album of religious material entitled Lux Aeterna.
The project is little known to Kajagoogoo fans although more hardcore fans of The Beggion will know this work through its connection with the group Iona – David Fitzgerald is a former Iona member as of course is Nick.
Recorded at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, ICC & Soundfield Studios, the album features Nick on Chapman Stick, Fretless, Acoustic and 5 String Basses as well as on writing duty, and is a truly inspiring piece of music. Lux Aeterna is the Latin for Light Eternal and the album takes the listener of a journey through a number of themes – the crucifixion in ‘Golgotha’ and the Resurrection – the meaning of ‘Light’.
David Fitzgerald has a wonderful YouTube channel which features much of his work. Click on the below image to go straight to his channel…..
….or listen to this track, taken from the Lux Aeterna album featuring Nick Beggs on Chapman Stick, Acoustic Bass and Fretless Bass….
Enjoy
Bravo – Kajagoogoo Star Album
In the 1980’s, Kajagoogoo were frequently the coverstars of newspapers and popular magazines and featured in publications from all over the world (as well as here in the UK of course). We at KajaFax have a great interest in each and every magazine they featured in. Collecting them all would be impossible of course 🙂
Today’s feature is taken from premier German teen magazine ‘Bravo’.
First published in 1983, this edition has been scanned, uploaded, and presented for you to enjoy in 2012. We have also attempted to translate the German text into English for our non-German speaking readers. None of the KajaFax team speak very good German….we have done our best!
Nick the White Rastafarian
Previously only seen on black reggae musicians, Kajagoogoo bassist Nick Beggs (21) has an unforgettable feature. On top of his head, he wears a white blonde curly mane containing 60 neatly strung ivory and metal beads which dangle from ear height. Every four weeks they must be re-done, so Nick’s girlfriend, Sue, renews them in an hour-long procedure. The 6ft 3” great bassist and staunch vegetarian spent 14 months as a bin man in Leighton Buzzard to help finance Kajagoogoo. Nick is not only a gifted songwriter, but also talented painter
Limahl – Your Favorite
The girls go totally wild over his black and white mane and his green-brown eyes. It’s no wonder that BRAVO readers have chosen the 5ft 5in singer to be their most popular Kajagoogoo member. Limahl – real name Christopher Hamill – not only looks great, but has lots more to offer. The 24-year-old was the one who brought the momentum to Kajagoogoo. The trained hairdresser is a big part of the group, not only on stage, but also in the writing of Kajagoogoo’s songs. In October 1981, he joined the group from an advertisement placed in a British music paper.
Jez, the Drum Giant
The trademark of drummer Jez strode (25) is the short red hair with the blond dyed fringes and ponytail. In the long streak of hair at the back, bassist Nick Beggs weaves Rasta beads every few weeks. The largest at 6ft 4in, Jez has worked as a mechanic, a truck driver, and the manager of a supermarket before his musical career with Kajagoogoo. Because his father Dave complained about the noise at home, Jez began his drumming career in the garages and warehouses of Leighton Buzzard.
Today, he shares a small house with Nick and Steve on a London estate.
Stuart, the Shy One
Keyboardist Stuart Neale is quite literally, like the Kajagoogoo hit, ‘Too Shy’. The 22 year old dark haired guy stays well in the background, leaving on-stage favorites Nick and Limahl to willingly take the limelight. He now lives with girlfriend Catherine who also comes from Leighton Buzzard in a small two-bedroom apartment in Kilburn, a London suburb.
Stuart, full name Stuart Croxford Neale, likes to spend his free time in the company of other people. Sport inspires him, but he prefers slower games such as Golf and Cricket that require more concentration.
Kajagoogoo Live
Not at all shy, the five guys with the hit ‘Too Shy’ are also a hit on stage.
Incidentally before the end of 1981 when Limahl joined Kajagoogoo, Nick ‘Rastaman’ Beggs was bassist and singer of the band.
Steve, the GuitarWonder
The red-haired guitarist Steve Askew (25) is one of the creative minds of Kajagoogoo. He wrote the lyrics for Kajagoogoo’s second single, ‘Ooh to be Ah’ together with Limahl. The former sign-writer bought his first guitar as a 14-year-old boy for £1. He taught himself to play and developed a special technique. “Sometimes I get real keyboard sounds from my guitar” he says. He shares his London house with Nick and Jez. He is often visited there by his girlfriend Anna, also from hometown Leighton Buzzard.
We hope you enjoyed reliving 1983 and the beginnings of Kajagoogoo’s success. Keep checking the site for the very best in retro articles as well as the latest news and information on current releases and live dates!
KajaFax SuperFan #6
KajaFax are delighted to bring back our SuperFans series, a cool sixteen months since our last feature.
Our sixth superfan in the series is J’nae from USA.
