I knew you were a good guy. This song is an Anthem to so many gay people, it's basically the life story of so many and certainly mine. I was beaten and ridiculed and mocked when I was young. I don't think I was feminine, but I had Polio so had a handicap and I was gay so I was more like a wounded animal and the Wolves went in for the kill. I endured years and years of very violent abuse being beaten with baseball bats Etc. I went to a very tough City school where the students literally used to beat up the teachers, I saw this myself, and they would also physically and sexually abuse the handicapped kids, so there was no help in school at all. My parents were uncaring and in a very bad marriage and there was no help at home nor any love or affection of any kind. I literally had to run away and find a new life, which I did. I want to thank you for your kind and open-minded reaction to this, it means more than you realize.

Jimmy is my kid brother theres 5 years between us ,I am 1 big proud brother and he is still singing although through means of videos ,he teamed up a couple of months ago with Rick Astley to make a song via video to help young musicians struggling through this horrid time it is the streaming tunes.

The 80s in the UK was amazing musically

Straight guy here. But this song still sends chills down my neck for bringing back memories of the UK in the 80's.

One of the most melancholy, yet amazing songs every written. Doesn't matter if you're gay, bi, straight whatever, this song hits hard. A synth pop classic.

This was basically an autobiographic song for Jimmy. He ran away from his small town in Scotland to London where he met the two other band members of Bronski Beat and got lucky enough to catch the attention of Elton John who helped to get them signed. Jimmy went on to another band. A duo called the Communards which had several hits before finally going solo. I recommend a song called "For A Friend" which Jimmy wrote in just a few hours after receiving a phone call that another friend of his had died from AIDS. It's stunningly beautiful.

The lead singer, Jimmy Somerville, co wrote this song and it reflected the challenges he faced when he was growing up and coming out as gay. Absolutely brilliant song.

Spot on with your review. Although we all knew the song was about homophobia at the time, the song became an anthem for anyone who was being bullied, suffering domestic violence or just saw no way out of their situation in the 80s. For the 'working class' much of the 80's was no picnic, it was bloody bleak.

Another great Scottish voice. He also went on to be in a band called The Communards. You'll love Don't Leave Me This Way.

I believe I was 14 when the song came out. I already knew I was gay and I believe a lot of people suspected it as well. I was bullied and teased. I kept to myself as much as possible. My teen years basically played out pretty much like this song. When I was 17 I left that town and never went back. I'm 50 now and to this day it still brings back all those emotions. Thank you so much for reacting to this. You truly are a good man.

Sad to think that after almost 4 decades, so many people still go through the same struggles...

You handle the subject well dude ! Respect ✌️😁🇬🇧👍🙏

My mom kicked me out of the house for being a lesbian in 1987. Bronski Beat was one of my favorite albums. It really spoke to me, inspired me. Thank you for you non-judgmental, thoughtful review. You get it! 🙏🏼❤️✝️🏳️‍🌈

You're on point with the message. Sadly, this song hits home having been a street kid back in early 80's. The group of boys (13-14 yr olds) I ran with we're all gay and were forced out of their homes. Back then being gay wasn't accepted like it is today. I saw what my friends went through, from family and strangers alike.So glad you did this song. ❤️

I was a kid in the 70s and a teenager in the 80s, I grew up with this music and the tail end of rampant mainstream homophobia, I am straight but music helped shape understanding, my own personal philosophy is that as long as your preferred partner is adult and consenting, I don't care what floats your boat, that's your concern and literally none of my business, love is love.

I got bullied a lot during my teenager years, until I finally fought back and put my bully into hospital. This was one of my very first songs probably, when I went to a gay club in Berlin in my 16. This is one of the songs I always cherish, cuz my coming out was struggling to my parents. I moved out when I was 19 to escape the abusive ex partner of my mum - so yeah the struggle is real. I am 40 now, and sill proud I came out so early - have it done and be proud.

This is one of the most heart breaking songs ever.

Such a moving song....... And a moving reaction Jovaughn...... Don't know what you intend to do in the future but you would be a great role model for kids....You have such a big heart❤️ and a deep understanding of life for a young man. ❤️

Im 52, and i will never forget spinning a borowed vinil of this, and just crying my heart out. But afterrwards feeling the greatest sense of relief. Representation matters.

This helped so many gays leave their hateful environment and start their lives, I was one of them. Gay Icon

Jimmy Somerville has such an incredible voice, he's a countertenor 😍😍 one of my favorite songs ever is Here I Am from him, love him so much.

