Andy Bell opens up about his '98 HIV diagnosis, the key to keeping Erasure together & remixing ABBA

Andy Bell chats to Fionnuala and Greg about the "strange period" around his HIV diagnosis, the key to keeping Erasure together & remixing ABBA.
-
00:00 | Meeting Vince Clarke
01:16 | Key To Sticking Together
02:42 | Remixing ABBA's Music
04:20 | Meaning Behind 'A Little Respect'
05:17 | HIV Diagnosis
07:48 | Lifetime Achievement Award
-
#SixVMTV #VMTV #Ireland

[@witchmonkey8745]

Vince Clarke is an utter genius. Depeche Mode, Yazoo and Erasure.

[@peterfranks6243]

Amen TO that

[@peterfranks6243]

He was the eighties

[@burlhorse61]

agreed

[@paulstewart-gc8tc]

And the assembly with fergal sharkey...Never Never was one of their hits

[@bruinman1012]

Depeche Mode is much better without him in it.

[@jorgeccaa]

You can feel so much love coming from Andy when he’s talking… What a lovely man! ❤

[@renatakonecna1320]

Ooh yes ❤❤❤

[@RickHahn-ws9xu]

Oki know k​@@renatakonecna1320

[@sifi7950]

💯 % What a lovely down to earth guy!

[@ravenfirepheonix]

One of the most underrated singers out there. Little known fact since Andy mentioned Freddie Mercury, Freddie loved Erasure.

[@bevbreeze-stancliffe7514]

Why did that woman wear such a dress that you can see next weeks washing👀🙄🫣

[@Biochemistry-Debunks-Corona]

​@@bevbreeze-stancliffe7514 Woman moment ☕

[@stuartj1234]

Im pretty sure Fred loved anything in denim!! Lol couldnt help it.

[@JakobHansen-gx1qb]

Freddie died before erasure released an album

[@fuelingforthelight]

@@JakobHansen-gx1qb Freddie died in 1991. Erasure had 5 albums out before he died.

[@Kraftymark]

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Andy Bell backstage at a concert in Melbourne in 1998. He was softly spoken and beautifully kind. A hug and kiss goodbye from him at the end of the night was incredible. I will love and appreciate him always..

[@adamlawrence4690]

What a beautiful man. So unassuming and an incredible trail blazing icon. I had the pleasure of briefing meeting Andy at a promotional signing and in store show for 'Cowboy' in Sydney, Australia. A few hours after the event, I was at a traffic light waiting to cross the road, and Andy was standing beside me out of costume and also waiting to cross the street. It was a very special moment for me to not only say hello. A kind generous shy unassuming soul ❤👍🇦🇺

[@jaykaye7025]

He seems down to earth, he don't hate women, he don't hate straight people either

[@valley_robot]

Protect this man at all cost , what a lovely guy

[@wildcalmxtra]

He’s so very quiet and shy, but when he gets on a stage, it’s like a different person. Erasure will always be my favourite band!

[@loudini4666]

George Michael was the same

[@tanjuschkapepper1187]

Meine auch ❤❤❤❤

[@Bethos1247-Arne]

Vince is the mind of Erasure. Andy is the soul.

[@jessicaherring1507]

I’ve met Andy twice and he is hands down the loveliest person, no ego and completely down to earth and a total sweetheart

[@dominicanzunzu6720]

Hi Jessica 👋 nice to meet you

[@SatisfyingLips]

Aww hes so lovely 😍

[@rangerwhite5165]

You can see why Vince picked Andy to front Erasure. His voice is very similar in timbre and intonation to Alison Moyet, who sang with Vince in Yazoo. He also has a great, flamboyant charisma that carries the songs live.

[@beecee985]

You fing buerk

[@neildhan]

I've always thought that too. On certain songs, his and Alf's voice are entirely interchangeable.

[@yvonnewatkinson840]

What a lovely man,so softly spoken yet his singing voice is so emotional and powerful.Same as Freddie. 😮😅😅

[@HH-uq6ft]

Andy is awesome. He and Vince made the best music of a lifetime. So thankful for what he's given the world.

[@andrewbillington2337]

I couldn’t count the number of times we have seen Erasure live and they never disappoint.

[@spooktasticaparanormal]

Awe man, i really can feel the sincerity radiating from Andy. Such a lovely unegotistical guy. He is the voice of the 1980s. Total legend.❤

[@Pango5697]

I became an instant Erasure fan when my older sister played “Oh L’amour” on the cassette tape. I was 10 years old. I’m now 50 and have been their biggest fan since!

