Andy Bell (Erasure) Interview: On Britain, Brexit, Homophobia and Political Correctness

British singer Andy Bell (of synth-pop group Erasure) is an icon of 80s/90s pop and LGBTQIA+ culture.
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Born in Peterborough, England, Bell began singing in a church choir and founded the legendary synth duo Erasure with Vince Clarke in 1985. He became an openly homosexual pop icon, while Erasure is known for their self-ironic, queer style and a number of hit records such as "A Little Respect", "Always", "Love to Hate You", "Sometimes", "Oh L'Amour" or their Abba covers "Take A Chance on Me" and "Lay All Your Love on Me".
During the Brexit era and the anti-liberal backlash culture that went with it, Signed Media spoke to Andy about the good and bad sides of British culture: What makes Great Britain "great" and why is it struggling with its identity?

[@oakdaleone]

Fantastic human being :-) Would be an honour to have a conversation with such a humble 80s music god.

[@keithrogers2745]

Agreed.

[@101wut2]

I was obsessed with Andy Bell as a kid, and my parents were worried it was going to "turn me gay". Spoiler alert - it didn't. Still love him (and Erasure) to this day. Class act!

[@angorita1974]

Very común parents thinking that way, the wrong idea instead of think , what a great taste in music … 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@ChristianWilliams-ht1xm]

Wonderfully spoken, off the cuff and human. Thanks Andy for representing me and others like me with your eloquent answers.

[@davedogge2280]

Interesting seeing Andy Bell years later talking about current affairs when at school in the 80s we were listening to his music with Erasure, The Circus and The Innocents albums on cassette !

[@seanc2061]

Sending infinite love to Andy. What a legend.

[@niedoc34]

I looooooove ANDY and VINCE sooooooooo much!!! Andy is such a lovely sweet person and Vince professional, dry humor, cheeky lad...them two PERFECT HUMAN DUO...and music duo too off course ❤❤❤❤👏👏👏👏

[@kennyloggins465]

Absolute national treasure

[@alwaysabiggafish3305]

Lol

[@santisanti8386]

World treasure ❤️

[@richardconstable6780]

Exactly!

[@OnlyGoodMusic_]

world

[@darcy_taylor3103]

Andy Bell & Mr Vincent Clarke - Best British Synthpop Duo ( e r a s u r e ) ! Greets From Poland...

[@jasondylansargent2195]

Well said 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇵🇱👍

[@jasonbarron3047]

Met Andy bell in Leeds train station with his husband Stephen and they were both absolutely lovely down to earth smashing fellows Stephen took a photo of me with Andy which made my day after that I went for my train and along the way I bumped into Steve pemberton from the league of gentlemen he too was a real sweetheart and took a picture with me also bumped into Lisa Riley from emmerdale she gave me a big smile and a hug when I told her she was an amazing actress hahaha! Quite a day star spotting haha

[@shaunpierce4174]

The most lovely, genuine, down to earth pop star you will ever meet (beside maybe the equally awesome Sarah Blackwood of Dubstar) . Andy is just a great guy, always got time for a chat, he even sponsored me for a charity skydive I did a few years ago, I'll never forget that.

[@cynthiahager7858]

❤love Andy Bell's music so lively, great voice, great interview!

[@josmith4415]

I have loved erasure from being a kid dancing around in my bedroom, singing my head off at the top of my lungs☺️ he is an inspiration to us all, to be who you want to be. 💙

[@MrIvarlira]

Andy is the sweetest

[@steve10]

He thinks 'sometimes' people need to 'Stop' and give 'a little respect' , it's like being on 'a ship of fools'

[@ShootDigital]

I am not gay but I love Andy Bell & Vince Clark - love them as artists OMG!! those songs.. I grew up dancing my heart out to Erasure met lots of ladies too - fabulous artists - from a straight guy love you Andy Bell thank you for giving me the best times of my life in the early 90s god bless you..

