FIRST TIME HEARING Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy | REACTION

[@italoblu]

For gay men over 50, this song is a touchstone. It wasn’t easy.

[@pobstrel]

Absolutely. I'm 54 and from England. This was such an important statement as well as being a great pop song.

[@reallymysterious4520]

There is a video on KZbin - from 2014 - where he does this song accompanied only by a piano - The title is: Jimmy Somerville - Smalltown Boy Reprise 2014

[@HeavystuffSweden]

So true. Different times back then.

[@tonibaker3823]

yes my beautiful brother didnt make it out the other side

[@italoblu]

@@tonibaker3823 I’m terribly sorry for your loss.

[@EileenHall-j9f]

I’m 76, straight, absolutely love Summerville and his music.

[@fuzzylogics139]

Such a cry from the soul. Absolutely gripping.

[@sweetwilly]

An anthem for gay men who grew up in the 80s. I totally relate.

[@ppzav]

hugs :-) same

[@fayesouthall6604]

This is such an iconic song about a gay teen running away to London to find their destiny. Jimmy has such an amazing voice. Remember this was released in the middle of the AIDS epidemic. So many gay men died then. 😢

[@eh1702]

Your memory can trip you up n these things - maybe because AIDS crashed in on public consciousness so suddenly. Smalltown Boy was released in the UK in May of 1982. AIDS had yet to be recognised as an epidemic and didn’t have that name yet.. In New York, there was an informal awareness growing in from around 1980/1981 that something was up, that people were falling sick with pneumonia and others were getting what had been a rare form of cancer. It was first clinically reported just the year before, with five patients, a mixture of gay men and intravenous drug users. It was first being called 4H (patients notable as heroin (needle-sharong) users, homosexual, haemophilic or Haitian). It only started to be called AIDS by clinicians about a month after Smalltown Boy was released in the UK.

[@eh1702]

Wait - it’s my memory that serves me ill. It was 1984. Why did I think 1982, then?

[@kd8199]

⁠@@eh1702- first case diagnosed in the US was 1981. First test was not developed until 1983. First commercial test was approved by the FDA in 1985. My partner tested positive in 1986 - first one diagnosed in Loudoun County, VA. He died in 1995 in our home surrounded by family and our dogs.

[@eh1702]

@@kd8199 I’m sorry to hear about your partner. I do remember that when tests became widely available in the UK in the mid-80s, a positive was percieved as a death sentence to be carried out within the year. So many people, at that time, died almost as pariahs. I’m glad you had some time together.

[@kd8199]

@ -the medical field struggled to come up with policies that made sense. For instance, my partner joined the research at the National Institutes of Health. At that time they were studying AZT combined with DDI. While on those meds he deteriorated. The NIH was just about ready to start a new trial using the first protease inhibitors. As my partner had developed a significant anemia, weight loss, and severe neuropathy, they deemed him too sick to participate in that study. We begged them to allow him to participate. People all over the country were starting to protest this type of policy. The rules were relaxed after much advocacy, after many people continued to die. What was eventually discovered was that people who were the sickest benefitted the most from protease inhibitors. My dear Michael passed away before the medication became available to him. On a brighter note, I can remember dancing in the clubs whenever a Jimmy Somerville song was played.

[@cookingartguy2170]

This is such an anthem for so many of us. It was literally so many of our life's story. I was violently brutalized all through grammar and high school, and there was no help at school nor at home. I wasn't feminine but I was shy to the point of being crippled, as well as having had polio and a deformity, and the wolves went in for the kill. One of their favorite names for me was "polio case" and " f****t" and I was beaten on an almost daily basis. About 45 years ago I literally had to run away and search for the life I knew was out there. I slowly started to make friends and find my tribe, tho at heart I am much of a loner. Armistead Maupin the writer described it as finding your "logical family", as opposed to your "biological family", who did not accept you. It took me years to get over the abuse but I finally made a life for myself, as did so many of us. This song captured it perfectly. Thanks for having enough of an open mind to listen to it and interpret it Mr G.

