Former Japanese pop sensation and singer-songwriter Simon Whitworth – who now lives on the Isle of Wight – is to play Strings in Newport on Friday (14th April).
Simon is best known for his work with G.I. Orange, who were a pop megastars in Japan in the 1980s.
In silk jackets, shoulder pads and with shiny ruffs of blond hair, G.I. Orange were the Brit boy band who took Japan by storm. Mobbed wherever they went, they had smash singles, an album that went gold and sell-out tours. From Nagasaki to Tokyo, G.I. Orange were a sensation that would never be forgotten by Japanese fans.
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They had a loyal following in the UK and played at some of London’s top venues, featuring on radio and TV and touring with David Essex and Bucks Fizz.
Their 1st release, Fight Away the Lover, went way up the Japanese charts, paving the way for Psychic Magic, which hit the number 1 spot in 1984, knocking Duran Duran’s A View to a Kill off the top place.
G.I. Orange in Japan in the mid-80s
Speaking exclusively to Island Echo, Simon says:
“Looking back on that time and how I personally felt about those days, I am proud of the joy and happiness we brought to the army of fans that followed us with loyalty around Japan. The hysteria that the four of us produced under the name of G.I.Orange is still hard to comprehend, especially from leaving London as relatively unknown young men to being greeted in Japan as household names.
“The music industry had turned us with ease into a perfect pop product. From top to toe, at all times, we looked like stars, even rehearsing likely answers to questions that we would be asked hundreds of times a day.
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“The schedule we worked under was relentless, doing up to 5 television performances a day, radio and on-the-move interviews. adverts, photo sessions, as well as personal appearances at record stores and live shows. The machine that worked around the band was huge, from tour managers, translators, security, runners, make-up artists, wardroom, photographers and personal assistants all travelling from city to city.
Simon Whitworth today
“It was money well spent by C.B.S. Sony, as we were selling huge quantities of records and merchandise. When I think that over a million people walked into a record shop to buy our 1st album and even more for the 2nd, it’s hard to comprehend that the industry has changed beyond recognition.
“There is one thing for me that technology hasn’t removed, and that is the buzz of playing live. When I became a solo artist with the opportunity to play live again, I only had one sound in mind.
“The energy I felt as a child when I 1st started playing has never left me. If anything, it has grown and I struggle to control the passion I have inside when performing.
“I feel totally alive on stage and I can’t wait to perform at Strings on Friday 14th of April.”
I was heavily into music in that era but I have never heard of this artist or band. Being big in Japan, as Alphaville would sing, means nothing in the UK. Sorry.
Former Japanese pop sensation and singer-songwriter Simon Whitworth – who now lives on the Isle of Wight – is to play Strings in Newport on Friday (14th April).
All the best for your live event on Friday..
What a feeling…
I was heavily into music in that era but I have never heard of this artist or band. Being big in Japan, as Alphaville would sing, means nothing in the UK. Sorry.