Smalltown Boy

"I believe in music the same way that some people believe in fairy tales."
-"August Rush" (2007 film)

"Smalltown Boy" is the debut single of the British synthpop group Bronski Beat, released in June 1984. It would also appear on the band's debut album "The Age of Consent", released in December 1984.

The song is a popular gay anthem and was a huge commercial success, reaching number 3 in the band's native UK. As well, it was a number one hit in Holland and Italy, and hit the top 10 in Austraila, Canada, France, and Switzerland.

Perhaps due to its openly pro-homosexual theme, the track only reached number 48 in the U.S. pop charts, although it was a #1 U.S. dance hit. The song is about a gay boy who faces homophobia, loneliness, and family misunderstanding.

I never really knew why I loved this song so much in the mid-1980's. Now I do. I did love dancing to it. I never saw the original music video to the tune until today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuz94ZIPfJk

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 15, 1985
Friday

"Did you know you snore?"
"I do?"
"Yes, and it's loud!"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I had no idea."
We took turns doing the 'shower and shine' for the day. The plan was to get ready for the gym, have breakfast and then go to Saks Fifth Avenue, maybe nap for a few, grab a bite for dinner and finally see the funny JOAN RIVERS.

The gym cost was eight-dollars! We thought it was a free service, so we scratched that idea and just laid out by the pool because it was such a nice day.


We did go to Saks Fifth Avenue. I bought a pair of neat, bright yellow shorts and a white shirt for a total of fifty-dollars. I was brave by hiding out behind a mere twenty-feet of 'The Vegas Strip' while stripped and put my new shirt and shorts on. Dale was peeing his pants because he couldn't believe I was actually changing outside. I stripped near The Strip.

We browsed inside a souvenir shop. We were tempted by a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon until we learned it was $143 for two hours. We went back to the pool and discussed the idea of taking a helicopter ride along the Vegas Strip that was offered for only seven-dollars.

The scenery around the pool was likable (after all, I was on it). It was a nice, warm day.

By 5PM we went and got ready for dinner. Dale treated me at Tracy's (named after actor, Spencer Tracy). We had a good meal. The waiter/busboy was a QBL (questionable).
Dale said, "He's an FBL in my book." (Fuckable)
Some lady came by with a big camera and took a picture of Dale and I 'together'. I felt dumb (for some unknown reason).

We went to the Caesar's Palace and were seated between four old ladies. Two of them were from Escondido. Dale made a few dumb mistakes.
Dale said, "Oh yeah, we got all dressed up last night and then found out the show was canceled."
I whispered in Dale's ear, "We're supposed to make people think we always dress-up in this manner. Why did you say that?"
He's a nerd.

And to top it off Dale has to tell the old ladies that we work for Pac Bell. All of a sudden the O.G.'s (Old Geezerettes) start complaining about Zone 1, 2 and 3 rates and Directory Assistance rates.

Gary Shandling was the opening-act. He was funny. Doc was boring with his loud trumpet. Joan was her usual funny self (despite her repeated jokes that I had heard before). Some were new jokes. The glamor of Caesar's Palace was there. It was nice even if I had to turn my neck one-way throughout the entire show.

PHOTO: "Dear, if you're gonna pad your bra with KLEENEX,
take them out of the box first."

After JOAN we returned to the MGM Grand to see Jubilee which I thought was a fantastic show. There were so many scenarios and costumes. There were bare-assed men, a variety of dancing, skits on "Sampson & Delilah", "The Titanic", acrobats, archery expertise with a man and woman team. There was even a funny man who was bouncing uncontrollably as he was attempting to take a dive. I was tired and weary-eyed from the foreigners seated next to us who were smoking. I still couldn't keep my eyes off of the fantastic finale as the smoke seemed to flow into our faces.

The lady who took our picture came by and wanted to rip-off seventy-two dollars from Dale. Instead, Dale paid thirty-six dollars and I thought it was still a rip-off. I didn't really take any pictures but that's okay. I sent a few postcards to special people (John & Sherri, Ma & Pa, Paloma and Jim Koran).

By now I felt a bit of a sore throat coming on from transferring hotels, drinking and second-hand smoke.

Once again Dale and I were beat tired after the Jubilee Show, so we went to our hotel room and fell asleep immediately. Yawn.

"I'll do everything in my power to live by the truth."
-KYLE-XY, Season II