J’nae is on the right hand side, third person down from the top
Hi J’nae, thanks so much for agreeing to be part of SuperFans here at KajaFax
Thank you so much for asking me.
First off, can you tell us how you first came to be a fan of the band please?
Well, it grew slowly really. I loved their song “Too Shy” when I heard it on the radio and then I started seeing articles in the teen magazines over here in the US; Mostly Tiger Beat and Bop which was fairly new. I actually liked the second release here, which was “Hang on Now” better. With little exposure here, especially in Porland, Oregon where I grew up it took a while before I was really collecting anything.
You’re living in the US, do you feel the exposure you had to the band was as good as being anywhere else?
No, I don’t. I never even knew about the second album. The third was out before I ever heard a new song on the radio from them, though I had already fallen in love Limahl’s release of the “Never Ending Story.” I honestly had no idea he’d even had his first album until I was looking around in the ship’s store aboard the USS Dixon when I was stationed there in December of 87. That is when I found a copy of “Don’t Suppose”. It wasn’t until 1999 when a friend in Phoenix, Arizona I’d introduced to the music of Kajagoogoo and Limahl sent me a tape she’d found as a gift that I knew about Limahl’s second album “Colour all My Days”.
Rare Don’t Suppose Japanese Picture Disc as owned by J’nae
When the band split, did you since have any particular stronger favour towards the band or Limahl or did you become a fan of both equally?
Since there was more exposure for Limahl and like a lot of teen girls I had a crush on him, I favoured Limahl. Though hearing all their music now, I don’t favour one over the other anymore. Nick Beggs ranks up there as one of my favorite bassists.
If you had to persuade a non-believer to listen to the band, how would you best describe the music and the talents of the band?
I usually do it by playing the music for people. I’ve done it before. I do tell people now that they’re a New Wave band from the 80’s.
We’re approaching the thirty year anniversary of the band, what keeps your interest burning to this day?
I never lost interest. I love what they’ve done. The newer material though no longer new, certainly helped energise me. Also the fact they’ve made themselves accessible to the fans in a fashion helps in keeping that interest alive and well.
I want to rewind back to 2008 and the reunion show. You travelled a long way to come and see the band at that special evening at The Stables, was that an easy decision for you to take?
I almost didn’t. I already knew the day the tickets would be going on sale was coming up when I was talking about, at the time, the craziest thing I’d ever done to see a concert, which involved a plane flight back to San Diego from Oakland after my ship had got underway. My husband then said flying somewhere to see a concert really wasn’t a crazy thing to do. Then I thought of the fact we’d gone to other states just for science fiction conventions and realised that really wasn’t any different. So, the planning began. I got up pretty early PSD time to go online to get the ticket the day they went on sale. There was a problem with their system and they gave me the number to call from California, so the next morning I was up early again, I called them and purchased my VIP ticket. I then had to figure how I was getting there. That was a fun process. I had to get a passport, tell my husband what I wanted to do and get his help, get him a passport, and then plan the whole trip. The hardest part was asking my husband. I was so afraid he’d say no. I actually sent him an e-mail explaining what and why, told him to read it all first before he said anything. An hour later, I finally asked, “well?” His response, “We don’t have a lot of time to get me a passport.” Well obviously it worked out. It was a great trip.
And you spent some time over here with a certain Askew family?
Yes, Anna contacted via private message on the forum before I headed over. She and Steve picked my husband, Chris and I up at our hotel the day of the show and took us to an old pub called The Globe for lunch. We had a very nice time talking with both of them.
What do you think about the band silence we’ve had since the end of the tour, is this the last we will ever see of KajaGooGoo as a full band?
I find it somewhat sad that they haven’t done anything else, because what they put out together is always so wonderful. Not that their other works aren’t also wonderful in their own right. I do understand that they need to work on what pays their bills, and with the passing of time and the physical distance between them that unfortunately isn’t Kajagoogoo. If the falling out had never happened back in the 80’s that would likely be a different story as they are all excellent musicians and may have weathered the twists and turns the entertainment industry seems to have better.
Are you following the band member projects at all? What did you think of the Limahl single ‘1983’, the work Steve has done with Lu and the ever increasing projects of Nick?
I love “1983” already have it memorised and can sing it. I was gifted a copy of “Red” from Steve and love it! I had already been introduced via some YouTube footage that Christine had shown me, so already was excited to hear more. I even tuned in via the internet for one of Lu and Steve’s concerts.
Lu and Steve
Now the quick fire three questions!
What’s your favourite KajaGooGoo track?
Tossup between “Lies and Promises” and “Space Cadet.”
What’s your favourite KajaGooGoo album?
White Feathers
Who’s your favourite band member?
