Forty years ago, “Welcome to the Pleasuredome” was not only a record debut: it was an aesthetic, political and sensual explosion that redesigned the coordinates of British and international pop music.
Released in 1984, the album of the Frankie Goes To Hollywood – produced by Trevor Horn and led by the magnetic voice of Holly Johnson – brought with it a provocative and visionary load that challenged the hypocrisy of the conservative society of the Thatcher era. Between explicit eroticism (Relaxcensored by the BBC but immediately became a hymn of liberation), satire war (Two Tribes) and ballads of poignant lyricism (The Power of Love), the disc was at the same time manifesto queer, dystopian concept album and disruptive pop operation.
The public was overwhelmed. “Welcome to the Pleasuredome” sold millions of copies, transforming the Frankie into a global phenomenon and bringing out a new generation that claimed identity, pleasure and self -determination. The impact was such as to overcome the boundaries of music: the band became a symbol of a counterculture that used the language of pop to deconstruct taboos and affirm the right to visibility LGBTQ+, in an era marked by the AIDS crisis and by strong political tensions.
Today, four decades later, Holly Johnson celebrates that unrepeatable season with the “Welcome to the Pleasurdome 40th Anniversary Tour”, which will stop in Italy for a single date at the Tam Teatro Arcimboldi in Milan, on October 6, 2025. Johnson returns to the stage with a new production that traces the songs symbol of that rebel era, Crossing genres, revolutions and disillusions, remaining faithful to a high and visionary idea of music.
We interviewed him exclusively to retrace that adventure and reflect on the present.
The interview
Holly, 40 years have passed since the exit of “Welcome to the pleasuredome”. How do you feel to celebrate this anniversary?
I think it is right to thank who, probably teenager in the 80s, embraced the FGTH, my voice, my texts and the melodies that have had an impact internationally.
The Frankie Goes To Hollywood were one of the most revolutionary bands of the 80s, thanks to successes such as relaxation, The Power of Love, Two Tribes and many others … When did you understand that you have created something extraordinary?
The welcome of music was so good that I immediately understood that we had created a unique pop sound. I did not imagine, however, that I would sing those songs for the following 40 years.
Can you unlock a memory of those years by sharing a special anecdote of that period? After the huge success, the band then melted. Looking back, is there something you would have done differently?
Not really. Things happen for a reason, and at the time I had many.
Will the Frankie Goes to Hollywood ever meet? Last year you performed together for the first time since 1987, on the occasion of the Eurovision in Liverpool.
At the moment it does not seem likely. I liked to play with the band in Liverpool for an unrepeatable event at Eurovision. It was very strange, very “Frankie”.
With your solo career you have explored different sounds than the FGTH. How liberating was to experience a new musical direction?
It was a great opportunity to free me from the control of the ZTT. But it can also be summarized with “from the grilled pan”.
Over the years you have faced personal challenges, but you have always found a powerful form of expression in music. How did your relationship with music evolved over time?
I have always been a music fan who tried to be part of it, with alternate fortunes.
I am inspired by the music of others to create mine. It is not an easy life, even if outside it may seem the opposite.
It is an illusion for the show and entertainment of the public. I am still a fan, but I have great respect for those who manage to survive their ups and downs.
Unfortunately I became more cynical towards the commercial side, but I have a great opening towards every type of music and performer.
I met some beautiful Italian artists, like Morgan when I participated in The Voice Italy.
Rita Pavone, at the Verona Arena. I was very lucky.
Music has changed radically from the 80s to today. What do you think of the current scene?
I don't have a precise opinion. It doesn't seem to me there is a lot of music with a strong cultural impact. It is also difficult to keep up with the continuous arrival of new artists who disappear just as quickly. There are no figures who know how to support them or give them time to develop.
If the Frankie Goes to Hollywood were an emerging band in 2025, do you think they would have the same impact?
I doubt it, being openly gay is no longer such an unusual thing. Perhaps, if we had trans members … I don't know, it is impossible to say what would be needed to end up in the newspapers today.
What do you listen to in this period? Is there any artist or bands that you find particularly interesting?
No, not particularly.
In your autobiography in Bone in My Flute, published in 1994, you wrote that your father considered you a monster. He did not know other guys who tinged his hair and went to school made up. The company has changed a lot since then. Today the fathers struggle to understand social media and technology. What do you think of this evolution?
No, he didn't call me a monster. He said: “A Baraccone show that walks, as a son.”
I also struggle with social media, even if they are a good way to communicate with those who love your music and has grown together.
Your impact as LGBTQ+ icon was enormous. Do you think the music industry is a more inclusive space today than in the beginning?
In certain aspects yes, but it is still very difficult for many people, in many countries, to live freely and love those who want.
And what about the company? Is there still a long way to go?
Yes, just look at the Ilga website: Ilga-Europe.org
What do you think of Trump's policies, Musk's impact and the ascent of the right in Europe?
I try not to think about it, neither to him nor his cronies and their policies.
You mentioned a possible box for the 40th anniversary. Can you give us some anticipation on the content?
A CD box for the 40th anniversary of Welcome to the PleasureDome is being preparated by a record company. I can't say exactly what will contain.
After the tour, do you already have new musical or artistic projects in mind?
I don't know how much I will still be able to perform live. I am lucky to be able to do it. I'm working on an idea for a musical, but I can't say anything else.
If I had to describe in the third person, how would you do it?
I wouldn't do it.
What do you think of artificial intelligence applied to music? Can the technique overcome creativity?
I prefer artificial insemination.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Today.
And above all, what?
Made your business, Impiccione!
What makes your heart beat stronger?
Any physical activity.
The videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzoglktmeuy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yem_iehiyj0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtdrv6GT9ZG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po1hc8phzw0
Info & tickets
6 October 2025 | Milan @ Tam Teatro Arcimboldi
Click to buy tickets
Web & Social
https://www.instagram.com/mrhollyjohnson/