[@cillamoke]

Haha I’ve just joined the 50 club lol

[@christopherdieudonne]

I met him in the early nineties in New York City at this nightclub call the Sound Factory. I was a huge Erasure fan at the time and he was just so lovely. I couldn't get out the words to tell him how much I adored him ; he sensed my frustration and then proceeded to give me the warmest hug. Such a wonderful moment.

[@Itsalaugh229]

I met Andy in Peterborough before a northern soul all nighter in the mid eighties. Really nice guy. I later went to London and did volunteer work for the Terence Higgins trust.

[@mattalki]

Erasure has been my favorite band since I was a teenager back in the 80's. This interview was great! It was nice hearing Andy speak about his history a bit - he's usually so quiet in these things!

[@firstpestcontrol276]

Andy is so genuine…seen them twice in concert and they were amazing!

[@ianfielding6840]

What a truly honest interview Andy gave me the courage to come out when I Heard hideaway I cried my eyes out that song saved me I know have my truly beautiful boyfriend. Thankyou Andy

[@lysa4859]

❤ to you both x

[@sugarpuff2978]

I've never heard Andy speak before. He seems like a top bloke.

[@davefranklin9372]

Loved Erasure from the start and Andy comes across a such a genuinely lovely fella. Long may they continue!

[@Grybop]

What a legend, and how humble he is. I'm sorry, the younger generations ought to know Erasure, you're part of music history!

[@bootstrappedfriend1752]

Agreed. Such a sad shame, if someone doesn't know of Erasure.

[@fiesta00]

LOVE Erasure and what a lovely person is Andy Bell xx

[@dranderson6071]

Love Vince and Andy. They gave us some fantastic dance music. Andy’s voice is so unique. Love ya. Cheers from Toronto

[@jasonbarron3047]

I met him a couple of years ago in town really really nice man shy and quiet but spoke to me for a while and his husband Stephen took a photo of us both for me which was lovely as was he we then shook hands and off I went walking on cloud 9 for the rest of the week x Andy bell is a really really lovely man and so down to earth x

[@arissalevitt5948]

Wow wow, you r very lucky ❤❤❤

[@velvethoot4507]

Loved their music then....and still love it now. What an absolutely lovely humble guy and incredibly talented singer.

[@bsquared4604]

I love Andy. Discovering Erasure back in the 80s was the most wonderful thing.

[@lubomishka9137]

Andy is legendary, I’ve loved him for years❤❤❤

[@thelittlethingsinlife239]

Great guy Andy and what a voice. 👍

[@Problembeing]

Andy - such a lovely guy. As ABBA would say, "Thank you for the music" ❤

[@cbfltd]

I’ve never really heard any interviews, lovely individual he is, sounds like a great guy, I hope he does much more, great voice Mr Bell.

[@vermilliongecko]

Andy always makes an effort to do interviews in the language of the country he's being interviewed in; you can find clips of him speaking in loads of languages on KZbin!

[@lincarrey]

A little respect is one of the best pop songs ever written! Keep rockin', Andy and Vince!

[@paulwilliams5296]

The tank the Swan and the balloon. Manchester apollo. Best live concert I've ever seen. Andy Bell what a brilliant live singer. Listening to circus on Walkman doing my paper round. Part of the sound track of my life

[@LivingALife4Me]

Sounds like you went to the same concert as me!

[@gbc7344]

Such a brilliant tour ..saw them twice do TTSB gig at Hammersmith..played bingo half way through etc..seen them 10 times since …well worth it.

[@joannedj1]

First time I saw Erasure live was in 1992 at the Manchester Apollo on that tour, with the bingo in the interval! 😍🎵

[@LivingALife4Me]

@@joannedj1 Same here and it was a birthday gift getting theticets

[@paulwilliams5296]

@@joannedj1 yes they did and the winner got on stage for the next song I seem to remember. 31 years ago, where has time gone

[@warrenstrachan9765]

Fun fact Andy, Oh Lamour was a huge hit in South Africa where it peaked at number 2. It was about as big as Sometimes (which went to number 1).

[@regplasma7906]

Andy and Vince are both really lovely blokes and still get on so well after all these years.

[@timredfern1282]

Andy is such a lovely guy

[@robhosking9399]

Andy bell is a lovely man...! Warm, amiable, intelligent and a great personality. ♥️

[@craiggilchrist4223]

Worked with Andy at a private gig once, I'm a huge Erasure fan so I was so happy to get on the gig. He was such a nice guy. I also met his husband they were both great people. I was in charge of changing Andy's tracks for him also known as a Trigger Man.