[@cherryb6238]

Sending you a great big hug! x

[@EC-dz3fb]

We are such a cruel society, with little idea of the irreparable harm we do. I'm so 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆 for the horrors you were made to endure. And so 𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗱 you've found your tribe. Much love and respect to you. ♡

[@cookingartguy2170]

@@EC-dz3fb thank you.. the fact that cruelty seems to be back in vogue is very disheartening to me. I'm sure Mr Salvo G doesn't want this post to get political, I'll only say that I am beyond deeply disappointed in my fellow man for supporting someone who mocks the disabled.

[@EC-dz3fb]

@@cookingartguy2170 Why it all didn't end for him right there, I will 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 understand. An instance when "cancel culture" really could've helped us 𝗮𝗹𝗹. ♡

[@trvst5938]

Are you familiar with the Lavender Scare? As a kid I watched Prayers for Bobby, I didn’t really know what it was about. Catholic upbringing. The ending the mother tells the priest she knows why god didn’t heal her son, “there was nothing with him.” Just very sad how religion indoctrinates people from childhood and allowed the inhumanity of the 20th century. Thousands of queer people were lobotomized when the One Drop Rule was used in these countries. The US, Europe, Australia.

[@manlymuscle2367]

FINALLY‼️ This song 100% represents the story of my childhood. SO MANY great songs from Bronski Beat, The Communards and Jimmy Somerville on his solo work. Next please: “Why” “Don’t Leave Me This Way” “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

One of the greatest voices of all time. Flawless. The pain just pours out of the speakers.

[@KurtAnderson812]

This song came out the year I graduated high school and left my small hometown in Michigan for college. So much of it mirrors my experience. Every time I hear this song I’m instantly transported back to being a 18 year old trying hard to fit in with the world.

[@susihush]

I hear you. Keep it lit, fella!

[@moritzvision7]

I can still remember the moment when I saw this video for the first time. I was 16 years old at the time and hadn't come out yet. I couldn't stop crying because it told my own story exactly. I'm now around 50 years old and live a contented and happy life here in Germany. But I'll never forget the difficult times back then. Luckily, there were successful bands like Bronski Beat who had the courage to make this issue public and show many young people that they are not alone. At the same time, there were also bands like 'Frankie goes to Hollywood' or the singer Cyndi Lauper and Boy George who inspired young people to realize that it's okay to be who you are or want to be.

[@oshifish2]

This song just gets me in the soul. I am a straight woman and was a teen when this came out. I did not fully understand it then. I just felt it was leaving a bad home life. Later I realized what it was about. I made lifelong friends with many gay men who I did not realise the struggle. I will die on the hill to always fight for equal rights. People can be so cruel in the name of fake religion. This is a beautiful anthem that has stood the test of time. I am glad younger generations are discovering what a banger this is and great band!!!! xx Love from Scotland.

[@GarnetDart]

58 year old gay man who was raised in a small town and kicked out of home when I told the truth about my sexuality of which I didn't understand myself at the time. This song brings it back. It was a horrible time and pushed me deeper into myself and destroyed my self-confidence. It took years to stop believing there was something wrong with me. I eventually met a wonderful man who showed me what real love is. I still have The Age of Consent LP

[@irinavalerieva]

Absolutely on point about the song resonating even with people who are not part of the community. Everyone has felt rejected and / or out of place at some point in their lives.

[@reallymysterious4520]

There is a video on KZbin - from 2014 - where he does this song accompanied only by a piano - The title is: Jimmy Somerville - Smalltown Boy Reprise 2014

[@musestudio7075]

💯

[@All_is_Gray]

Thank you for listening. Thank you for understanding. You are a good man. Keep listening and loving music! ❤

[@sfcub-Bill]

Check out The Communards. "Don't leave me this way." 1986 Jimmy Sommerville left Bronski Beat and formed the Communards. Another Falsetto based song with a Dance / Disco vibe. Definitely filled the dance floors with this Remake of Grammy Award winning R&B song by Thelma Houston. 1977

[@the_shield82]

"Why" is much more impressive. "So cold the night" as well...

[@ExpatBear-58]

As a gay man, from a small town, this song was a revelation.

