1984: Classic BOY GEORGE interview | Wogan | Classic TV Interview | BBC Archive

[@jennifersivewright3117]

I wasn’t a fan at the time. But now I realise he was/is amazing. Intelligent, articulate and uncompromising.

[@johnmcquilkin]

Yes Jennifer! 😀

[@leeetchells609]

This is before he went full druggy and started locking rent boys in his flat.

[@dennisdemark8151]

Yes he was Jennifer Siverwright!

[@st20332]

@@leeetchells609 is that true? Never heard it, I'll have a look on Google now

[@johnshaw8149]

Well said Jennifer, thats right

[@repboy1]

If you think about the homophobia in the early 80s uk , Boy George was so brave ahead of his time and also Wogan was very accepting, and people of all ages did love him

[@mister3566]

You forgot about Bowie?

[@repboy1]

@@mister3566 no I loved labyrinth lol

[@tjfSIM]

You think so? To be honest I picked up a lot of casual homophobia from Wogan’s comments here.

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

a pioneer of trans-movement ...so beautiful ....Terry was homophobic but george won him round ......

[@russellwhite1581]

@@tjfSIM - Wogan's job was to bring out the best in his interviewees by providing challenging questions. That isn't homophobia, as he would do the same with any of his guests. I think that he got the best out of George in this interview and gave him a chance to show his intelligence and wit, which a sycophantic interview would have failed to achieve.

[@JF-kv1gm]

I always had a lot of time for George...he was eloquent, brave, open-hearted, witty and was pushing the boundaries. The way that he talked about Britain tugged at my heartstrings (I'm an ex-pat). Pre -Brexit Britain was such an amazing source of creativity.

[@deeliciousplum]

"Talk to somebody before you judge them." Priceless thought during any point in time of this thingy we call life.

[@steevadams1750]

George was so ahead of his time… and really quite intellectual.. 🥰

[@rikardandersson5582]

In what way? If a non-famous male wore the same makeup on a worker day, you wouldn't approve it

[@user-fm3xr9yz3i]

Ahead of his time? Please explain

[@morbidmanmusic]

Only in that he knew he looked like a woman. But was a "boy". Yezh.

[@bethlehemeisenhour5807]

If you like a man in a skirt. JESUS!

[@chibiromano5631]

@@bethlehemeisenhour5807 6:28 , its a Kilt ese.. not a skirt.

[@ivyvines6708]

I have such an admiration for George. Seems like there are so many folks in the entertainment industry who cannot hold an intelligent conversation during one single program, and George can talk for an hour and be more interesting than most of them put together.

[@helmutschmidt8037]

I remember seeing this interview when it was broadcast in 1984. What a breath of fresh air he was. Loved him for that and still do.

[@nocomment4848]

He has poo breath from cottaging. Nothing fresh about it

[@bigtwit799]

'him?' Is that a man then?

[@MbartM96]

@@bigtwit799 yes he identifies as a man. Well done for asking his pronouns though! Clap

[@bigtwit799]

@@MbartM96 how wood i no if his a man or knot?

[@MbartM96]

@@bigtwit799 well, he’s not a knot

[@eightiesmusicfan]

Boy George is an absolute icon! His unique style, powerful voice, and unapologetic authenticity have left an indelible mark on the music industry. From his groundbreaking work with Culture Club to his solo career, he continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. His music transcends boundaries and reminds us to embrace our true selves.

[@charlotte241000]

I didn't know he'd said that about disabled people (I have cerebral palsy myself) I love George with all my heart but after hearing that I love him ever more now! I just love it when somebody like him says stuff like that it just fills my heart!

[@johnmcquilkin]

George is the best! 😀

[@charlotte241000]

@@johnmcquilkin he is

[@giovannamoro8564]

Such an intelligent man ! As i grow older i realize how smart some of these young artists are and how advanced they're compared to their peers.he's also so sweet .

[@barrycarrigan5584]

To say he was ahead of his time , would be a total understatment.

[@rikardandersson5582]

In what way?

[@morbidmanmusic]

Not musically,.. in any way.. but at least he know he was a boy.

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

now a lot want to be Trans ....

[@steviewondek]

​@@krishnan-resurrection714 It's baffling in 2022 people still don't understand the difference; gender non conformity aka Boy George,David Bowie etc, Trans is gender dysphoria aka Jenna Talackova, Hunter Schafer, Kim Petras etc.

