'Kajagoogoo' History:
1979: Art NouveauBeginning in their home town of Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire, Nick Beggs (17): vocals/bass, Steve Askew (22): vocals/guitar, Stuart Neale (19): synths/keyboards and Jez Strode (21): drums/electronic percussion, formed a futuristic, avant garde band 'Art Nouveau' and released a limited edition single (1000 copies) 'Fear Machine' in 1980. It became record of the week in ‘Sounds’ music journal and was played regularly on the John Peel Show. After a couple of years of unsuccessfully pursuing record deals, the band decided to look for a new lead singer and placed an advertisement in ‘Melody Maker’, and after exhaustive auditions chose Chris Hamill (aka Limahl). source: http://www.kajagoogoo.com/history.shtml |
1981 - 1983: KajagoogooAfter a showcase gig at the Embassy Club, London, where they attracted interest from three major labels, Kajagoogoo signed with EMI records in July 1982. In January 1983 their debut single, 'Too Shy' was released hitting number one in the U.K. (and seven other European countries) and peaked in the USA at number five. Shortly after the release of 'Too Shy', ‘Ooh to Be Ah’ and ‘Hang on Now’ were released. Both were Top 15 U.K. hits. In April 1983, Kajagoogoo released their first album, ‘White Feathers’. The band quickly became teen idols and over 60,000 U.K. fans saw them play on their ‘White Feathers’ UK tour. |
Limahl's DepartureAll five members brought a unique talent and individual contribution to the band but, as time passed, Limahl sought increased financial recognition for his song-writing input. This led to arguments within the band, as they had previously split everything equally. The cracks began to appear and the friction increased. Disagreements over travel arrangements for a trip to the USA, were to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. Changes were, sadly, inevitable. On the eve of a highly publicised USA tour the decision was made to ‘part company’ with Limahl. The remaining members chose to work together as a team rather than a band and a lead singer. Kajagoogoo was back to its Art Nouveau format. |
1984:Kajagoogoo/KajaKajagoogoo continued with Nick Beggs as the lead vocalist. In 1984, to critical acclaim from the music industry, they released the album ‘Islands’. The US version of the album ‘Extra Play’ saw the band change it’s name to Kaja. ‘Islands’ marked a change in direction from a pop focus to a more mature, experimental approach. The band released three singles from ‘Islands’- 'Big Apple', 'The Lions Mouth' and 'Turn Your Back On Me' which reached number one in 12inch USA Dance Charts. Even though the album was not as commercially successful as ‘White Feathers’, it remains a favourite for many die-hard fans. |
1985: KajaDirection changed once more for the band, when Jez became unable to fulfill his writing commitments for the third album. It was at this point that Nick, Steve and Stuart decided to continue as a three piece. Now as a trio the band went to California to record ‘Crazy People’s Right to Speak’. Again changing direction, Steve, Nick and Stuart shortened the name to ‘Kaja’ in the European and US market. With the new name and image, they released a single; 'Shouldn't do That' and one album 'Crazy Peoples Right To Speak'. The album showed more of a rock influence than the previous albums but had limited commercial success. In 1986, the band decided to go their separate ways after the first single. Subsequently the album was not promoted by EMI. |
2003: Kajagoogoo ReunitedIn October 2003, Vh1 engineered a seemingly impossible task, persuading Kajagoogoo to reform the original 5-piece band for a one off television special. The resulting performance was part of the Vh1 ‘Bands Reunited’ series. As a result of the Vh1 show, the Band received numerous offers of work to play as the ‘original 5-piece’. Unfortunately, during a meeting to discuss the future, it quickly became apparent that there were still too many disagreements regarding the terms on which they could work together. The honeymoon period, captured by VH1’s Bands Reunited, turned out to be a fleeting moment in the turbulent history of Kajagoogoo and Limahl. The editing of the Bands Reunited show, gave the false impression that Limahl had been dismissed from the band solely on the basis of his pop appeal, and gave no attention to the deeper internal differences. The audience were given instead, the 'fairy tale' ending that the producers felt was expected by the fans. However, the door is still open for Jez and Limahl to rejoin Nick, Steve and Stuart at any time. The three remaining members are still close friends and, 20 years on, are enjoying working together again. |
Kajagoogoo Discography:
| Release Title and date | |
| islands | |
| kajagoogoo & limahl | |
| live in tokyo 1984 | |
| the very best of kajagoogoo | |
| white feathers |