[@paulsmith2516]

The track isn't just about any gay man, it's actually about Jimmy (singer) and him leaving Glasgow to move to London. Sadly, my beloved Scotland wasn't anywhere near as progressive in 1983 as it is now. Still an absolute stone cold BANGER to this very day, an that's coming from a str8 metalhead.

[@Nevraldi]

This was MY song, still is . At 57 looking back at how I always knew but had to hide thatt in a small southern town . This was my escape, music. You shoudl also listen to Hit that Perfect Beat by Bronski Beat . Totally different vibe .

[@jfg1356]

i hope folks read through the comments... real stories real people and the power of music to pull folks through hard times

[@TheBearAspirin]

I still tear up when I hear that initial synth beat.

[@Rhiannon011]

The part other than him being "beaten up", that really upsets me is when his own father won't even shake his son's hand...

[@musestudio7075]

😢💔

[@ono1dij]

Jimmy has an incredible and unique voice, he always sing like that, just amazing... He's next band, The Communards, has a lot of great songs

[@ronphillips8603]

I moved to San Francisco because of that song. I met the singer Jimmy Sommerville there in the Castro

[@edwardking8629]

Being the band was ‘gay’ never meant anything to me as a kid and still today, I just loved the music

[@bkearneydc]

Dude, your head bob was EXACTLY what we were doing on the dance floor to this song in the 80's! A classic.

[@sparks5063]

I’m straight Scottish dude that grew up in the same city as Somerville, I was about 10 or 11 when this came out, didn’t have a clue what it was about, just loved the song and the fact that someone from my city was famous lol

[@JohnPaul-hm2ys]

Always loved Bronski Beat and The Communards. Coming out in the 70s and 80s was really difficult, to say the least. (Before that,, it was essentially illegal and closets were sealed shut.) So this really hit home with many of my friends. We fought hard for years and made so many strides. I am very proud of being outspoken, and one of the many who refused to be anonymous. We cannot go backward. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis had a great song and video in 2012 called Same Love, which was needed as marriage right came to the spotlight. A few years ago, after the Pulse shooting, Superfruit and a few others remade Rise from Katy Perry. It kills me that young people still face ignorance and hate in 2024. When will all humans be treated humanely? Or will fear and ignorance always hold humanity out of reach?

[@CraigSmithson-oy4pm]

I'm gay and in my 30s so wouldn't have heard this when it was released, musically it was amazing, and it brought tears to my eyes.

[@williammaddox6363]

This pretty much sums up my teenage/ young adulthood. Love Jimmy Somerville ❤️

[@miavega8888]

I love the song Why and Hit that Perfect Beat.

[@Shabenn]

The eighties weren't exactly an easy time to be gay. A lot of people were conditioned to believe horrible things about gay people. Progress had been and was being made though. Right now gay rights are being set back by hundreds of years. And the reasons for it are unreal.

[@Ron-Ayres]

In _some_ countries they are, yes. Thankfully many countries are still progressive and enlightened. 🏳‍🌈

[@stefannils2032]

I'm south African no problem here but Uganda has the death penalty stop sending these freaks aid I'm sure.there god will.provide ons.voor.jij.suid afrikaans stuff Uganda.nigeria.and the rest

[@stefannils2032]

Suid afrika

[@qwertyTRiG]

​@@Ron-Ayres It's hard to see anywhere that's not moving backwards on trans rights, and I suspect that gay rights will follow.

[@yonasgheb]

Perhaps we've all experienced rejection by the outside world, it's part of growing up. Entirely different when rejection emanates from within your own family; one is scarred for life.

[@Naty_Sousa]

I'm not gay but this song cuts you deep, especially in the 80's. If you're going to try FGTH you have to start with The Power of Love. Keep it up with the good songs!

[@ohfour-seven6228]

This was such a huge song in the alternative dance clubs, HUGE!!! Always great to hear this, and so glad you liked it. There were so many great songs from that time period, such a great time!

