Classic Pop Presents New Romantics: Stock Aitken Waterman Special

In this Classic Pop Presents special, we immerse ourselves in the flamboyant and colourful world of the New Romantics. From the scene's origins as an underground movement borne out of the Blitz Club in Soho through to the worldwide surge of popularity that led to mainstream success for some of the major players who made their indelible musical mark, such as Boy George, Spandau Ballet, Visage and Duran Duran.Inside we tell the story of the Godfather of the scene, Steve Strange, and explore his pioneering band Visage with the help of Blitz DJ and band member Rusty Egan and fellow band-mate Midge Ure, who moved on to front Ultravox.We chat to Spandau Ballet's Steve Norman, who guides us through the making of Spandau's game-changing debut album Journeys To Glory, plus we head up to the Midlands where Birmingham's scene-Mecca, the Rum Runner club, gave rise to yet another of the scene's major success stories, Duran Duran.This issue has plenty more to be enjoyed, including an exploration of David Bowie's influence on the movement and Japan's Gentlemen Wear Polaroids album - plus eye-opening interviews with some of the scene's faces to get their side of this fascinating era, including Toyah, Princess Julia and Mark Shaw.Raconteur, author, DJ - and Soho's Wag Club founder - Chris Sullivan shares his hilarious memories of the times, and we strut the cat-walk with Blitz Kids, fashion designer Judith Franklin and photographer Graham Smith for our New Romantic fashion feature.Also inside, there's our Top 40 Essential New Romantic playlist, the design styles and artwork of the scene's many fine releases, and all with stunning photos throughout! Read more