[@JaciaraCarneiro]

What he said of people searching for a better life in UK brought tears to my eyes.

[@patohare5254]

Such wisdom compassionately expressed ❤

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Always liked Andy a lot and still do. Especially for him just being that sweet humble down to earth chap you'd love to just hang around and chat with. What an incredibly charming man. Greetings from a fellow Berliner.

[@dbertobis]

Great Andy, tons of love from Africa

[@nomore6939]

Andy Bell is right about political correctness causing a backlash ... The uncontrolled immigration we see today will also result in a backlash

[@scottflannigan3062]

The Tory party is causing the back anything to stay in power

[@DavidR_192]

Hmm, so you're choosing to pick up on the political correctness part, but not what he said about people fleeing terrible situations and that no-one can be blamed for wanting a better life?

[@tangerine825]

''United Kingdom Of Pop'' Poland Love Erasure ;-)

[@jasondylansargent2195]

What a down to earth guy that what I like no crap Andy bell and Vince Clarke best wishes 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@GyulaKrisztian]

Andy is a fantastic person!!🙂👏👏👍

[@IanBlack66]

Brilliant band and good guy 💕

[@jonathanmcroberts8549]

Go On Boro!

[@adamweishaupt2846]

Well said. And UTFB!

[@margaretchapman6079]

Have listened to Andy quite a few times he is a sound guy & talks a lot of sense. X

[@nkirk8740]

I've always really liked Andy Bell and Eurasia, great guy, great band/duo, I agree fully with Andy Bell, live, love and be free! ✊👍👍👍👍👊✌️.

[@Mysterywhiteboy78]

Erasure

[@nkirk8740]

@@Mysterywhiteboy78 10 out 10, your the first person to pick up my deliberate mistake, LOL!!!! Thank you for your reply, 😆😁👍👍👍👊✌️💚🌍.

[@claudiaalaniz809]

I love you , Andy❤

[@shaunpierce4174]

Watching this again a year later and knowing what I know now, I wonder if Andy has changed his views at all on the constant flow of supposed 'refugees' that are arriving on our shores uninvited on a daily basis.

[@ApriliaRacer14]

Don’t agree with all his viewpoints but his music transcends above it all!

[@Ppppppll809]

Absolutely loved this group

[@thelittlethingsinlife239]

Great guy Andy 👍

[@petersiddiqui1088]

What a lovely guy ! Love his music too

[@chriswiles9138]

Got a feeling this was filmed end of 2019 as the German interviewer is talking about Brexit as if it's just happened and Andy has his 'The Neon' pre-pandemic haircut.

[@shaun7799]

Yeah and nobody is wearing masks from what I’ve seen and it can’t have been from a few months ago because his hair is longer now, even tho I prefer it shorter like this lol

[@howardkerr8174]

It sounds like the voice is still quite good. I was late " discovering " Erasure, but glad that I found them, excellent duo. Just this afternoon I wondered if anyone had " covered " any of their hits. I think k.d. Lang and Andy Bell would make an interesting pair for a duet album.

[@jasonbarron3047]

Andy and kd already dueted together my friend. They did a track called enough is enough. There are videos on youtube of them both performing it live together on stage. X enjoy x

[@JGunit]

Bells can't be un rung

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

The black community LOVE this guy . . . .God bless bro 💘

[@fiesta00]

Great Artist and such a great Person xx

[@MyNameIsRed111]

