FRANKIE Goes To Hollywood are set to reunite for the first time as a full band since 1987 for Eurovision as the UK hosts the singing contest for the first time in 24 years.
For the first time since 1998, the United Kingdom will play host to the 2023 contest and will do so on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine who are unable to host due to the ongoing war.
The ‘Power of Love’ and ‘Relax’ hitmakers are all from Liverpool, the host city of the 2023 song contest, and the Liverpudlians will be back with lead singer Holly Johnson at The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome event outside the city’s St George’s Hall on May 7.
Holly, 63, announced on Instagram: “Frankie Goes To Eurovision. To celebrate the UK hosting the @eurovision song contest for Ukraine in our hometown of Liverpool, I’m happy to announce that Frankie Goes To Hollywood will reunite to perform at the opening concert of this very special event.”
A music insider told The Sun’s Bizarre column earlier this month: “Eurovision organisers have put them at the top of their wish list and have asked them if they would consider performing.
“The group haven’t played together with lead singer Holly in more than 20 years, so it would be massive to get them back.
“To host Eurovision in Liverpool is massive for the city and the organisers want to make sure it is one to remember.”
Their 1983 debut hit ‘Relax’ was banned by broadcaster the BBC in 1984 for its sexual references while at number six in the charts and subsequently topped the UK Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks, before going on to earn them a BRIT Award for Best British Single.
The source added: “For the band it would be a monumental moment too.
“’Relax’ got banned by the BBC when it was released and this year marks its 40th anniversary, so to be back performing it on the Beeb would be huge.
“Eurovision are hoping the group says yes but it might not be that simple.”
FGTH – also including Paul Rutherford, Mark O’Toole, Brian Nash and Peter Gill – were last known to be in the same room in 2003 for VH1’s ‘Bands Reunited’, however, they did not perform.
In 2007, Peter, Paul, Mark, and vocalist Ryan Molloy formed Forbidden Hollywood to play their new songs and old FGTH material to avoid legal issues with Holly over use of the band’s name.
The original band split in 1987 after a series of hits.
UNITED BY MUSIC
This year marks the 67th edition of the competition as 37 countries compete for the coveted, life changing trophy
All three live Eurovision shows will deliver emotive, exciting and unforgettable moments that underline this year’s contest slogan; United by Music.
When are the Eurovision 2023 Semi-Finals on BBC TV and iPlayer, Radio and BBC Sounds?
The first Eurovision Semi-Final will be broadcast live on Tuesday 9 May 2023 at 8pm (BST) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The second Semi-Final will be broadcast live on Thursday 11 May 2023 at 8pm (BST) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
BBC Radio 2 will also be broadcasting both Eurovision Semi-Finals for the first time this year, on Tuesday 9 May and Wednesday 11 May at 8pm. These shows will also be simulcast on BBC Radio Merseyside.