Limahl
Limahl ‘Swing Show’ photo from J’nae
What message would you like to send out to the band if they are listening today?
I wish you guys the best of luck and hope to hear you all perform again someday.
Any message for your fellow fans?
Regardless of whether or not they do anything together again, keep enjoying what they gave us and help them grow their other projects.
J’nae, thank you again for talking with us
You’re welcome, it was a pleasure.
2012 KajaFax
Kajagoogoo Ticket Stub Collection – Latest Update
Today we return to a long running KajaFax project for which we have yet another update!
For a while now, we have made it our aim to source ticket stubs for as many past ‘Goo shows as we can, and today we have another to add to the collection.
Today’s addition to the gallery is another taken from the Islands tour of 1984.
A recent acquisition to our archive, this ticket was purchased from the Town Hall Theatre in Leeds, and is dated Thursday 21st June 1984.
Were you at this gig?? If so, we would be very interested to hear from you at admin@kajafax.com.
For more detailed information on our collection thus far, check out this page:
https://kajafax.co.uk/2012/08/08/the-kajagoogoo-tour-ticket-collection-latest-update/
On the subject of ticket stubs, it’s probably an opportune time to present this scan of a 2012 ticket stub bearing the Kajagoogoo name……as used by one of the KajaFax team last weekend in Belfast 🙂
Thanks for visiting KajaFax – the premier Kajagoogoo fansite.
Limahl Live in Belfast – A Review
The Belfast Empire is an unusual and unique venue. In business since 1987, the Empire soon established itself as one of Ulster’s premier music venues. The Empire’s Music Hall, formerly a Victorian era church, has hosted the finest names in the industry with acts such as Sigur Rós, Snow Patrol, Billy Bragg and Henry Rollins treading its boards. Last Saturday, Limahl added his name to that list….
KajaFax arrived at Belfast International Airport on the Friday for what was to be a great weekend!
above: the venue
below: the stage awaits!
The evening started with DJ Stuart Robinson who played the very best in 80’s classics, This was followed by a great set by Empire regulars and 80’s cover act ‘Pleasuredome’ who launched into an incredibly varied live set of monster hits by artists such as Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Nena, Madonna, Def Leppard, Blondie and Duran Duran. The venue was at a frenzied capacity when Limahl hit the stage to an overly excited crowd! Mixing Kajagoogoo hits with Limahl solo material, we were also treated to other classics of the decade with tracks by Depeche Mode and Soft Cell amongst others getting the Limahl treatment!
The biggest surprise of the evening was yet to come, albeit for the audience, as unbeknown to them, another member of Kajagoogoo was in the house…..
Stuart Croxford Neale took to the stage late on in Limahl’s set and joined Limahl and members of Pleasuredome!
This really was a fabulous night and it was great to see Stuart and Limahl perform together for the first time since the ‘goo played Rewind.
Pleasuredome have this brilliant gallery that we share with you here. All images courtesy of Maurice Jay:
For more great images from the night, follow this link:
http://www.facebook.com/MJsPdome/photos_stream
Finally, here is the crowd reaction to the encore……and Stuart!
An absolutely perfect evening!
Nick Beggs Talks Dangerous Potatoes
Today at KajaFax HQ, we managed to grab a quick fire Q&A session with bass player, Chapman stick player, vocalist, spaceman, artist, all round good guy and now author, Mr Nick Beggs.
Nick, welcome to KajaFax, it’s fantastic to have you here, how are you?
All is dandy.
Do you get much chance to read KajaFax at all and see what’s going on around the site?
I quite often have a sneaky peek 😉
We’d like to talk to you today about your new series of books, Dangerous Potatoes. Can you tell us please something about the series? What first inspired you to write the books?
The books are about four children, three of which are friends and one who is the naughtiest boy in the whole wide world, who discover if you go into Bluebell Wood after dark without wearing metal pants, you’ll get bitten on the bottom by Dangerous Potatoes.
I was inspired to write the stories after telling bed time stories to my children, nephews and nieces.
So, thirteen books in the series Nick, did you write and illustrate all of these yourself?
Yes I did. Originally I trained as an illustrator and have done an exhibition of my work in Finland. But this is the first time I’ve written and illustrated a children’s book.
How long did it take for you to write and illustrate the series?
Well I started it fifteen years ago. I had all the text finished but had done none of the illustrations. The last year Sarah and Nik Kershaw stayed over for New Years Eve and Sarah suggested that I finish the book. So you see it’s all her fault;-)
Are the books independent of each other or do they all come together to form the story?
The stories run chronologically and are all related to one group of children and the events that unfold in their lives.
You seem busier than ever at the moment, why did you choose now to write a series of books?
Well as I’ve stated, it’s been an on going project for some time. But now felt like the right time to complete the series. Sarah Kershaw really got me fired up about it though. She said it was a brilliant idea for a book and laughed her arse off when I told her the details.