[@steves9905]

This was my era. So relatable. Every single goddam day, bullied and not sure I was gonna make it. Moved halfway across the country to get away from everyone and everything. Thx for the thoughtful reaction

[@reallymysterious4520]

There is a video on KZbin - from 2014 - where he does this song accompanied only by a piano - The title is: Jimmy Somerville - Smalltown Boy Reprise 2014

[@michaelalexander299]

Exactly my story as well. I’m glad we’re both still here, and I hope your life is great now.

[@chuckmurray1825]

I remember when this song came out. Such a sad story in such a fun great melody. This was 80s alternative pop.

[@catserver8577]

Feeling empathy is what makes a human being human. Love and understanding of others is the only way the human race will continue. I think you reviewed this perfectly.

[@Republic3D]

Such a great song. It has had a renaissance the last few years due to Tiktok and other social media using it as a backing track and reaction videos.

[@EchoesDaBear]

Great reaction Salvo!! I've loved this song since it came out (which was well before I understood the subject matter, I was 6) - the synth beat, keys, lyrics, vocals were all astounding! Re-visiting it when I was older was revelatory (especially the video). Having several friends that eventually 'came out', I empathized with their reality. Some were accepted, some were not. To me, they were all good people, good to me (which mattered as a heavily bullied kid), so their preferences mattered not at all. My kids love this song too! 80's classic. Cheers!

[@davidsterckx7358]

As a heterosexual male, I adored this song, I understood it from the displacement point of view. For a boy from punk/skin era...it was eye opening to see a skinhead sound so femine., It just opened another aural sense.

[@eileencritchley4630]

Ahhh the heavenly vocals of Jimmy Summervile. He then formed The Communard's his keyboard player is now a Vicar (preist). Jimmy was only tiny and is from Glasgow Scotland. Larry Stainbeck is a famous song writer, Producer and promoter.

[@eileencritchley4630]

It's 3.00am here in the UK and I'm dancing to this in my living room.

[@JennyB28928]

Some of the comments here about personal experiences are breaking my heart 😞 I hope we're becoming more human as years pass❤.

[@terrykemp1876]

Somewhat….theres always room to do better.

[@JennyB28928]

@@terrykemp1876 Absolutely ❤️

[@juliehamilton1270]

Thanks so much for this suggestion Kona! I love Jimis voice. Thanks Sal.

[@lamusiclover2264]

The Communards was the next group Jimmy Sommerville sang with and they had some great songs. His solo work is amazing!

[@reallymysterious4520]

There is a video on KZbin - from 2014 - where he does this song accompanied only by a piano - The title is: Jimmy Somerville - Smalltown Boy Reprise 2014

[@lawrencekelli]

As a teen girl when I first heard this when It came out I fully felt this this song. It's Fantastic !!!! You don't have to be gay or male to get it.

[@nikkitrabucho2534]

Yes you do

[@ronnkenn68]

To see EDM artists sampling this song 40 years later for a new generation of fans, is really cool.

[@the_shield82]

I am straight guy, but this song is one of my favourite since I heared it for the first time in the 80's. Jimmy's voice is amazing and he had so many good songs with "Bronski Beat" (r.i.p. Bronski) and "The Communards". The Melody became an anthem and was covered so many times and never ever beat the original.

[@russetmantle1]

I'm a Brit bi lady who was a kid when this came out and didn't become part of the LGBTQ community until the 90s so didn't see the vid until later, but the first time I saw it, it absolutely blew me away. One nice element of it that people often don't pick up on nowadays because the culture has changed is the moment where he shares an apple on the train with his friends at the end. This is actually more significant than just some pals randomly sharing lunch. You see, back in 1984, the AIDS crisis was at its peak and because scientists were still developing their understanding of the HIV virus, there wasn't much knowledge about it that was set in stone. So that meant - of course - there were loads of conspiracy theories. One of the common ones was that you could catch HIV by sharing food. So that bit at the end where they share an apple - that's a deliberate rebuke of that conspiracy theory. It's saying: yes, you can share food with your friends. It's OK. It was deliberately included in the video to make the point.

[@Ladyhighlander]

UGH Always cry...that pain...bus, go far far away from home, parents.... I was smalltown girl before 20 yrs..yet I'm not find my home. Alone in big town.