The album was called “Age of Consent “. The album cover featured a pink triangle on the front and on the back was a list of the age of consent for each country.

Damn, Jay. You got it right away. I've seen some reviewers say "what does that mean?" Totally missing the point. It's a heartbreaking song. I'm a straight guy who has had gay friends over the years. I was a teen in the 80's in a "small town". So guess what. I lost gay friends due to Aids. This isn't meant to be some kind of virtue signaling, but I was so proud that they felt comfortable enough around me to share that they were gay, and that their secret was safe with me if that's how they wanted it. So, I guess I empathized with the pain and fear they felt, when they should have enjoyed love and acceptance. Well, they got it from me. they were my friends . Why should it matter? I guess things are better now, but still. Anyway, this song makes me cry.

That 80s vibe is unmistakable! The primus of this video was really groundbreaking!

Hearing 80’s music depresses me. I miss the 80’s so much! 🥺 I love his high pitch.. 💃🏽 Great song too 💖

Great reaction. Funnily enough, he has a really deep speaking voice so his falsetto is something of a surprise. A true 80s anthem.

I was 9 when I first heard this and broke my heart, I cry every time I hear it. It's so heart wrenching to know parent's "love" for their children is limited and conditional. Thank you for spreading love and respect in your channel.

Bronski Beat became The Communards not long after - Jimmy with musical partner Richard Coles. Richard is now a well known broadcaster as well as a vicar in the UK. Check out their stuff, man.

Please listen to 'dont leave me this way' he sings as lead singer as The Communards!

I love this song! Still listening now but had to say, please do “Why?” by them also! My favorite + a major dance club hit from this era!

You are one of the few i've ever known to hit it spot-on, first listen. Good on ya!

I saw Bronski Beat live in 1984. What a voice!

More 80s UK bands ... Style Council, ABC, Thompson Twins, Paul Young, Dexy Midnight Runners, Roxy Music, Pet Shop Boys, Bonnie Tyler, Fine Young Cannibals

The casual violence from strangers in this video is bad enough but the rejection from his father of even a handshake gets me every time. It is a masterpiece in evoking a reaction of an experience I am thankful I have never had. It is beautiful and haunting.

Watch him singing it live more recently. He is still amazing now. Fantastic voice. Very emotive video.

Try "i Feel Love" with Bronski Beat and Marc Almond.

UK songstress Corrine Bailey Rae....Put Your Records On ....or anything else by her. She is soooooo beautiful with a voice to match....please don't miss out on her

I love Bronski Beat!... This song is sooo catchy and really shows off those New Wave synths and the message of the song as well is pretty darn relevant to the subject at hand. 👍...I remember this song from back in the day and the MTV MV days...Memories! 😎😍😎...I want to jam out sooo much in an 80's nightclub to this song right now, but also the subject matter...the song hits home in a number of ways personally...But I miss going out dancing and we all know why, so! :-P

One of my faves by The Communards is So Cold The Night. Love Jimmy Somerville. He still sounds amazing.

I hope young gays appreciate what changes we pushed hard for in the 80's. It was the best decade to be a teenager/young adult.

Jimmy was part of this group until 1985. This song is self-referential. Later he founded The Communards, and it also had his hits. Then he had a solo career and one of the songs that stands out is To love somebody.

You're right about the beat making you miss the lyrics. I feel that as a teenager I never really appreciated the lyrics, that's what I love about you I'm seeing music in another light.

Hi from the UK, such great music in the 80s and Jimmy Sommerville was a big part of that , 😥😥😊😊😊 .

I remember when this came out. His voice was so unique. Being young at the time I didn't really pick up on the gay subtext but I did pick up on the worries and emotions

This song from 1984 was real heavy. Great reaction x

"I'm leaving tomorrow" - another song where a happy sound is wrapped around serious lyrics. BB / Communards / Jimmy, solo. So many great songs. I love him/them.

Nice reaction as always man... you're just so genuine, i like the fact that you enjoy every type of music. I know i already suggested, but i recommend a band called Muse. The best song to start with are Knights of Cydonia, Uprising, Reapers...keep up the great work, cheers from an italian sub ;)

I'm so glad I'm seeing people appreciating bronski beat and Jimmy .

Aw, wee Jimmy. So much love for this guy, this band, this tune! Scotland punches well above her weight in musical talent. Couldn't be prouder :)

We're so cruel to eachother... to the point that we're killing eachother. Why? Do we ever learn, do we ever grasp the concept of empathy. It's so simple and basic... Cheers!

