Boy George, born George O’Dowd, became a household name as lead singer of the Grammy and Brit Award winning band Culture Club in the 1980s. They broke up in 1986, since when he has recorded as a solo artist, written and performed the musical Taboo, and become a successful club DJ. His new album This Is What I Do is out now, and next month he is touring the UK to promote it, stopping off at KOKO in Camden Town on November 10.
When were you happiest?
I squatted on Leighton Road with a gaggle of misfits – my friend Myra, Andy Polaris and Jackie – and it was fabulous for a while, but then Marilyn moved in and he was too much for our neighbour. After trying in vain to chat Marilyn up before realising “it was a geezer”, he attacked our door with a hammer. We had to jump out the window, and the police were very unkind and barely let us back in to get our belongings.
Where did you go?
We moved around the corner and stayed for another three months. Kentish Town was a time of liberation because we had all just left our family homes and squatting allowed so much freedom. Jesse Birdsall, the actor, was a young rockabilly then who worked in a record shop on the high street. He had an issue with us, and Marilyn used to stop in front of the shop window and do provocative poses to piss him off. They were primitive times in some ways.
What is your earliest K-Town memory?
My dad took me to Leighton Road in his builder’s van with the little bit of furniture I had, and he didn’t realise I was going to be squatting. We had heating but no lights, so had to get ready before 5pm, or suffer dragging up in candlelight. I had all these pics of naked 1950s muscle guys on the wall in my bedroom and one day my dad came and broke in to leave food. He left a note saying “nice wallpaper”. The shame.
Where would you like to live?
I still live close to Kentish Town, in a gothic pile right next to the Heath. I love north London. I once came for an interview at this place called the Milk Churn in Hampstead when I was sixteen, and lasted about twenty minutes in the job. I was only washing up, but my punk attire really bothered the other people in the kitchen – so I asked where the toilet was and left. I remember thinking, “bloody snobs, I hate Hampstead” – but I ended up living there. Revenge!
What is your greatest life achievement?
Recovery feels like the best thing that has happened to me: being sober, keeping my sense of humour and knowing that things will get better. I’ve worked very hard to change my outlook and now see the world with crystal clear sober glasses. Suddenly I’m looking at the trees in Hampstead and thinking “wow”. I feel privileged to do the work I do. I get paid to do what I love. It’s bonkers.
What makes you unhappy?
All the isms: sexism, racism and of course homophobia. I agree with Stephen Fry that hating gay people is like hating red telephones. I wish people would get a life and realise that it’s really none of their business. As far as I’m concerned we are in this together. It takes two straights to create one gay. I hate the way the media is so blasé towards homophobic abuse.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
Oh what of things? I don’t think any “thing” would improve my life. I have enough and anything more is really just a bonus. Perhaps decent food in airports. A Wholefoods at Heathrow? Complete peace in the world. No more guns or bombs. Everyone chanting for peace!
What is your most unappealing habit?
I can fly off the handle about silly stuff but I do try to keep it to a minimum. I have a thunder nature like my dad.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Pizza East is a bit of a treat. I don’t have many carbs so now and then a pizza is a great treat meal and it’s just down the road.
Where do you hang out?
I am often taking a coffee in one of the local coffee shops in Hampstead. I like my Starbucks and I know they are tax dodgers but they have reeled me in. Walking on the Heath is always nice. Camden Lock market can be fun now and then if you want something you don’t really need. I like all the thrift stores and I do love a charity shop.
Who or what do you hate and why?
Buddhists don’t hate. It’s so counterproductive and pointless to hate anyone; and it gives you crow’s feet.
What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
How long have you got? Ha. Jesus, I could write a billowing tome on the abuse I have received. I suppose in the end the worst thing anyone can say is “I don’t love you”. Or “that was the last piece of cheesecake”. People who slag me off always reveal more about their own shortcomings. It’s always some sort of feeble projection. If I don’t know you then I really don’t care what you think of me, but I still love you anyway.
Tell us a secret.
That’s such a bizarre question. Mind your own business! I love Julio Iglesias and rugby.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Life is essentially futile so you might as well inject as much joy as you can. I have discovered that the real joy is in the things we often take for granted. Family, friends, great food, laughter, cuddles, sex, more food. Learn to just “be”. Radiate the light and laugh at yourself constantly. Treasure those you love, ask them how they are – and don’t forget to call.
Read the full version of this interview and see more exclusive photos by Dean Stockings in our free November print edition, available on Nov 8 in 60 outlets across north London. If you’re a fan of the column why not buy the T-shirt or tote bag?
6 thoughts on “Ich Bin Kentishtowner: Boy George, singer and musician”
Ooh, that’s gotta be one of my fav Ich Bin’s….
This is George O’Dowd… honest, funny, shining and sharing good vibes! Posible…the most real one Ever! Just listen his new album and you can realise it. OM
Has to be one of the best ever Ich Bin’s… great human with a great outlook! I agree with every word except the Starbuck’s consumption… 🙂
BOY GEORGE is simply irresistable! the new cd is absolutely brilliant!!
So happy for him! Have loved him for many years and love seeing him in a good place. New album is fab. Such a reflection of where he is now. George, you are my “Bowie”. Please hurry to the states for a tour!
George is great. Used to really enjoy seeing him in the 1980s when I worked at BOY. The squats of Kentish Town are legend. We were on holiday in Turkey and got chatting to a woman who lived there and in Brighton called Mina. Turned out she squatted in KTown back then and we think she may have lived in our house, which was a squat before being taken over by a housing association.