A Tale of Two Clubs: 80s Artists in the News

I found myself divebombing for the remote to change the channel and clicking my mouse with a vengeance last week when I saw the news reports of George O'Dowd, aka Boy George, former lead singer of Culture Club collecting trash in New York City. The toiling was penance for falsely reporting a burglary at his home. The officers who responded found cocaine instead - most tragic.

It was cringe worthy and disturbing to watch O'Dowd, outfitted in city worker gear being photographed by paparazzi while he picked litter off the streets of Gotham City. Trust me, there is no shame in trash collection - I just don't need to see red carpet type photogs snapping 80s music royalty doing it.

Next up, The Parachute Club, who reportedly last performed together in 1988 took to the stage at the Lula Lounge on Friday as part of a benefit concert for their former drummer Billie Bryans who is recouperating from lung cancer surgery. Called Support And Celebrate Billy Bryans, the event brought the 80s Juno Award winners together with some current Toronto hitmakers.

Since The Parachute Club disbanded, Bryans has gone on to become a well known world music promoter and salsa DJ. I honestly can't think of any gigs in town that I've been to recently where I haven't seen Billy's face in the crowd. I see that Billy has been furiously updating his blog at length re: all the happenings in Tdot and around the world. Speedy recovery Billy!