Boy George and Culture Club Drummer Jon Moss Revisit Their Sexually Charged First Band Rehearsal: ‘Instant Flirtation’

Boy George and Jon Moss Reflect on the Passionate Start of Culture Club

Boy George and Jon Moss, the drummer for the iconic band Culture Club, are going down memory lane to revisit the early days of their relationship, both romantic and professional. Their story is the focus of a new documentary titled ‘Boy George & Culture Club,’ which premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 5. The film, directed by Alison Ellwood, sheds light on the genesis of one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.

The tale begins with a chance encounter when Boy George, then known as George O’Dowd, came across a photo of Jon Moss at the office of Les Daley, the editor of My Guy magazine. Intrigued by Moss, George reached out to him in 1981 to join the emerging band. What unfolded next was a moment that would change both their lives forever.

Describing their first meeting, George reminisces, “He turns up in this, like, you know, very expensive Golf Convertible with this stinking and beautiful perfume, with his earrings in, and yeah, it was, it was love at first sight, basically.” Moss, on the other hand, was captivated by George’s charm and unique persona, sparking what he describes as a crush, despite never having been in a relationship with a man before.

As they embarked on their musical journey together, the chemistry between George and Moss was undeniable. Moss recalls a pivotal moment during one of their early rehearsals, where their flirtation escalated into a physical connection. This marked the beginning of a passionate and tumultuous relationship that would fuel their creative collaboration in Culture Club.

Despite the complexities of their personal dynamics, Culture Club soared to fame with hit albums like ‘Kissing to Be Clever’ and ‘Colour by Numbers,’ along with chart-topping singles such as “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” and “Karma Chameleon.” The band’s success culminated in a Grammy win for Best New Artist in 1984, solidifying their status as cultural icons.

However, internal tensions, George’s struggles with addiction, and the end of George and Moss’s romantic involvement led to the band’s eventual breakup in the late ’80s. Although they reunited sporadically over the years, Culture Club faced challenges, including Moss’s departure in 2018, which sparked a legal dispute over tour income.

The documentary offers a poignant look at the band’s journey through the lens of each member’s perspective. Despite the ups and downs, George reflects on the enduring bond he shares with Moss, acknowledging that underneath the complexities lies a foundation of love. Their story serves as a testament to the enduring power of creativity, collaboration, and human connection.

In conclusion, ‘Boy George & Culture Club’ not only delves into the musical legacy of the band but also explores the intricate relationships that shaped their journey. George and Moss’s reunion on-screen offers a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art and the enduring impact of shared experiences.