I love how you get the message of the song. I never did when I first heard it and not for many years after that as far as I remember. Might be because English is not my native language, but I just love it when you completely understood it was about being gay, bullied and misunderstood and feeling there’s no other way out than to run away.

I've been a fan of Jimmy Somerville's for many years. You should listen to his covers of 'Don't Leave Me This Way' and 'Never Can Say Goodbye'.

Dude, you're really good at this. Watched 3 or 4 of your reactions today and you are always bang on.

One of the most honest nicest guys you could wish to meet 80s icon.

His voice conveys the suffering so many still feel today! We will be free, as humanity, when everyone single person is able to fulfill their essence.

Well remembered. From younger days, when the summer’s lasted forever and the music was decent.

Always loved this song. Jimmy has a superb voice, gives me chills.

There's a video of him joining a street musician signing this sound, his voice was exactly the same. Love wee Jimmy

Jimmie has the most soulful incredible voice! I met him and he is down to earth, lovely man! This means so much to me because when I was 19 I was attacked and the fallout of that damaged me. He was supposed to be a friend and I blamed myself for years.I remember having this playing on my walkman , on a bus, in the dark of night travelling to the ferry , the chorus in my head, confused, crying inside! This helped so much. Big thank you to Jimmie and the boys for getting me through and to all souls who suffered at the hands of others! xx

My favourite song of the eighties, he has such a voice

Love how you’re doing British music, also a song that is huge within the lgbt community

One of my all time favorite songs. I loved the dichotomy of an upbeat song having such heavy lyrics. I'm not gay, but I did understand that many people were. Now I was a teen until 87 and the 80's were truly my decade. I have four children. My youngest is the only girl. However it's my youngest boy that is gay. He officially came out his senior year of high school. When he told me, I knew. I said that by him coming out, nothing has changed. He's still my youngest boy. I love him the same as I did the day before. But I told him that the sad thing is that only gay people need to announce, you know, that their gay. I told him a straight person doesn't have the same burden. The gay community will never be on equal footing until they no longer have to come out. Not until all the straight people are the ones standing up to the wrongs bestowed on the gays. It's not the gay voice that needs to be heard. It's the straight voice calling out. The oppressor needs to stand up and say enough. The gays know that it's enough. It's been enough for centuries. It takes the majority to free the minority. Let that be now. Not soon. Now.

In 1984 I was a DJ at a cool club and only 18 years young, our music was energizing and up beat, there was no judgment of any others everyone was allowed personal expression with hair and cloths and clubbing was king. 1980 - 1990 were cool to witness and lots of love and minimal garbage of hatred like today.

Wow! Thank you for introducing us to this song! That was so powerful!

Your comments and reactions are truly appreciated by this fabulous fifty year old. Me! Jimmy is a stupendous vocalist and kind man. You sir, are all everything a decent man should be. Thank you 🙏 🏳️‍🌈 #La!

Another great artist from Scotland 💖 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I cried the first time I heard Jimmy Somerville sing this song. I am not gay I’m just an ordinary old woman who loves this song and loved everything about Bronski Beat. I still have their first album. And I still have a phonograph, so I can play it.

I literally bumped into Jimmy, the lead singer in a gay bar ( the Village soho) in London years ago. He was so sweet, polite and humble. He had deep Scottish accent which contrasts with his high alto voice. Just lovely ❤️

Now we are talking absolute classics

Oh how I love Bronski Beat!! Yeppyepp!! Right on!! 💃💃💃💃💃💃❤❤💃💃🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶💃💃💃💃 Hit that perfect beat boy!

Thanks for all your reactions Jayvee. I was a young teen when this song came out. Probably the first song that ever dealt with homophobia

I saw them perform live in london in 1983, they were awesome! Jimmy summerville is an amazing singer and i love how you got the angst in that song..

Great reaction to an anthem of the 80's and I may say timeless problem even today, great vocals by the one and only Jimmy Somerville, ❤️

Absolutely great and powerful song. Now, for the total opposite, you should try 'Hit That Perfect Beat'; its got FUN written all over it.

I love your reaction! I came across your channel and you were reacting to Kate Bush - my favorite female artist. You have so much passion and I love watching your reaction with each song. Thank you!

Your sensibility to try to understand every video you react to is remarkable. You're such a polite and sensitive soul. Thanks for one more great reaction.

