Radio Creme Brulee DDH
Radio Creme Brulee DDH
Just when we thought everything had gone fully quiet with the single release of ‘Death Defying Headlines’, we had contact from a radio station in the US called ‘Radio Creme Brulee’.
We wanted to let everyone know about this as it’s just a great advert for all things ‘Goo’.
RCB broadcasts to a large catchment area in the US and each week they have a listener ratings chart. This chart gets a huge amount of votes and so any appearance in this top 20 is really good. DDH hit the playlist, we entered the chart at #17
That was great to see and subsequently, RCB enjoyed the track so much, it inspired them to write an article and investigate further:
http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/blog.php/80sartistreturns/
It’s a really interesting article to us as it confirms two key facts. Firstly, many people think their is nothing beyond ‘Too Shy’. Secondly, when people do look further they see so much more.
The article shows that ‘Hang on Now’ shone out to RCB as a fantastic track and it certainly is that. In fact it’s made such an impression on Pranav from the station that he estimates he’s played it more than 300 times since hearing it!!
From listening to the EP, he also adds that there is a good chance that ‘Dreaming of the Same Thing’ will be added to the playlist there which is brilliant.
For us it’s just really exciting to hear that popular radio stations are giving airtime to the music and enjoying it. That’s all we can ask for!
Many thanks to Pranav at Radio Creme Brulee for his Goo support!
2011 KajaFax
KajaGooGoo Candid Photography 83/84
Candid Photography 83/84
KajaFax was scouring the internet for features and information on ‘you-know-who’, when we stumbled across this rather marvellous gallery.
The below pictures are reproduced courtesy of ‘Anjaetkati’ and are too good to miss! They are taken in 1983 and 1984. The first set was taken at a live Kajagoogoo show in Germany, presumably in 1983.
We then have an audience taken photo, shot during a Limahl TV Performance for Bravo Super Show in 1984.
The final pictures are candid ‘behind the scenes’ shots of Limahl signing autographs at the Intercontinental Hotel, Cologne in 1984.
Quite a collection and one that we felt should be given a proper airing!
KajaFax have tried to contact Anjaetkati about to talk more about these photos, but to no avail.
Anjaetkati, if you are reading this, please email us at:
to talk more about when the pictures were taken.
2011 KajaFax
KajaGooGoo in Chart Beat 1984
KajaGooGoo in Chart Beat 1984
Chart Beat Magazine was another pop magazine of the 80s, it ran fortnightly and contained all the usual interviews, photos and features. There are many collectable editions of Chart Beat out there, they seem rather rare!
KajaGooGoo appeared in Chart Beat magazine more than once, one of those times being this two page article from 1984.
2011 KajaFax
Nick Beggs and Sal Solo
Nick and Sal Solo
Did any KajaFax readers like 80’s act Classix Nouveaux? Here’s a reminder:
Video courtesy of IchnoxX3
Sal Solo, real name Christopher Stevens, was the singer with top 80’s act Classix Nouveaux. A singer, keyboardist, guitarist and producer, Solo has more strings to his bow than you may be aware of. Originally fronting his group ‘The News’ in the 1970’s, they disbanded after their only single release ‘Blue Through’. Within a year, Sal Solo and former band mate Mik Sweeney had formed Classix Nouveaux. Classix Nouveaux was to release three superb albums, accumulating numerous gold and silver discs before disbanding in the mid 1980’s.
Nick and Sal had become friends, and in 1983 they took a trip together that was to prove significant. Sal Solo explains:
“I had made friends with a new young band named Kajagoogoo and bass player Nick Beggs was a born-again Christian. We hung out together quite a bit, and decided in October ’83 to go to Italy on a pilgrimage. The place was called San Damiano”
After visiting San Damiano, Solo converted to the Catholic faith, soon after releasing a solo single clearly inspired by his life changing journey.
By 1987, he had stopped recording commercial pop in favour of Christian music.
“At first I hated the pilgrimage, but after a couple of days, having listened to the conversion stories of simple people, and soaked up the atmosphere of prayer, I believed as they did”
Nick was to collaborate musically with Solo on the 1991 album ‘Look at Christ’.
Now rather difficult to find and out of print, the album contains some particularly interesting work. KajaFax is pleased to say that they have a copy of this album and would recommend that if you ever see a copy on eBay, give it a try!