[@lynneedwards4538]

❤❤❤

[@jerryb1439]

I was going to recommend this song. I'm glad you reacted to it.

[@waynecox3958]

God I've always loved his voice.

[@patrickryan5570]

One of the greatest tracks of all time - a lived experience for so many people - totally epic...

[@davidlamont5793]

Luckily i've met Jimmy sommerville twice the first time I met him I got a pic off him for my sister who was an ultimate Jimmy fan. Then about 2 days later he wandered in to our work place and he laughed oh wow not you again .. had a chat for a few minutes the he headed on his way . Absolutley brilliant civil little guy love him to bits

[@ChristianWilliams-ht1xm]

Fantastic song. Fantastic singer. Brave, brave man. We have a lot to thank him for…

[@mallaka8]

Still makes me cry all these years later. This one goes deep.

[@gxl5892]

Such a great song!!!! What an amazing artist!!!!!

[@alanbeaumont4848]

That bus is a train. The rhythm of the track mimics that of a British train speeding along as he travels to London and the views out of the window are mostly of the north London suburbs.

[@Dilydaydream1]

Bronski beat were the first openly gay band that i remember on tv as a kid/early teens. Nothing hits like jimmys falcetto. The band broke up over the decision whether to tour with madonna or not. Jimmy then formed the communards. His band member from that band is now an anglican vicar. This still gets me running to a dancefloor

[@ESPINOZA316]

Epic song

[@knitterscheidt]

Jimmy Somerville in personal videos I've seen is such a great, sweet guy. I was in my 20s when this song was released and it was profoundly impactful to me.

[@lisawarr]

I watched a video of Jimmy singing when he heard a busker singing one of his songs. His voice is incredible ❤

[@Una...]

Oooh another anthem/staple!! 🖤 Hopefully we'll never go back to that time. 💔

[@ChristopherStendeck]

I'm 45 so I was only a child when this came out, no pun intended. But it was ubiquitous the latter half of the 80s and into the 90s. I'm not gay, but it did help me to understand the plight of gay people, especially in that difficult time. I do feel like it's one of the things that shaped my character and contributed to the fact that, despite personally being "normative" in all the traditional ways, I'm a very liberal and tolerant adult that is an ally to anyone suffering undue prejudice.

[@andrewmcdonald6987]

Thanks for understanding. This is so close to my story. Take good care and look after your self.Andy McDonald Scotland

[@LunaJo67WDHTMJ]

Always loved this song. Very moving.... LJ

[@Mikeymadman69]

I can remember being at Heaven nightclub in London one night in the week. And me and jimmy Somerville were standing at the top bar and he was telling me how he got pulled over by the police one night for riding his bicycle drunk. Good times.

[@Mikeymadman69]

@misterstubbs1611 the LA. oh my god! I had forgotten about that place. I’m In Australia now so long time ago.

[@gregorygant4242]

Man this is a 30yr old classic his voice is insane !

[@paulsmith2516]

Sorry to say but it's actually FORTY years! And I remember it coming out like it was yesterday, welp, I'm old lol 😆❤

[@phil84761]

I’ve loved this song since I was a kid as I could relate to it, often fantasised about running away and starting fresh; bullied in School, beaten up, had my named played on for being gay being called Philippa not just by my peers but also my dad. My only saviour was my mum. Me and my dad have a good relationship now and he regrets all the things he said. Jimmy’s other songs are just as good as this one 😊

[@jaquettajones]

STB definitely PACKED the Dance Floor :-D

[@DallasPsyborg]

As recommended below, listen to Don't Leave Me This Way by the Communards. Jimmy was the lead singer for this group also. The music arrangement for the song is outstanding.

[@mrmachine269]

Male 54, straight but still understand some what this pain. Love this song.

[@Jamesfoster48]

You know the guy singing is the guy in the video, Jimmy Somerville, great artist 🙏🏻

[@budhee]

The political backdrop of Thatcherism/Conservatism in the UK then created a fightback response in so many ways. An unsettling, fraught society created some great work.