[@dbrook7763]

Andy really interesting character. I could listen to his stories all day

[@user-ql2uj7gs9v]

Andy is the man and Erasure is the band

[@escaton74]

yes it's this way round

[@andrewhillis9544]

Andy AND Vince ARE 'The Men' (They BOTH Need EACH Other & AND You CAN'T Have ONE Without The OTHER To Make It WORK In ERASURE Which Is THE BAND ! ! !).👍

[@vanzyli]

First of all, I don't think we're talking enough about Greg's calf muscles. But OK, that aside... To think that Vince, Alison and the boys from Depeche Mode all grew up and went to school in such close proximity - it's just a fluke. And how blessed are we that these wonderful musicians are still producing fantastic music 40 years later. Andy Bell has one of the most amazing voices and ranges and Vince is just a genius with synths. It's just heartwarming that medical advances helped save this generation of men at a time when it was looking particularly bleak. That middle period of theirs, with "Chorus", "I Say, I Say, I Say" and "Erasure" remains a favourite of mine for any artist or group. It is just sheer magic. Glad to see Andy is still doing well and that he's so open to talk about things. Much respect.

[@neochumanta]

Agreed. 91-95 is a treasure trove of singles, deep cuts, live tracks, b-sides, they really found their niche.

[@vermilliongecko]

Viva Bas Vegas! They make me proud to come from Essex.

[@asa1973100]

He still looks great

[@brianbozo2447]

Authentic person, Mr Bell. Wish him health and happiness.

[@ulfq.2851]

Andy Bell is a great singer and Vince Clarke is a great composer, thank you.

[@xoxide1017]

Andy and Vince changed my life growing my .. MY MOM even went to see you both at a concert in LA before she passed away.. you were our favorite and inspirational duo of all times. All my entire life.

[@SatisfyingLips]

'Blue Savannah' beautiful song 😍

[@TheKatLou]

Oh yes it's sublime

[@destrozar]

He doesn't look all that much different, then and now I was 11 when Sometimes came out. Was on my "nicked off the radio" tape which was on constant rotation on a fairly early blue, battery guzzling Sony Walkman WM12😅 Boops here to go,Sly and Robbie Kim Wilde, West end girls, Red Box, America Meet Le Présidente, Duran Duran Sign O Times, Word Up Cameo, Rage Hard are the ones I can remember. Pretty cool for an 11 year old.... 😎

[@BillyBird]

Such a sweet and talented man. There should be more people like Andy Bell in the world

[@davidrogan1292]

He's such a lovely and very humble man. I always loved Erasure.

[@CC19-9]

I love Andy. What a voice... both singing and speaking. I remember being at the 1992 Manchester gig The Tank, the Swan and the Balloon.. phemomenal. My first concert and my jaw dropped when Andy did Bingo in the interval. His voice 😍 Great to see and hear him. He inspired one of my GCSE art pieces! Off to relisten to my Erasure albums and introduce the delight of Andy and Vince to my son!

[@Wildmutationblu]

I love Erasure, Andy Bell has such an amazing voice. Great interview.

[@stevemartin8202]

I'm 49 years old now & still love Erasure. Still have all my vinyl albums & singles in my collection..will never part with them. Andy is such a humble man & it shows even in this interview. Thanks for the fantastic music to you Andy & of course Vince! ❤

[@tanjuschkapepper1187]

❤❤❤ seit 1987 ..Fan bis heute ..alle Platten noch vorhanden ❤ Andy..the man with the magic voice

[@susie1770]

Same I'm almost 48 and he's so humble. I'm shook

[@harald-bosh]

I really like SYNTH POP music! Vince Clarke and Andy Bell are legendary musicians! BIG RESPECT!

[@wicksee]

Nice bloke, never heard him talk before. Great questions from the interviewers too, they clearly did their research.

[@adrianfennell3680]

Erasure has been my favourite band ever since the start. Please don't ever stop making music. 🎶😍

[@hoisin75]

Andy looking happy and healthy

[@phil_watches_cars]

What a humble down to earth man, lovely

[@K.j.h.279]

Respect is a masterpiece, andy's voice..i love it..

[@ambrsanford3703]

One of the world's most beautiful voices. 💚

[@marcoszambrano7287]

Andy is an amazing person... I Don't have a little respect for him, I have a lot of respect for him.

[@mattelmexikendoll]

I remember seeing Erasure in the mid 80's with my new best friends in Austin at the City collesium. The show was so electric, they are such great live artists for playing electronic music. Through their music over that period, the friendship was cemented. I'm happy to say we are still going strong almost 40 years later! LOVE YOU VINCE AND ANDY!