Here’s a taster of what to expect:
We are hoping to bring you an interview with Sal Solo in the forthcoming weeks – keep checking the site for more details!
2011 KajaFax
Kajagoogoo on Kajagoogoo No 1. Magazine Feature 1983: Nick Beggs
The below scan and transcript was taken from an article first published in August 1983.
“Nick Beggs is the bass player with Kajagoogoo, and co-writer of the band’s material with Limahl. His unusual looks and devout Christian faith have made him a particularly easy target for cynics in the press. Here, he talks about the two most important things in his life – his faith and his music.”
“One of my greatest regrets is that my Mother didn’t live to see me become a success with Kajagoogoo. She would have been so happy and proud. My parents split up when I was ten, and I had been made aware of the tensions between them for a long time before. Dad went off to live in Saudi Arabia, leaving my sister and I with Mum. She had a very hard time bringing us up alone. We had no money. My mother never even had the basic comforts in life – she sacrificed everything to keep the family together, and her only reward was her joy in her children. A mother’s love is the purest and most unselfish love there is. I loved her very much in return, and felt very responsible for her. I remember my Dad had given me my first drum kit, and I loved it, but I sold it so I could give mum the money, and I didn’t begrudge it at all. When I was 17 she died. Suddenly I had a house to look after, and a little sister of 15 who I was responsible for. I felt a terrible kind of desperation, but somehow I coped. I was helped a lot by my girlfriend who was very good to me. I had a relationship with her for 4 ½ years and I’ve only just finished with her. We broke up for some strange and supernatural reasons which I can’t really explain, plus all the usual strains of being apart so much. But I still love her, and I’ll always pray for her. I found God about two years after Mum died. I had felt for a very long time that my life was very empty, and faith was always what was missing. Before then, I wasn’t a very nice person at all. I drank and took drugs. I had lots of girlfriends, who I just used. They are all the things that I am very ashamed of now. You should never abuse yourself or anyone else, and I believe now that fidelity is absolutely necessary in any relationship. I’ve always been involved in music in some way, even when I was just bashing about on my drum kit at home. I was in a band at school called The Vomit – we were the first acoustic punk band! The whole thing was a joke really, but it didn’t stop us from taking ourselves seriously at the time! I progressed to a band called Art Nouveau with the other guys in Kajagoogoo except Limahl. We found him in the classified section of Melody Maker. Being in Kajagoogoo hasn’t changed me and I never want it to. It’s given me so much, and all it’s taken away is time. Sometimes, I miss doing things like the artwork for the record sleeves, because I almost feel it’s my right. But we have to concentrate completely on the music now. I still think of myself as an artist. Sometimes we have meetings over contracts or with accountants, and it’s a waste of time my being there. I have no grasp of business at all – all I care about is the music. I love the music, but I hate the music business. It’s corrupt. Just because I’m a Christian it doesn’t mean I’m a saint, and I’m still prone to temptations and still do wrong things. I just try to do what God would want in all things and not to let Nick Beggs dictate all the time.”
Kajagoogoo on Nick
Limahl “Nick’s a lovely guy – he’s very sweet and very sincere. He’s also got a really nutty sense of humour, and that helps all of us. I think he’s too vulnerable and cares too much. When we were in Brussels, he saw a prostitute in a window and it depressed him all day. I think for his own good he should learn to be tougher”
Steve “Nick is one of the kindest people I know and genuinely moral. He’s also a terrible one for presuming things. When we played Ireland, Nick presumed we were playing Cork for some reason, and told everyone that. Actually, we were playing Dublin and Belfast, but Nick doesn’t let facts bother him!”
Jez “Nick is a firm Christian which is strength not only for him but for all of us, as it somehow draws us together. He may be too kind for his own good, and I think some people would take advantage of that. He can be vague and dizzy, but somehow he’s got enough charm to get away with it”
Stuart “I love Nick’s sense of humour – he really is a maniac at times, and he’ll do anything for a laugh. He’s very placid and easy-going. I’ve only seen him lose his temper once, and that was quite frightening. Like most even tempered people, when he does go mad, he goes barmy”
2011 KajaFax
Rhythms of the World Festival Feature
Rhythms of the World Festival Feature
by Steve Conley
Yesterday along with my good friend Dave, I attended Rhythms of the World festival in Hitchin, Hertfordshire UK. Mainly to see three artists perform, but also just to hear some fantastic music and have a lovely day out.