[@TheStepmonkey]

@@morbidmanmusic Musically he was ahead of his time. If u listen to his first album, he was one of the first to combine pop with reggae, adding a lil bit of rapping.

[@Libaluff]

What a brilliant interview. George takes the spotlight and is so interesting; but Wogan really got this right. You hardly heard him. The best talk show host.

[@nigeljones1969]

Even all these years later I still think he always gave brilliant intelligent interviews... always speaks nicely

[@HopeForestLose]

George was brave AF, a quiet subversive. If you knew, you knew. Wogan seems very relaxed here at a time some of the press were near hysterical.

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

a Beautiful Pioneer for Trans ..... Terry loves him ......

[@andeeanko7079]

In this day and age, Boy George comes across as downright wholesome!

[@GARose-kt4jc]

YES, he does! .....ESPECIALLY if you live in the US! (where shitty hiphop/rap rules the music world)

[@dennisdemark8151]

He's so well spoken and very insightful! a beautiful mind indeed !

[@alternatereality7301]

im the only one here think that he kinda look good ? lol

[@wendys7285]

​@@alternatereality7301I think so, too!

[@labradormcgraw]

Boy George - a true gift to the world. He represents all that's wonderful about difference. ❤

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

she was so ahead of her time ....

[@JustPlayingBass]

We accept Boy George/George O'Dowd because he is a genuine human being. We reject those that are fake.

[@stewartwilson1209]

Definitely. Translucent authenticity. It’s fantastic.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Who the hell is we? I'll say this... at least he know he was a boy.

[@AnAdorableWombat]

@@morbidmanmusic that's why he calls himself Boy George. He was androgynous not trans

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

totally Trans-tastic .....

[@steviewondek]

@@krishnan-resurrection714 He was never trans, never said he was, same as Marilyn, the clue is in the name he chose for himself; 'BOY "London" George.

[@getmetothegeek4066]

I didn't know George was so articulate and intelligent if I'm honest. Great interview featuring two legendary wigs.

[@redlikewineagain697]

Most musicians are highly intelligent, if not geniuses.

[@jojobaba754]

I remember being sat on my living room floor inches from the TV watching top of the pops and I was an 8 year old girl! This vision came on TV singing a reggae song ‘do you really want to hurt me’. My mum and older brothers were there with me and we all thought this beautiful creature was a girl. It took us a while to realise she was a he! We all fell in love with Boy George right then and there! You can’t really explain the impact he had and why he transcended generations because he was so very unique! He was beautiful and talented, Culture Club made great music with George and that’s why everyone loved him…still loves him!! Long live the Queen!! ❤️😉

[@donrevie721]

What a star. So congenial and empathetic. I would be happy to see him be British ambassador for any country in the world.

[@YOURTECHFRIEND]

This has to be one of the cutest interviews ever 😊❤

[@lessismore8533]

ANOTHER one of his cutest interviews is his 1984 “Who’s a tart”. 😻

[@davedogge2280]

What struck me is what an excellent interviewer Terry Wogan was, he was kind, witty, he allowed the interviewee to actually talk.

[@JohnHonda101]

Sir Terry was born a Gentleman.

[@Scottie444]

Blarney by the bucketload Dave... Both Terry and George.

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

i sense a bit of sexuality between them .....

[@Scottie444]

@@krishnan-resurrection714 both are big flirts 😉

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

@@Scottie444 i'd love to have seen what went on after .... 😁

[@Jlipnicki]

He was a nice bloke, ran into him a few times before he was famous, always looked good, friendly, honest. What was a surprise was that he could sing.

[@MrMikomi]

He didn't just sing.

[@Lapofthegods]

Could listen to boy George all day he’s so intelligent and interesting. Also we could do with those “save the world Tshirts now!” 🤗

[@club1fan552]

George really was God's gift to journos as they had to do, well...nothing. He really was at the top of his game here. What people don't realise is that he represented what was fair and just in a very different time. Combined with very little formal education, he still wrote some of the most enduring and clever lyrics in rock music history.

[@johnmcquilkin]

Great comment! 👍

[@gracielaleaniz5158]

the best comment I read on Boy George

[@club1fan552]

@@johnmcquilkin Thanks John.

[@club1fan552]

@@gracielaleaniz5158 Appreciate that Graciela.

[@johnmcquilkin]

@@club1fan552 you're welcome.

[@vestel777]

I personally feel that Boy George shouldn’t have ever had to explain Himself. He’s Brilliant.