I love Andy Bell, fantastic human and artist. I agree with everything he said, but he hit upon something, when people are frustrated or feel left behind, they tend to take out their frustrations in different ways. Terrible politicians that no longer care about their constituents, that are corrupt, that no longer lead, they destroy a country. This happens on all sides of the aisle in both the US, the UK, and the EU. I can understand those that no longer want to be part of the EU, Brussels abuses its power with officials that were not voted in by the people. They don’t care about the people in their countries, they recently found that many of these EU members are heavily corrupted and under investigation. There are many policies that the EU has implemented that strip sovereignty from individual EU states/countries. There will always be ray sist people, they come in all colors, from all countries. I think that economic hard times create so much frustration in people that they begin to turn on each other in their fight for survival, and it’s easy to take that out on other people. I’ve met plenty of brexiters and Trump people that are absolutely not ray sist, they just want their country to represent them, to put their own citizens first. You can’t pour from an empty vessel, but social services are strained under the rapidly expanding population by mass immigration, I think individual cultural traditions in families are important, but I do believe that there is some assimilation that is necessary for social cohesion. I want a better life for everyone, those that have come to our shores are indeed rubbing from terrible things, but it is our countries that have waged forever wars in their countries that has forced them to find better lives elsewhere. Most people don’t want to leave their family and friends, everything things they have ever known, but after their country is decimated, what can they do? I can see both sides of the argument here, this is coming from a leftist in the US.

[@binkytube]

Mr. Andy Bell is an ICON.

[@mariannick9418]

Andy seems to be such a sweet and lovely guy

Heart and mind

[@conwaynoel3715]

Sums up Tory Britain to a tee well said Bob.

[@wallybingbang4350]

God Bless Andy Bell ❤️

[@xoxxobob61]

Andy looks good here and have always been a huge Fan of both him & Vince.

[@frozenland]

I totally agree with him!

[@eliska3879]

Erasure ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Tellhimhesdead-m1y]

Andys outlook is very paradoxical the way he views bygone UK attitudes compared with the "diversity" he seems to revere today. I wonder if he would walk hand in hand with his partner around Newham, Leicester etc

[@shieldaigbencher]

Why no knighthood? Great man. Or Damehood. Let Andy choose.

[@ceciliav.b1905]

Amo el acento británico,y a Andy lo amo también

[@makaduran]

Sigo a Erasure mas de 30 años… y nunca le entiendo a Andy cuando habla..😢😅😅

[@willsalazarramirez5139]

CHICLAYO PERU 🇵🇪 🤝 LEEDS UK 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧

[@AndrewLeSynt]

I love Andy and i am not Gay ❤ Legend, Vince and he formed my musical life 🔥🔥🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🎹🎹

[@DavidR_192]

Why do you need to tell people you're not gay? Do you walk into the post office and say "I'm not gay but can I send this parcel please?". 😄😄

[@neilredmond8296]

Very well said 😊. ❤.🌟.erasure. 🌟.

[@jdekong3945]

Andy is a really nice person, but not all new arrivals to the uk agree with his views.

[@annhoward3174]

❤

[@mariajosephsmith5225]

Brasil te ama muito. saudades . amor demais , obrigada . y love you

[@jakubk8567]

He needs love like that!

[@scottflannigan3062]

Sounds like Andy still regards himself to be working Class. You knew Erasure politics after hearing the Circus single

[@DavidR_192]

He *is* working class. His is an absolute working class Peterborough accent. Middle class people from Peterborough sound just like people from Surrey!

[@diegomayfield4751]

Wish I could hang out with Andy and Vince .

[@brioquery]

Top Musician!

[@daveevans2812]

You look so good, incredibly healthy.How do I know TRUST me? I do. Always ✌️🇨🇦

[@kevinrichards8119]

Top bloke

[@paolopuzzetta4642]

You go guy, don't put up with any media BS but you Already know that

[@JorgeLuis-tr6zp]

Top dás galáxias 😂❤

[@marissa0379]

