MANILA, Philippines – The '80s group Culture Club is in the Philippines for their one night concert on Saturday, June 18, and so far, they have had nothing but good things to say since their arrival on Wednesday, June 15.
During the group's press conference at the Novotel Hotel on June 16, Mikey Craig said that they're even looking forward to playing their own version of "Thrilla In Manila" at the Araneta Coliseum, referencing the boxing event in 1975 between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
"I haven't been outside yet," singer Boy George said when asked how the reception has been towards the group. "I would reserve my insight for the show...you know when you travel the way we do, you really don't get to see much of anything. You get to see the airport, hotel, venue... So I think the thing you see is the reaction at the show," he said.
"As it's our first time here, it would maybe be really interesting to see how would people react, you know, the enthusiasm is exciting. You don't know what to expect, so for me it's just about the show. Everyone seems very friendly," he added.
Reunion tour
The group also talked about their reunion after many years of being apart.
"We've actually done quite a few gigs over the years – a tour in Australia in 2011. We've done something 4 or 5 years ago. So we've always kept in touch, there was always that possibility of playing together. It really just happens when it happens," Boy George said.
As for what it's like to be with the members of the group again, he said: "We're different but we're the same. We're kind of older and I think we try to be more tolerant of each other."
Roy Hay added: "We appreciate each other a lot now...It's kind of like going to Christmas with the family or Thanksgiving, you know... there's some family dynamics there...but you know the dynamics are great."
Culture Club split in 1986, after Boy George's troubles with drug abuse. While the band was still together, Jon Moss and Boy George were in a relationship, but the public didn't know until after Culture Club split.
Orlando shooting
During the press conference, the group, and Boy George in particular, was also asked about their thoughts regarding the Orlando shooting, where 49 people, mostly from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transexual (LGBT) community, were killed.
"I think my sentiments would be the same as any person. I was very sad about it and I tweeted about it. Obviously it's an attack on gay people but really it's just an attack on people," Boy George said.
Despite the tragedy, Boy George commended the people in the US and around the world for the support they have given to the people in Orlando, with prayers and rallies of support.
"Obviously as a gay man, it's much bigger for me when I was very, very... I can't event put it into words really how I felt," he said.
Boy George also said that he's looking forward to the day that sexuality will no longer be an issue in society.
"The fact that I'm gay is important and not important, you know what I mean, it's like I joke, my gayness takes about 4 hours a month, you know. But other than that, I'm a real person with the same things like everybody else. I've got family, bills to pay, I think people get hung up on sexuality, you know. And I would love to live in a world where it wasn't an issue," he said.
In the end it's all about being who you are.
"I think the message is the same to everyone. Be who you are, be proud of who you are. I would say to people, self love is the most powerful thing. I don't mean arrogance, but you know self-love, confidence – be proud of who you are and that there will always be people who love you, and there will always be people who don't." – Rappler.com