[@phil4893]

Great interview. He was absolutely full of life back then. Almost bursting! :-) Saw them at Wembley Arena in 1984. Also remember seeing George in the WAG club in the early 80s. It was a great era.

[@wunaladreaming5472]

Wonderful interview. Luckily met him a couple of years ago away from the cameras etc and he was a delight.

[@rogerervinlarahernandez6987]

an iconic and unrepeatable being. Hero of many generations. A teacher

[@DavidMartin-ws9es]

George had always said what he feels, that's why I admire the man.

[@johnmcquilkin]

Very true!

[@steviewondek]

Yet probably back then it's doubtful that u would have been calling him a man along with many others then.

[@trevorrandom]

I think George should have his own chat show now he'd be perfect for that late night slot. 👍

[@CultureClubHistory]

Yeah he would be great, he did have his own show for awhile interviewing different people, you can find the episodes here.. 😀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIKcZ4R9mK6pd68

[@absoluteacw]

I disagree. A nice nostalgic thought I suppose. George when he is interviewed today plays the media game and gives little away.

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

'late night slot' ....saw what you did there ....😆

[@lessismore8533]

@@absoluteacw yah it’s not same as the 80s

[@Tenzin62]

I remember clearly how absolutely terrified I felt when I read the Sun headline that George was on heroin. I prayed for him. I cried.

[@omegajrz1269]

3:54: You can clearly notice how he feels so lucky to be born in such an influential country and that it has accepted him as he is

[@magicmusicrainbows]

Always loved George, love his honesty & sense of humour , not forgetting the music

[@liyaandinnamay2501]

Boy George is a true gift to the world. He's absolutely fabulous and adorable. What a funny, articulate and well-spoken individual he is. He doesn't take himself seriously and brings the best in people. He doesn't shy away from something flamboyant, innovative, extreme, flashy and bizzare. George is a fantastic experimenter and shows people that it's essential to be who you truly are. George doesn't give a damn what people might think about him. Just does exactly what his heart felt. Adore his larger-then-life persona, charming and crooning voice and his insightful, caring, sweet nature. He's blessed with best of the best. I tumbled 4 George at veryyy first sight of him. He's sooo dreamy. That hurts.💋💞💔💕🥰🤗❤️💋💗💗💞

[@ccmoore73]

Wow… Boy George is fascinating.

[@cosmicfoxglove1047]

Such an intelligent and articulate guy. I loved this interview.

[@madelinerene6805]

I was in my late teens/early 20s in the 80s. I was obsessed with Boy George and Culture Club. Talent with intelligence.

[@debramanser5932]

I have loved boy George since I was 6 and I am now 44...his music has help me

[@christopherwright8811]

I saw an interview with him quite recently - maybe 3 years ago. I have to say - I was never a fan of the music or the image. And yet, as here, he is so very engaging, intelligent. He talked about how much his mother meant to him, among other things. It was quite moving, as well as informative. My opinion of him soared.

[@Einstein852]

He was funny, witty and extremely intelligent. I absolutely loved him. love to hear him talk ❤

[@TheStepmonkey]

He's everything but "eccentric", he is the sweetest and friendliest person ever and his style is unique❤

[@Noneya2023]

I was about 10 years old when Culture Club hit big in America. I know I’m not alone in saying, I fell deeply in love with Boy George. Quite simply, the most beautiful, soulful, sexiest man I’d ever seen! Eventually, it was explained to me that my love was not to be reciprocated & it wasn’t in the cards for us. So I found my next great love. George Michael ❤️. The 80’s were a tough time to have celebrity crushes!

[@kazmaniaD3633]

I came to hear Terry's voice (which I miss) but ended up realizing BG was more intelligent than most people. Great interview.

[@ScentsofStyle99]

I remember the first time I saw him on TV in Australia in 1983 and I was astounded. I couldn't believe how brazenly feminine he was. It was completely new - newer than anything I have seen before or since. He must be an incredibly brave person because in 1983 Sydney, he would have been beaten up if he walked the streets alone looking like that. He really broke through so many barriers (thank God) and 40 years later his look seems interesting but not revolutionary like before.

[@jennyt966]

Always loved Boy George. He's intelligent, funny, caring and of course a very good singer. Well said George. Shame most of the world didn't listen to him then. 💖

[@lessismore8533]

If you were around back then, you were lucky

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

He was massively popular in several countries. What in the hell are you talking about?