We got there later than expected thanks to an exceptionally long and slow entrance queue so unfortunately, I only just caught the end of Gemma Aguilar performing on the Icehouse Stage. She had a great crowd and got a huge applause at the end so she’d obviously made a great impression on those that got there in time to see the full performance!
I just had enough time to say a hello to Gemma and manager Glenn before they had to dash off to the BBC area, so then it was off to St. Mary’s Stage to get ready to see Lu Cozma and Steve Askew perform.
St. Mary’s Stage was a nice place to be, it was covered up and had rows of benches to sit on which was great! We took our places on the front row of seats and watched as Steve had a sound check. Soon to be joined by Lu for further sound checking.
The duo went on to make a fantastic performance and were extremely well received by the crowd. I’ve recorded four tracks for your viewing pleasure, starting off the superb ‘Dancer’.
Right after that, another track from ‘Red’ was played and this was ‘Sanctuary’.
The next track up that I recorded was ‘Building a Mystery’.
This is the first time I’ve seen Lu & Steve play live (apart from the gig where I saw them via webcam) so I was surprised and very pleased to hear them do their own version of ‘White Rabbit’. I’ve long loved the Jefferson Airplane version and enjoyed this version hugely. I only managed to record half of this and rather than share that, I’d just strongly advise you to see them live!
The last track I recorded was their final track of the set, the truly brilliant ‘Runaway’. We all know Steve is handy with a guitar but this performance really was something to see.
Lu & Steve appearing live is a real performance. Lu has a very distinctive vocal, what you hear on the album is exactly what you hear live. She sings so effortlessly, from the low notes to the high, even in a busy festival type environment you can’t help but be captivated by her voice and her good looks.
Watching Steve perform is quite incredible. For me, this is Steve at his absolute best, just Steve and an acoustic guitar. You can see the passion in every note he plays, maximum effort is delivered throughout. I think in a band there are certain constraints which will not allow a musician to truly show their full talent. With Lu Cozma, Steve is able to express himself and from the applause throughout, I’m sure the crowd were feeling that. His technique really is something to be seen.
Right after the performance, we went over to try and get some photos and were quickly invited into the backstage area by Glenn which was really nice and hugely appreciated.
Gemma is very charming, hugely talented and really deserves to have big success. She plays guitar so well and as we all know, to play and sing at the same time is really quite something.
Glenn with Gemma:
Then for the very first time, I met up with Lu Cozma. It’s difficult to lay down in words how very lovely Lu Cozma is, you’d just have to meet her to appreciate that. Very lovely and strikingly beautiful!
Whilst chatting to Lu, the one and only Steve Askew came across and we had a great chat about all things musical, Lu & Steve, KajaGooGoo, things Steve had planned himself, it was great to see Steve again.
Whilst watching the soundcheck, I must have been on another planet as Steve told me afterwards that he’d been playing a bit of ‘The Garden’!! I’d completely missed that and Steve said he’d looked over at me to see if I’d notice or not!! Throwing a bit of KajaGooGoo into the soundcheck, top work!
Steve with Lu:
All KajaGooGoo fans will of course want to know if I asked THE question. Well, of course I did. Would KajaGooGoo ever play another gig? The answer was exactly what I thought it would be, never say never. So many factors make it difficult but there’s no reason to say a firm no. Keep the faith Kajafans!
After a performance like this though, the question should be when are Lu & Steve playing again!!
It’s all very busy for Steve right now, another album is planned with Lu which I’m personally really excited about. Steve is also working on a solo album when time allows, again this sounds like an amazing project which we eagerly await.
Steve and Lu with myself , I’m pulling a rather strange expression!
I think it’s my best ‘look at me with my arm around Lu Cozma woohooo’ expression!!
And so after a great chat with everyone, I was furnished with some lovely products!
First up is the ‘Red’ album signed by Lu and Steve:
And this superb Lu Cozma promo CD:
Also now in my collection is the new EP from Gemma Aguilar, ‘It’s My Life’. I’ve been listening to this on my iPhone since it came out and it’s fantastic, if you don’t already have it, buy it, seriously go and buy it!
As you’ve noticed there are two, look out for a competition soon to win a copy of the EP.