‼️SERIOUSLY!! WHY IS THIS MAN NOT MAINSTREAM RECOGNIZED AS A PIONEER. I been commenting on this for years!!! Now Bad Bunny❤❤sexy, is making it normal for kids to dress like woman or man. My kids in High School, Muslim Hijabi😉 in America, have grown up and accepted she who recognize a he or how the world is blending. I am so annoyed we have a famous singer in US, being called a revolutionary for shocking people with his,”circa 80’s gay bathhouse dance, when, ANDY freaking BELL! Talented and amazing, was the first openly gay and fabulous person I saw as a child. 33 years ago. Really.. in the US they say Ellen opened the door??? Erasure was on MTV long before, all the time. I remember he was beautiful and we all knew he was gay. All the rest would be straight acting gay, or gay and scared to say it to interviewers. I’m talking Pop culture and the suburbs. I know there were other activists so long ago. But as a normal suburban America, we saw the Club Tropicana video by WHAM or Boy George and seriously thought it was super straight hotties being glam😝 Because it was hidden from mainstream. Andy Bell never hid anything. I will say another one who should have the noble prize for pioneer is Canada’s Scott Thompson. When we got a bit older and understood some guys swing that way but nobody said it, 🤫 Scott did not even give a 🎉. TRUTH. Andy Bell is a beautiful, talented, original OG performer. Really that’s what matters. But really!!!! First to be himself and not hide or avoid that. US perspective. . ✌️ peace. People don’t have to have the same views but we are advanced enough , not cavemen, to accept we have to live here together. Fuck bombs and guns… they are for animals❤

[@PeleSahota]

Brekzit Ingerlund is a Ship of Fools. Surprised he hasn't noticed....

[@Paul-eb4jp]

Most of us are against Brexit, it was never the majority.

[@vincentmckenna1755]

Because it isn't bad

[@PeleSahota]

@@vincentmckenna1755 travel the world and you'll notice something intriguing: people subject to the most miserable and abject societies and ruthless governments are still loyal to their states. You sir, would think Pakistan or Russia were wonderful if lived there. Just like religious people love their loony tunes and corruption. You might even love North Korea, which is good for you, given your Brekzitology gurus want Asian standards and trade and will engineer a trade war with our neighbours to get them. Rest in Sovereignty, UK.

[@vincentmckenna1755]

@@PeleSahota they are loyal if not they are removed

[@spidos1000]

@@Paul-eb4jp how is 52 - 48 not a majority?

[@jameslove1469]

Loved you then and i love you now peace ✌🏻 x

[@ahgversluis]

Tolerance is the hallmark of courage and civilisation

[@CulturedThugPoster]

Tolerance is the hallmark of a civilization in decline

[@ahgversluis]

@@CulturedThugPoster it's sad how Britain has fallen victim to intolerance and racism after Brexit

[@CulturedThugPoster]

@@ahgversluis You are delusional son. We have the most diverse and accepting population anywhere on the planet. However dear old blighty seems to be steering a course to self destruction and cultural suicide.

[@lennylaa1686]

When were we not tolerant?

[@ahgversluis]

@@lennylaa1686 for instance when you voted for Brexit to keep the immigrants out

[@ceciliav.b1905]

Saludos desde Uruguay 🇺🇾😍

[@caltriton6904]

GB has never been diverse until the last 25 years. 30,000 in 1950. 12,000,000 today.

[@gwl78]

So brexit was homophobic lol.

[@davidjohntough9115]

Yes Brexit was about racism bigotry homophobic in Britain

[@gwl78]

@@davidjohntough9115 no it was not though lol.

[@karinabarzallo9355]

Tan bello Andy Bell

[@royfr8136]

he didnt need that work done

[@alejandrorodriguez-do7rj]

he earned a little respect

[@stephaniegilcher4577]

Where was this filmed? It's in Germany but where

[@sebzematik]

Berlin. Unter den Linden, then Checkpoint Charlie.

[@christa526]

Brilliant idea to interview him chewing gum and walking through a rickety metal and board series of boxes.

[@DavidR_192]

I thought it gave it a nice raw, 'street' vibe. But I guess if you're looking for something to moan about, you'll always find it.

[@dixgun]

Insightful 👍

[@StevenSmith-mk5fg]

Liked him as a singer, not keen on his politics. It's the kind of politics you have when you're a kid and don't know enough about the world and human nature. He is like this as he is wealthy ofc and so lives in a bubble but if he spent more time with working class people he'd understand their fears for the future.