[@jennyt966]

@@sarcasticallyrearranged I wasn't talking about his music. Yes he was popular in many countries. I'm referring to what they were saying about his views about things.

[@sheltyhorn4332]

A lot of presenters at that time, would have patronised George, but Terry didnt..he was very respectful, because he knew he was a talent..well done Terry.

[@johnmcquilkin]

Great point. Well done Terry indeed! 👍

[@elizabethseiden9938]

George is intellectual! I’d like to see him in a movie! He’s charming, brave and an amazing singer! I saw him in San Francisco in 1997. Now I live in Texas. Big hugs and Much love, from Texas!❤️💕🦋😍😍😍😍😍

[@nittygritty9418]

I've always loved Boy George and I'm 65 Great interview.

[@picoharmotimpo]

Isn’t he lovely. Always so great to listen to.

[@vicesquadpunk]

I had no interest in George and Culture Club at the time, in retrospect it’s amazing just how groundbreaking and intelligent he was back then. His confidence and humour as a young gay man in a world not too accepting at that time is truly astounding… 😊

[@Hiro.the.God.]

Always was and will be a fan. Because of Boy George I started to love all kinds of different music.

[@teralmiles]

George is so intelligent and has an answer for everything. Love him!!

[@scottlumsdon1698]

Just saw this. Wow! Articulate, intelligent, and inclusive. Great interview by Wogan and tremendous insights by Boy George. Masterclass on all sides.

[@ChristineKearns-f1x]

I have loved since I was 24 and are now 68 and I still love him and always will ❤❤❤

[@rebeccaporter5445]

Brilliant interview with two of my favourite people ❤x

[@kerstinklenovsky239]

He is hilarious. This is the first time someone is explaining the world to me and it makes sense. 🥳

[@debpowell3250]

Loved him then, love him now. Great interview.

[@shodansmith]

George was a pioneer, extremely talented and intelligent….love him!

[@denisebledsoe8836]

I was in my early 20's when Boy George was at his peak!! Loved him now and still do in 2023.

[@williamdrijver4141]

Brilliant interview, both guest and presenter are in top shape! Funny, entertaining and serious at the same time.

[@miriamasimmonds3878]

❤❤❤ Absolutely beautiful 💯😍 I adored him then and still do now 😁 So intelligent

[@LisaOwen-jx1st]

What a lovely chap boy george is. Really well brought up.

[@thefog7067]

Love him or hate him either way he will be in your mind forever . . . Long live Boy George

[@Charlie_Duz]

This is why George was and is so loved. ♥️♥️♥️

[@teriwhittington8337]

I love Boy George! His intelligent conversation was music to my ears! He's kind and I hope he has a partner who loves, likes and understands him!

[@paulinewhite3273]

I'm 69, and love him, still do!

[@chrisschulz2000]

Impressive how BG made a big impression in this interview not because of his music but because of his intelligence. Kudos also to the interviewer for noticing this intelligence and let him Finnish and appreciate his responses no matter how odd he looked for the time ... Good combination of talent, looks, intelligence, personality, creativity, musicality , you name it, to make a mark in a decade. Fascinating times the 80s (70s and 90s as well by the way) ...

[@vestel777]

I LOVED Him when He appeared on the 80’s TV Series The A-Team. In an episode called Cowboy George. I LOVED it when at the end of the episode where they were asked who they were and George said : We’re The A-Team - So there!!!!!!!!!

[@nothanksmate]

What a lovely and peaceful human.

[@Sharturse]

Such an articulate, and diplomatic interview.

[@tredfxman]

Must be best artist interview i'v heard. Both parts truly contribute! 👍

[@brendanoconnor3128]

Two fine Irish men with the gift of the gab...!!!

[@johnkelly9463]

Haven't we all MO charra, 😂

[@PlasticGirl65]

George can talk the hind leg off a donkey 😂

[@shanibloome]

Brilliant and beautiful man!

[@garyproffitt5941]

Fantastic Boy George and of course a brilliant mind & intellect ✔.

[@Irishgirl90586]

My best friend from high school lived for all things Boy George she just adored him and still does! In this footage of him if my friends picture or if she was sitting next to him you would say they were twins ! She had the exact same hair and it was natural , same nose chin eyes just uncanny. Every time I look at her I see Boy George……..well ….from this era ……1984……because she hasn’t grown a beard or anything these days!! Lol 😂 Boy it brings back so many memories 💚

[@aisey100]

Can we just appreciate how good Terry Wogan was here as well as George. Not judgemental, just asking question without any malice.

