Celebrating 40 Years Since Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'Relax' Conquered the Charts

Four decades ago, a provocative and compelling song called 'Relax' by Frankie Goes to Hollywood rose to the top of UK charts, marking the start of a short-lived yet thrilling chapter in British pop music. The release of 'Relax' in late 1983 set the stage for an unforgettable presence in the music scene, driven by the band's distinctive sound and the controversial nature of the song and its promotional material.

The Rise of 'Relax'

'Relax' wasn't just another pop song; it was a musical juggernaut that felt entirely novel. With the skilled production of Trevor Horn and the inventive marketing strategies of journalist Paul Morley, Frankie Goes to Hollywood burst onto the scene. Horn, known for his work with The Buggles and Yes, brought the band under the ZTT label umbrella and crafted their sound around Holly Johnson's unique vocals, a potent bass line, and cutting-edge sequenced percussion.

The song's journey to the pinnacle of popularity wasn't without controversy. 'Relax' began its ascent quietly, only to erupt in sales and airplay after BBC Radio One's Mike Read pulled it from his playlist due to its suggestive nature. This action precipitated an official BBC ban, a move that ultimately fueled the single's intrigue and sales both home and abroad.

Domination of the Charts

Their successive hit, 'Two Tribes,' along with the magnetism of 'Relax,' saw Frankie Goes to Hollywood holding the top two spots in the charts simultaneously—a rare achievement. The band's first three singles all shot to Number 1, a feat shared only by select groups in history.

Despite the hype and incredible success, by 1986 the band had lost much of their initial luster. A comeback tour did little to reignite their former glory, leaving many to reflect on what had been a whirlwind of pop dominance.

A Legacy of Boldness

Frankie Goes to Hollywood weren't just about their music. Their forthright portrayal of homosexuality, especially in the hyper-aware context of the 1980s—a time when AIDS caused widespread panic and homophobia was rampant in the industry—made them stand out even more. Their image, as much as their sound, challenged societal norms and blazed a trail for future artists.

The band epitomized the high-concept, incendiary pop culture of the 1980s. Through their music and flamboyant personas, they created a phenomenon that mattered deeply to their audience. They demonstrated the potent potential of music and marketing combined, though their stint at the top was a fleeting moment within the grand tapestry of pop history.

Relax, FrankieGoesToHollywood, BritishPop