Glenn also gifted us with this promo CD:
I must say a huge thanks to Glenn who came to meet us, pulled us in for photos and chats, was highly complimentary of KajaFax and being very aware of the sort of material I’d be wanting to take back to the site and helping me achieve that.
It was truly lovely to chat to everyone at length and in a relaxed vibe, that chance doesn’t come up often so thanks to everyone for that. Having two hugs with Lu Cozma certainly helped top off a fantastic day. Smitten? Me?!
On leaving the stage area I bumped into Anna Conti who is of course, Steve’s wife. I haven’t seen her since 2009 at the Stables so very lovely to say hello!
All in all I believe we spent around six and a half hours in the festival compared with over eight hours on the road but it was massively worth it, we had a great time!
I hope you’ve enjoyed the footage and the photos and if you get a chance to attend ROTW 2012, go for it!
2011 KajaFax
Kajagoogoo Cassette Interview Soundwave Magazine 1984
Kajagoogoo Interview – Soundwave Magazine
KajaFax is pleased to bring you this wonderful interview with Kajagoogoo, recorded for Soundwave Magazine in 1984.
The interview is 15 minutes in length.
Unfortunately, we have been unable to find out any information about the history of Soundwave Magazine, although we do know that interviewer John Osborne went on to become a Disc Jockey for Virgin/Absolute Radio in the 2000’s before moving to Gold Radio, where we works to this day.
Discover more about John here:
http://www.mygoldmusic.co.uk/Article.asp?id=1417486&spid=18950
We really enjoyed this one here at KajaFax HQ – we hope that you enjoy it too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It_m9qdjXnc
2011 KajaFax
Nick Beggs and Steve Hackett Rome Footage
Nick Beggs & Steve Hackett
As we all know, Nick spends much of his life outside of Kajagoogoo collaborating with other artists. Earlier this year, Nick went on a tour of Italy with Steve Hackett.
This clip is taken from the performance of May 13th 2011 at the Tendastrisce Theatre inRome. It features Nick’s solo performance of ‘The Darkness in Men’s Hearts’ followed by group performance footage of ‘Prairie Angel’ and ‘Los Endos’, which sees the Beggion switch from Chapman Stick to Bass.
Great stuff indeed!
A great opportunity to see Nick on stage!
2011 KajaFax
KajaGooGoo Live at The Brixton Ace 1982
Kajagoogoo Live – The Brixton Ace 1982
Originally known as the Palladium Cinema, this large Brixton Hill venue has entertained Brixtonians since 1914.
Rebuilt in the 1950’s and rebranded The Regal, the venue subsequently became The ABC before becoming the Brixton Ace in 1977. As the ABC in the 1970s, the theme was movies and the venue was heavy on late night kung-fu flicks!
By ’77, Bruce Lee had become Bruce Foxton, as the venue hosted major gigs such as The Smiths, The Jam, New Order and A Flock of Seagulls. A regular haunt for Record Company execs, many an act played the venue with a hopeful heart. The club was frequented by influential movers and shakers and music industry heavyweights such as Peter Powell and Paul Gambaccini.
Kajagoogoo played a crucial promotional gig there on Friday 17th December 1982. Billed as ‘A pre-Christmas Funk Out with Kajagoogoo’ and supported by the Watussi Brothers, the show was filmed for Broadcast by Channel 4 in the UK. The gig and subsequent TV exposure must have played a major part in the events that were to unfold in early 1983.
KajaFax would be incredibly interested to hear from any readers that have any VHS or Betamax footage of that gig!
The Ace closed its doors in the early 1980’s but re-opened in 1985 as The Fridge.
2011 KajaFax
KajaGooGoo 1982 Demo Tape Content
KajaGooGoo 1982 Demo Tape Content
Back on June 27th 2011, we brought you pictures of an incredible KajaGooGoo demo tape from 1982 featuring two tracks, ‘White Feathers’ and ‘This Car is Fast’.
We’ve now had permission from the band to share the content so without any further ado, here is that demo tape featuring both tracks and introduction from Steve Conley.
We do hope you enjoy the new style of video presentation in this feature, we’d love to hear your comments about the demo’s and the video itself.
If you are having difficulties viewing the video, please try clicking the direct YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oXrHCCmWVk
Related Post:
https://kajafax.co.uk/2011/06/27/kajagoogoo-original-demo-tape-1982/
2011 KajaFax
kajafax.co.uk 