The Communards · (Active: 1980's)

Styles:
Alternative Dance
Dance-Pop
Club/Dance
Formed:
1985
Disbanded:
1988
Active:
1980's
Biography by Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
The whirlwind success Bronski Beat experienced during its mid-'80s beginnings took a major toll on singer Jimmy Somerville, who surprised a lot of people with his decision to leave the group after only one full-length album. Thanks to the popularity of singles like "Smalltown Boy" and a cover of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," both of which showcased Somerville's singular falsetto, Bronski Beat found itself at the forefront of several countries' pop scenes. Though Somerville's departure from the group left many wondering what would become of one of the gay community's most prominent figures, the singer and songwriter didn't take long to resurface with classically trained pianist and longtime friend Richard Coles.

Initially named the Committee, Somerville and Coles eventually changed names to avoid confusion with another similarly named outfit. They opted to become the Communards, in tribute to a sect of 19th century French Republicans. Stylistically, the duo balanced celebratory and sophisticated dance-pop with more subdued material that played to Coles' strengths while allowing the versatility of Somerville's voice to come to light. Covers of two disco classics, Thelma Houston's "Don't Leave Me This Way" and Gloria Gaynor's "Never Can Say Goodbye," hit the Top Five of the club chart in the U.S. At the other end of the spectrum, "Reprise" was one of the sharpest attacks on Margaret Thatcher; "For a Friend" was a powerful song written for a close friend of the duo whose life was taken by AIDS. Both 1987's Communards and the following year's Red performed well commercially, spawning a number of minor hits in addition to those mentioned above.

In 1988, Coles opted to leave music to be a religious commentator. Somerville responded by going solo; by 1989, he already had Read My Lips, his first album, out in the shops. He recorded sporadically throughout the following decade.
Back to the topMembers of The Communards
Artist Instrument Born
Jimmy Somerville Vocals June 22, 1961 Glasgow, Scotland
Richard Coles
Back to the topDiscography
Album   Released Publisher Rating
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Top Questions about The Communards Back to the top
Richard Coles was the synth guy. as far as i know- all electronics- no drum player June Miles-Kingston drummed with them for a while in the late 80's 'Don't leave me this way' video. She also drummed with Everything but the Girl and Fun Boy...
Communards was born in British
#"Don't Leave Me This Way" - 4:50 #"La Dolarosa" - 2:43 #"Disenchanted" - 4:13 #"Reprise" - 5:22
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