Go West – 25 Years And Still Going Strong

Twenty five years feels like eternity in an era in which musicians’ ability to be relevant beyond their 5-year mark is highly questionable. There was a time when longevity in the music world was a fair and realistic goal to aspire for. In fact, several artists/bands that emerged between 1984-1985 are celebrating their 25th year anniversary by touring and making fans a part of their celebration. For older fans, it is a reminder of pop music’s “glory days”. For newer fans, it is a lesson on what pop music’s “quality benchmark” really ought to be. Artists such as George Michael and a-Ha have recently played to sold out arenas and stadiums around the world to celebrate and reminisce with their fans. Amidst all the news of comebacks and reunion tours, the mainstream media has completely forgotten one of the most talented and reliable hitmakers of the 80s and early 90s – British pop/rock duo Go West. On reading this, some of you might imagine yourselves having this conversation with us:

You: Go West?
Us: Yes. Go West

You: You mean the song “Go West”.
Us: No. You are thinking of the cover version Pet Shop Boys did back in 1993. We are talking about the band “Go West”.

You: I am trying really hard to remember.
Us: Have you watched “Pretty Woman”?

You: Yes.
Us: Do you remember the “opening track”?

You: Umm…. No
Us: Can we try jogging up your memory?

You: Absolutely. Please do.
Us: Check out the video below and then started feeling bad about your failing memory:

You: I cannot believe I forgot about them. I love this song and now I am starting to remember some of their other tracks. Wasn’t “Faithful” one of their tracks?
Us: Yes. You are forgiven for your awful memory. We don’t blame you – just the mainstream media.

With a musical style that blends rock, conventional pop, synth pop, and blue-eyed soul, Go West has been responsible for hits such as “We Close Our Eyes”, “Call Me”, “Faithful”, “King Of Wishful Thinking” and “One Way Street” (from the original motion picture soundtrack of “Rocky Part 4”). The average music listener thinks the Go West story ended back in 1993 – which is only partially true. Band members Peter Cox and Richard Drummie parted ways at the zenith of their career since Peter Cox wanted to relocate to the US in pursuit of a solo career. Unfortunately, his solo endeavor did not mirror the monumental success that he had achieved with Go West. Richard Drummie diverted his efforts towards a more “behind the scenes” role in the music industry by indulging his exemplary songwriting talent.

After a hiatus of almost fifteen years, Peter Cox and Richard Drummie reconvened to write another chapter to the “Go West” story. Their 2008 album “futurenow” saw them taking on the music production reins. They had officially retired the synths that dominated the overall sound of their earlier records. “futurenow” saw them gravitating to a more guitar-based sound. The album met with mixed reviews and its critics relentlessly questioned the band’s decision to be the producers of their own album as opposed to handing over the responsibility to a production veteran. Some of the more noteworthy highlights of this effort include “Let Love Come” and “Stars Don’t Shine”. In fact, “Let Love Come” fits perfectly well alongside the band’s signature hits such as “We close our eyes” and “King Of Wishful Thinking”. Yet, for some reason, the mainstream media overlooked this reunion that many were secretly waiting for. The tour for the album took Go West all over the UK and also to Australia (those of us in the US and can only wait and hope for the best!).

This year, as the band hits its 25th anniversary, they have decided to go one step beyond the standard “tour” approach. Instead of giving fans just one evening (or maybe even a few) of exhilaration, the duo has decided to stretch the excitement over an entire year by releasing three EPs over the course of 2010. This series is being referred to collectively as “3D” and it features the band’s first new single “Skin Deep”. The first of three EPs can be ordered HERE.

The band is also on an extensive tour of the UK. The concert dates can be viewed HERE.

Every now and then, we come across an incredibly talented and gifted band that we may have forgotten but whose songs hold a special place in our hearts. Go West definitely ranks at the top of this list of bands. They were not your “run of the mill” duo. They were the definitive pop duo and the ideal marriage of musical talents. Peter Cox’s emotional vocals breathed vitality into the songs written by Richard Drummie. Furthermore, with this duo, there was never a debate as to who was the more talented one since Go West was the epitome of a musical democracy.

If you are in the UK, and Go West is playing at a venue near you, do not miss this chance to catch them in concert. You might need to replay this experience in your head over and over to tide you through what appears like a grim future for the pop music industry. Book your tickets NOW!