What’s your main target age group for the books?
I think adults will like it because of its quirky style, but mainly children aged four to ten is my target group.
These books would make a fantastic Christmas present of course; can you let us know where our readers can purchase them from?
The books are available through www.dangerouspotatoes.com
You can order online, either one book at a time or all thirteen in a box set carton. It’s quite stylish.
Will there be more book projects to look forward to in the future?
Yes. I will write the next thirteen books over the next fifteen years;-)
With your incredibly long and varied career in music, you must have more stories to tell than most. Would you ever be tempted to write your biography if the opportunity presented itself?
Yes I would like to publish this. I’ve already started it. One day I guess?
We know you’re busy with Steven Wilson, Kim Wilde and Rick Wakeman, what’s happening at the moment Nick, lots of work backed up awaiting your attention?
Just about to tour with Kim Wilde, then I have six hours of Rick Wakeman to learn. Next year the Steven Wilson world tour will begin and I’ll be touring for nine months.
Where does Lifesigns fit into your schedule, can we expect this sometime soon and will it be performed live at any time in the future?
Yes I also have an album project titled Life Signs which will be released on Cherry Red Records in Jan or Feb 2013. There are no plans to play live with this as it’s a studio project with a couple of mates.
Nick Beggs, thanks for talking with KajaFax today.
Thanks for all your support and interest in the band and members, it’s fan bases such as KajaFax that keep the memories alive for the fans. You are great.
2012 KajaFax
‘Dangerous Potatoes’ Released Today!
It’s been a long time coming…..but here it is 😉
“Some children don’t like soggy cabbage, smelly sprouts or bitter broccoli but, of course, everyone loves potatoes. They are just delicious chipped, roasted, mashed or fried. Unless, they happen to be Dangerous Potatoes! (Solanum Tuberosum Periculosum.)”
Nick’s series of childrens books – Dangerous Potatoes – are now on sale!
If you would like a copy of one or indeed all of the books, you can order them here:
http://www.dangerouspotatoes.com/
Already got your copy on order? While you wait for it to be delivered to your door, why not try THIS dangerous recipe…..
We wish Nick every success with the books.
The KajaFax team have a MASSIVE treat for all Nick fans later in October – stay tuned!!!
Limahl at the Movies – Feel the Motion a.k.a. Der Formel Eins Film
Some time ago, you will remember that we published a feature on the American version of the promotional video for Limahl hit single ‘Only for Love’. We thought the clip was very ‘Miami Vice’ and that it could have been pulled from any TV cop series! Well, it’s no secret that Limahl did a little acting before he found fame with Kajagoogoo, but did you know that he had been in a movie?
Released in 1985 with the German title Der Formel Eins Film and released with an English soundtrack as Feel the Motion, Limahl not only acts in, but is the subject of this movie. This is how IMDb describes it…..
“Tina Lehmann is an auto mechanic who dreams of becoming a pop star. One day after work she sneaks onto the set of the TV music program ‘Formel Eins’ with her demo tape, and lands a job as a gofer. Her boyfriend Stevie Dromberger, who has been drafted into the army, doesn’t like the attention she’s receiving from the celebrity guests, and goes AWOL when he thinks she is dating the singer Limahl….”
Limahl co-stars with other artists such as Re-Flex, Meatloaf, Falco and Katrina and the Waves. He has a fair amount of ‘on screen’ time, and the film includes a performance of the hit single Too Much Trouble.
The film was issued in its native Germany and also for the English speaking market in a dubbed version.
Today, we bring you edited clips of Limahl’s scenes in the movie.
This clip shows the full 20 minutes of movie that feature Limahl. This edited clip is taken from the original German language version of the film but all scenes featuring Limahl are spoken in English. There is also a fully ‘English dubbed’ version available, which curiously has Limahl’s voice dubbed by a German accented voice actor!
A fun bit of footage for anyone who has not seen the film before! We hope that you enjoy it.
Nick Beggs in the Recording Studio – September 2012 Update
Today, we bring you the latest news on Nick Beggs and some great video footage that has been uploaded onto YouTube.
As many fans will be aware, Nick is currently in Los Angeles recording for Steven Wilson‘s forthcoming third solo album. The album is the follow up to hit UK long-player ‘Grace for Drowning‘ and is to be produced by the legendary Alan Parsons. As good as it is for Kajagoogoo fans to see Nick at work in the studio, it is at the same time sad for us, as these sessions are for another artist!
We would dearly love some more new ‘goo material and hope that one day soon our wishes are granted….
The below videos have been uploaded by Steven Wilson himself and are a fantastic insight into what goes on during the recording of an album and also a good opportunity to see Nick at work.
We hope you enjoy viewing them.
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