AIDS: The Lost Voices - Holly Johnson
Holly Johnson, the charismatic lead singer of the 1980s phenomenon Frankie Goes to Hollywood, rose to fame with three consecutive number ones: "Relax," "Two Tribes," and "The Power of Love." However, the band's split in 1989 marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey for Johnson, particularly after his HIV/AIDS diagnosis in 1991.
The press coverage surrounding his condition often overshadowed his remarkable musical talent, prompting Johnson to reflect on his experiences in his autobiography, ‘A Bone in my Flute.’ As he navigated his health crisis, he also embraced his roles as a songwriter, author, and artist, showcasing his work in a London gallery. With advancements in HIV treatment, Johnson has reclaimed his place in the music scene, embarking on a successful tour in 2024/25, proving that his enduring artistry continues to resonate with audiences and that you can live successfully with HIV.
All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:
XTRA Tea Blog AIDS: THE LOST VOICES - HOLLY JOHNSON
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Holly Johnson LINKS:
Holly Johnson Website HollyJohnson.com
Holly Johnson Instagram
'Relax' - Frankie Goes to Hollywood Spotify
'Love Train' - Holly Johnson Spotify
'Americanos' - Holly Johnson Spotify
'Power of Love' - Frankie Goes to Hollywood Spotify
'Legendary Children' & 'Disco Heaven' - Holly Johnson Spotify
Podcast Intro - Holly on Heart Radio Watch Here
Live at the Lighthouse, Holly 'Power of Love' Watch Here
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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE
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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -
British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers
AIDS: The Lost Voices
In "AIDS: The Lost Voices," hosts William Hampson and Gloria take a profound look back at the often overlooked narratives of individuals affected by the AIDS crisis in the 80s and 90s.
They navigate through the archives of British newspapers, shedding light on the lived experiences that were overshadowed by sensationalist headlines. Hampson, drawing from his own harrowing experiences as detailed in his book 'The Lost Boys of Soho', highlights the personal toll of the pandemic, revealing how stigma and fear shaped the lives of countless individuals within the gay community.
Together, they aim to honour the voices that were lost amidst the chaos, providing a platform for understanding the human stories that contributed to the history of AIDS in Britain.
- No. of episodes: 42
- Latest episode: 2025-06-27
- Arts Society & Culture Books Personal Journals
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