[@lesskeels3417]

Most musos tend to live in their own little bubbles, aided by appropriate substances.

[@oakdaleone]

Another Tory Prick !

[@garyhuart7042]

Totally agree

[@DavidR_192]

Nah, I suspect it's just that, unlike you, he probably doesn't read The Sun, Daily Mail or Express.

[@novo611]

He is right about trump and the rest. Thats whast happens when people are told what to do. Wise words 👋👋👋👍

[@1walkgirl]

😘😘😘

[@spunkychops7484]

What happened to his face?

[@metsot]

Good old Andy Bell.

[@adamfindlay7091]

Very distinct vox.

[@MarkusDuesseldorf]

Oh nice, Andy was in Berlin here again.

[@jackins2000]

Andy is betta than Mandy! (don't know who Mandy is but it must rhyme!)

[@Antiorganizer]

If everyone put a thought into everything, we'd have world peace.

[@jaimecosta2966]

Agree 100%

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

Good singer, childish politics!

[@lesskeels3417]

There's your proof: it really does take one to know one.

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

@@lesskeels3417 Not sure what you are trying to say mate :)

[@metsot]

Nonsense.

[@Mattyuk1]

He looks young

[@emmaclark9294]

Andy spot on am straight and think its wrong if gay people like your self and lovely vince etc cant kiss and hold hands walking down the street this needs to stop xx love you both

[@matthewferguson7084]

Vin e is not gay and he's married

[@stephaniegilcher4577]

Vince Clark is not gay

[@Mimi-pu8bx]

Love Erasure but, Andy you really don't need face fillers, you look great without it!

[@koleberdinoch926]

Please don't chew with your mouth open Andy, it's disrespectful

[@paolopuzzetta4642]

I've been attacked defending my friends when gay bashers attacked us in my youth .Why are cultures of any nature anally retentive Stop it .Doesn't matter what sexuality you feel just be true to yourself and eventually with the euphoria of society it will become the norm love all those who understand and getting a grip those with closed minds ask me in 70 years by then i couldn't give a futon or F your Self xxx

[@nickfield3608]

What a load of bollocks

[@metsot]

What ..is this Berlin ?

[@chriswarrington7066]

Yes, it’s on Friedrichstraße near Checkpoint Charlie.

[@Limeydawg-1973]

Yes Andy, integration is a good thing as long as they are ready to assimilate and follow the UK ways. Not fly their own flag. With Brexit the UK is tired of paying the lion's share. Charity starts at home. The UK needs to take care of their own. The United States needs President Trump now more than ever. Remember if the US goes down the UK will follow..

[@DavidR_192]

[yawn...]

[@johnbrereton5229]

Andy should just stick to singing, as he is just revealing how terribly ignorant he is here. It's such a shame really.

[@shaun7799]

Why?

[@metsot]

You just don't understand what he's saying.

[@DavidR_192]

Best get yourself back to the comfort of the Daily Mail, John.

[@johnbrereton5229]

@@DavidR_192 What's the daily mail Bob ?

[@danielgyllenbreider]

This is why you should never, ever, listen to your favorite artists talking about politics and wokeness.

[@AndreVlaamsValle]

I guess you're that kind of people who think artists must be a non-political entertainment tools

[@jojoTheMeek1]

Stick to music love your Guardianista bubble is showing.

[@jonnorris7564]

Britain is a country built on refugees, this white, proud and English bollox is built on ignorance of British history. Let’s take the people we are supposed to be impressed by, the upper classes, most of your true blue bloods are actually French, that’s where that very odd accent comes from. I remember one of these guys being asked “so how do you become this massively rich and privileged person ?” , he said “have an ancestor who was a friend of William the conqueror “ The only real English are the Welsh, I will leave you to work that one out. British history is way more diverse and complex than those who push it through our school curriculum would have you believe.

[@somethingorother3742]

good musician but his political opinions are awful