[@andrewstrickland9231]

Absolutely love George in this interview lol 😂 just amazing 🤩

[@chrispy1972]

And to think he was only 22 here!!! He was very mature and well spoken for his age.

[@teresabenson6087]

Love him, I loved this interview and I had it recorded on a VHS tape in the 80s.

[@tartgreenapple]

Really enjoying the archive shows being uploaded!!

[@jayceewriter7826]

Must agree. More archive is needed

[@lessismore8533]

WOW! Amazing quality for an early 80s vid

[@anniek4919]

Have always loved George

[@chuckgranado3530]

If you look at this interview TODAY there’s such innocence in BG. As a kid I loved Culture Club bc of the music and the antics. They were cool and even back then we respected BG for being himself and really making fun of the norms. He wasn’t telling boys to go out and buy eyeliner and lipstick. I think we kids got the message. JUST BE URSELF! He had indisputable talent which allowed him certain freedoms w his eccentricities but looking back now, he was simple, honest and unapologetic, and most importantly, INNOCENT wo ANY malice. A RARITY TODAY. I do think that his personality in the end overshadowed their music, hence why I believe CC didn’t fully reach their FULL musical potential. Still an amazing talent and performer.

[@talos2373]

No matter what people thought of or think of you Boy George you draw an audience and are successful that's what matters. Best wishes to you and thank you for the entertainment you have provided us with.

[@tysona23]

He was a breath of fresh air ❤

[@eclipsetotal91]

Me encanta como se maquilla! En los 80's nunca vi una entrevista, no teniamos acceso a nuestros cantantes ingleses.

[@jojobaba754]

He was so advanced and intelligent!!! 👌

[@refreshyourpage._.0]

really like him, he’s not aggressive and he knows respect.

[@marcelo.n]

Boy George just proved how smart, witty, quick thinking person he really is. What a bright, intelligent lad!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@gareth3152]

Boy George saved allot of people from suicide by appearing on TV shows in the 80's. They didn't have the internet back then.

[@JMarieCAlove]

The first time I saw Boy George singing, my family and I were in Hawaii on vacation and in one of the restaurant bars, there’s dancing and they had this huge screen playing all the top dance music of the 80s, well, we hear, “Do you really want to hurt me”… I heard the song before but never saw what he looked like. Being that it was the early 80s, it was a big shock to see a man dressed up,like a drag queen.., but that word, drag Queen wasn’t even in my young mind then. But I definitely couldn’t take my eyes off of Boy George. and thought, “I’ve never seen anyone look like that in my life, why does he look like that”?! Even the older guests at the hotel restaurant couldn’t stop staring at Boy George! Lol but to me, being that it was the 80s, MTV having tons of crazy music videos from America to England, I thought thought, “Cool”! Because I already like Boy George and the Culture Club’s music, Boy George was the only one who really went bold and out there and because we’re America, only the East, including Florida, including Miami, and West coast, was more accepting. Maybe England was too advanced starting in the 70s, in being way out there years before all of the Americas, north, middle and South America. All I know, Boy George has gorgeous eyes and an amazing voice. Since this interview he did, he sure went through a lot in his personal life. Now I sometimes seen him on Real housewives of Beverly Hills lol. 😉

[@Vejur9000]

The headwinds that this artist fought, were considerable, especially at the time. His talent triumphed though. Well done.

[@davidharness1507]

There is a great interview with his parents. They are really cool, it must have been tough coming from irish builders, hats off to them.

[@MsGlamourcat]

Brilliant human is George --- and way ahead of his time. I love him to bits ❤❤❤

[@lessismore8533]

He was so charismatic back then. Not dismissing nowadays but as an early 90s baby I envy those 80s teens. Nothing would mean more to me than to have met him when he was that age. Even George nowadays says he sees that as a character which is just twice as depressing for me😭 . At least 80s teens had a shot

[@startracker5895]

If it makes you feel better you probably wouldn’t have met George in the early 80s if you were alive anyway. Not many people get to meet pop legends!

[@lessismore8533]

@@startracker5895 good point. We’re you around back then? I actually watched an early 90s performance of George and some random woman ran on stage and hugged him. Lol security was so diffierent back then. She didn’t have to win a meet and greet or anything

[@thomasshelby8697]

Love him great interview.

[@zivaray]

What a great spirit

[@thechanneloffun3760]

🥰🥰 I love him, He’s his own person, Good on u mate 🥰🥰