Haven't seen this video for a very long time. This song was like a revelation for me, in my youth in Germany in the mid 1980ies. I love it.

I was a teen when this came out, one of my fave artists from back in the day. The lyrics to this song sadly summed up what a lot of young and older gay people faced on a daily basis. The stigma was unbelievable. If you want to watch a series on what it was like in the 1980s and early 90's watch It's A Sin. I am not sure if it's available in the states yet.

Im 45 and I remember when this jewel come out..amazing song👍❤

Rest in Paradise Steve Bronski, 12.9.21. @ 61. Amazing talent. 🙏❤🌌

Great song. At this time, many lgbt+ bands used this kind of song with eletronic music, which emulated joy but accualy talking about struggles of life. ❤️

This is an anthem for those of us that grew up in the 80s and were part of the LGBTIQA community. Thank you so much for getting the message and being compassionate about it💙

The British are always leading when it comes to club music they're unbeatable they're always on the sword's edge. Sounds like this is what mature 1960s looks like. 1980s were my heaviest influence I was born in the mid-70s

My brother was an estate agent in hampstead back in the day. Jimmy and boyfriend came to a viewing and asked for the keys so they could hang out for the afternoon.

Marc Almond and Bronski beat "i feel love " is good

Man you have all these crazy bands tonight! All ‘first wave’ hits. Nice!

Your reaction is spot on, you picked it! Great music great times.... 60's 70's,80's, 90's and 2000's...I'm now 75 and still enjoying the music and today's reactions....Thank you

You are one of the two reactors I watch. I really enjoy hearing your insights into the songs, you're a bright guy!

How this voice was contained in somebody barely 5'3" is beyond me

If you got into the eighties music already, I recommend "Twist In My Sobriety" from Tanita Tikaram, I loved that song so much(still like it), she has a very unique voice and lyrics too. Her first album, Ancient Heart was a good one.

Your choice of British tunes from the 80's is superb. Most your age would find this stuff cheesy now, but you know...a tune is a tune. Forever.

straight guy here,this is a fantastic tune the emotion in it,it was ridiculous the stigma in the 80's,brave step for bronski beat,my parents thought i was weird for liking it

Love this song. Always try to sing along & fail miserably 😆😆

Loved Jimmy Sommervile and the comunards, Dont leave me this way was a school disco memory

This is a very soulful song and anyone who grew up in a troubled home will resonate with it. Such desperation. It was played on the "alternative" station where I grew up in NY. I was a young straight girl in Catholic school and felt very alone in many ways, and songs like this helped me understand I wasn't "abnormal" or a "freak," BUT found being considered either often leads to you becoming an interesting and compassionate member of society, far more than the people who abused or made fun of you. Thank you, J, for featuring this song.

oh wow, didn't know you reacted to it. Such a milestone, such an important song and video for so many people. Timeless. You can hear his pain. The video got real! Much more real than videos nowadays. It's basicly telling so many peoples every day life story.

Other songs of theirs i love is Tell Me Why & Don't Leave Me This Way, great songs, Jimmy Somerville great vocals.

Wow... listening to you stop and talk about your appreciation of the lyrics got me quite emotional. This was such an important song for so may of us to hear as teenagers when it came out. It was the very beginning of not having to accept a role of victimhood for being gay. Bronski Beat were one of the very first groups to be an openly gay, mainstream band and this was their first song and how they announced that to the world. Hearing this song at high school dances and having friends and bullies alike dance to it was life changing and signaled that my life as a young gay man would be different than that of the Bronski Beat guys before me. His voice is stunning. Here is an acoustic version he does years later which let's you hear the words and his voice better. His voice is a little gruffer but still s spine-chilling falsetto. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ebSYf7KXuraskWw.html Thank you for doing this one and introducing others to it.

Wow. After all these years listening and watching this video made me cry. Thinking of my buddy Kelly. We met as runaways when we were teens. I was tough me. I could take the hits. But him he didn't do so well. Not sure where my strength came from, probably my mom. But Kelly, his family rejected him. He was so kind and open to every one. He spent his time making sure we were all happy and okay. But in the end his soul crushed and he got ill and passed away. This song made me think of how much pain he must have been in. I miss my buddy, my best friend. Thanks though for this post. I needed this. Its made me realize I have to honour Kelly in some way.

2024 and I’m missing the 80s so much. This one just took me away and one you could just get lost to and dance at home.