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THE HUMAN LEAGUE

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Philip Oakey
Biography: 

The British synthpop band The Human League is fronted by composer, singer, songwriter and producer Philip Oakey and had their first success in 1981 with 'Sound of the Crowd'. In October 1981 they released the album 'Dare' which reached number 1 in the UK album charts and went double platinum. The year ended with their UK/US number 1 hit 'Don't You Want Me' selling more than 2 million copies.

The rest of the 80s saw the band have peaks and dips. Their 1984 album 'Hysteria' underachieved before 1986 saw them release 'Crash' from which the single 'Human' topped the charts. In 1992 the band's contract was cancelled by Virgin causing Oakey to seek counselling for depression and band member Susan Ann Sulley to have a breakdown. Thanks to the efforts of band member Joanne Catherall 1993 saw the release of gold selling album "Octopus". The Human League still tour across the globe.

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Philip Oakey was seen as a fashion icon by many and his flamboyant style included make-up, high heels, diamante earrings and androgynous clothes.

Human League are touring again.

Members include Ian Burden (bandmember 1980-88), bass and synthesizers; Jo Callis (bandmember 1980-85), guitar and synthesizers; Joanne Catherall (born c. 1963; joined group c. 1980), vocals; Ian Craig Marsh (bandmember 1977-80), synthesizers; Philip Oakey (born c. 1956), vocals; Suzanne Sulley (born c. 1963; joined group c. 1980), vocals; Martyn Ware (bandmember 1977-80), synthesizers; Adrian Wright (bandmember 1977-85), synthesizers.
 
Band formed in Sheffield, England, 1977; signed by Virgin Records, 1978; released first major label album, Reproduction, 1979; radical bandmember change, 1980; first success with single "Sound of the Crowd," 1981; major success with Number One song "Don't You Want Me" from their Number One album Dare, 1981; comeback album, Octopus, released on East West Records, 1995.
 
Addresses: Record company—Elektra/East West Records America, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019.
 
 
Albums:
 
Reproduction, Virgin, 1979.
 
Travelogue, Virgin Records, 1980.
 
Dare, Virgin, 1981.
 
Hysteria, Virgin Records, 1984.
 
Crash, Virgin Records, 1986.
 
Romantic?, Virgin Records, 1990.
 
Octopus, EastWest Records, 1995.
 
Secrets, Papillion Records, 2001.
 
Credo, Wall of Sound, 2011

This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com.

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