[@oldman57]

I got to honor of meeting him at the Gay Games 1994 NYC, He was one of the most sweetest person I ever met. My friend and I are over 6 foot and when taking a pic with him he literally fit under our arms when we went to hug him....he got such a kick out of it that he had his friend take the pic as well....we had a great moment and laugh....always special in my heart...............one of the most amazing persons I've ever met...and that voice...........must check out his solo music as well as his time with The Communards, and kudos to the person that referred SalvoG to this artist and music.

[@spacefanatic]

You should listen to 'Don't Leave Me This Way' by him as the lead singer in 'The Communards'.

[@jellyrollnorton]

This is the song playing in a lot of the "Dad shows me how he danced in the ‘80s" clips.

[@epongeverte]

They did have a few more songs that played on American radio. The biggest was called "Why?".

[@agneskurzaj]

Another absolutely fabulous group from my 80 s shades of cool experience. Canadian Grandma Lori. C.

[@Kjartan1975]

Really one of my favourite songs from Jimmy. Love this melancholic way of singing with this pretty upbeat tempo. You mentioned you like falsetto voices, then you should give Sigur Ros a try. Singer Jonsi is awesome.

[@Mr.Thriver]

Thanks!!!

[@johnfrancis1925]

If you really want to hear the extent of Jimmy Sommerville's falsetto range. try "Communards" - So Cold The Night.

[@lancelessard2491]

This was the DARK ages for us back then, and I do mean DARK. The sense of gloom was overpowering for so many of us as the newfound freedom of the 70s seemed to have been swept away by a resurgence of conservatism and of course the AIDS epidemic, which was in its early days when nobody knew who had until they started getting sick. There was no HIV testing back then. It was clear that one could have had it for years without knowing until one day you just would start getting sick and die in a year or so. Then there was Reagan in the U.S. and his counterpart, Thatcher in the U.K. They oversaw an atmosphere of repression all the while pretending that there was no epidemic. Add to that trying to come of age in that world and it SUCKED. Glad those days are long gone. Good riddance! Loved this music though. It helped get us through.

[@kellymorris8064]

I came out in 1983 and this song was played in gay clubs everywhere!!

[@BRIDINC1972]

Played in all clubs, always filled the dance floor

[@davehelms1398]

Jimmy Somerville moved on to 'Comunards' which had several hits as well.

[@johngibson.youhavesuchachi3084]

Love dancing to this at Bennetts in the 80's

[@zanyzander]

Ok so I've tried about 6 times and youtube keeps deleting my comments. Let's just say that what happens between 6:00 and 6:30 was considered a mainstream socially acceptable past time in the 80s, leaving many badly injured or worse, and everyone ignored it and those targeted were blamed for bringing it on ourselves. Which is why the dad responds how he does. 😢😢

[@matfrusher2090]

Jimmy has an amazing voice . Listen to don't leave me this way

[@jodij6280]

I went from a grade school of maybe 300 kids in 7-8th grades to a high school with 2,200 students. There was only one other kid like me (I'm not exaggerating), talk about a small fish in a big pond.

[@tompickles9798]

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION it didn't matter what your GENRE WAS BACK THEN THIS IS AN ICONIC TRACK SUNG BY JIMMY SOMERVILLE. IT HAS BEEN ON MY PLAYLIST SINCE IT WAS RELEASED. AN 80S BANGER.

[@helenatyeo6840]

Got to listen to dont leave me this way 😊

[@mrmachine269]

You can hear and feel how Somerville pours his soul to this one.

[@rouguy1972]

Anthem ❤Jimmy Somerville has a lot of great songs with Bronski, The Communards and by himself

[@stephendennis5911]

I met Jimmy Somerville many years ago

[@lugnut4848]

Jimmys voice is amazing, Salvo you should check out The Communards with Jimmy, they are amazing!!!!

[@paulnewton8214]

The killers even sampled this. Epic for its time.

[@musestudio7075]

Anthem.🔥💜

[@lclark6854]

This song doesn't have a personal meaning for me ( though I can see how important it is for to a lot of people). I just love it as fantastic song with a great vocal and production.

[@alecbrown66]

This track was the 2nd gay single after boy George. Summerville still does this on the 80"s festival circuit in the uk