[@slimlouis6441]

I’ve seen Erasure dozens of times over the years. Andy is such a sweet sound. Love him ❌⭕️❌⭕️

[@scottsaunders5087]

Seems such a sweet guy. Great pop music as well

[@patrickcleere7635]

Comes across as lovely person.

[@rad6666]

Beautiful Soul Andy.. Stay healthy.

[@JaciaraCarneiro]

This man is a treasure. Absolutely adorable.

[@yuri_nazarenko]

Such a great interview, though is too short. I could listen to his stories forever.

[@Asukenick]

He has a great voice like other British/Australian singers I heard like George Michael or Nathan Foley. Very soulful.

[@Rod808]

Absolutely love them !! Fun fact, "Oh l'amour" was a big radio hit here um Brazil too,a live version included on a compilation of dance tracks at the time!!

[@willsmith39]

Guy is so modest what a lovely guy

[@MsLizChatham]

I have seen so many fantastic bands over the last 40 years...but seeing Erasure at the Spectrum in Philly was one of the two best shows I have ever seen (right up there with Bowie's Black and Whire Tour).

[@nogginnogg1788]

Interviewed him just days after he got the gig with Vince. He was complete fanboy totally ecstatic about working with one of his heroes.

[@69gso41]

I fell in love with Andy back in the 80s as a young 19 year old dancing to "Sometimes"....loved the lyrics and the video!! both Andy and Vince are amazing. So wish I was in the UK in those times. And as a part of my 55th birthday a friend and myself are going to perform in front of many family and friends "Take a Chance on Me" as both Vince and Andy did in the video. Can't wait for the reactions!!

[@Retropassionuk]

What a lovely guy!!, very grounded.

[@billkeaveney1526]

Delighted to see him doing well, great man

[@andyk9522]

I’ve always loved Erasure but never seen Andy in an interview - what a lovely bloke.

[@Smokyjohnson1983]

Vince Clarke is a musical genius. Andy Bell is a remarkable talent. A truly great voice

[@causilvestrini7000]

Outstanding singer! His voice has always been exceptional and he has always been a fantastic frontman. I´m so glad to see how great and healthy he looks!

[@billhall8625]

Respect sir! An absolute legend and Vince is too!

[@sonicart1808]

Great interview with a lovely soul....

[@ricardocordoba1969]

Mr Andy Bell un genio total , volvé a la Argentina te queremos Andy .

[@glamourous1980]

I’ve just been lucky enough to meet Andy and was taken back at how kind, humble and genuine he is. He’s got time for everyone he’s an absolute legend with no airs and graces. A beautiful kind soul who is a master in his craft and is so interesting to talk to.

[@chrishasi660]

I saw Erasure once in Hannover/Germany. They were gorgious. Andy is so nice and talented and Vince is always so cool❤.

[@shaunpierce4174]

I have had the pleasure of meeting Andy several times and he always has time for a chat, he is so humble. And in 2016 he very kindly sponsored me for a charity skydive I was doing to raise money for my local air ambulance. What a great guy.

[@repboy1]

Never really appreciated erasure in the 80s , but seen them several times live since , amazing band hit after hit and put on a great concert 🎵

[@magal55]

I liked his music. I am glad, that as a person he does not disappoint.

[@stevieboy7873]

Erasure are great artists , I grew up with my mum playing there tracks in the 80’s into the early 90’s and now I’m 40 now listen to them along with all 80s tracks . A fantastic era fir music

[@MrGlynb]

I'm glad you felt you had a purpose Andy. Fantastic musix from you and vince

[@Antiorganizer]

Andy and Vince have something in common that I find interesting. They both let people inside their candid minds. It's like being invited inside their home - their brain - their self. They recall thought and formulate a fitting story to share their self. It's neat, really. In fact, it's a bit of a lesson I think.

[@oldskoolrave4969]

What a lovely bloke. Very humble and an absolute genius .

[@johnlargan6045]

What a lovely, personable man! I love Andy! And I love the Erasure story! ❤

[@polly6336]

Lovely interview with a lovely man. Thank you! ♥♥

[@BlytheWorld1972]

He has a great voice.

[@seascape1016]

A Little Respect is in my top 10 favorite songs. Loved it thanks Andy ❤

[@owlbertcapone9710]

This band along with Pet Shop Boys kept me alive.

[@tangerine825]

Poland Love Erasure...We Love You Andy ;-)

[@emmaj4025]

Great interview, great to see Andy again ❤

[@aliveson4051]

Thank God he is alive. And he believes, and I do as well.

[@guitarlawyer75]

I grew up with his music. I'm so glad to see his alive and healthy!!! He is such a nice guy!