The Life and Times of Boy George: A Review of His Autobiography Take It Like A Man
Take It Like A Man Boy George Ebook: A Candid and Entertaining Autobiography of a Pop Icon
If you are a fan of pop music, fashion or culture, you have probably heard of Boy George, the lead singer of Culture Club and one of the most influential figures of the 1980s. But do you know his real story? Do you know how he went from being a shy boy in Woolwich to a global superstar with millions of fans? Do you know what he faced behind the scenes, such as drug addiction, depression, legal battles and personal conflicts? Do you know how he overcame his challenges and reinvented himself as a DJ, producer, mentor and writer?
Take It Like A Man Boy George Ebook
If you want to find out the answers to these questions and more, you should read Take It Like A Man Boy George Ebook, the autobiography of Boy George co-written with Spencer Bright. In this book, Boy George tells his life story with complete honesty, biting wit and captivating style. He reveals his childhood memories, his musical influences, his relationships, his struggles, his achievements and his lessons learned. He also shares his opinions on various topics, such as sexuality, spirituality, politics, art and culture.
In this article, we will give you an overview of Take It Like A Man Boy George Ebook, including who is Boy George and why should you read his autobiography, what can you learn from his life story, what are the reviews and feedback from readers and critics, and how can you get your copy of the ebook version. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of Boy George's personality, career and legacy.
Who is Boy George and why should you read his autobiography?
Boy George is a British singer-songwriter, DJ, producer, author and fashion designer. He was born as George Alan O'Dowd on June 14, 1961, in Woolwich, London. He is the second of six children in a working-class Irish family. He grew up in a conservative and Catholic environment, but he always felt different and rebellious. He was attracted to music and fashion from a young age, and he developed his own style and identity. He was influenced by artists such as David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Shirley Bassey and Nina Simone.
Boy George became famous as the lead singer of Culture Club, a pop band that he formed with Mikey Craig, Roy Hay and Jon Moss in 1981. Culture Club was one of the most successful bands of the 1980s, selling over 50 million records worldwide. They had several hit songs, such as Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, Karma Chameleon, Time (Clock of the Heart) and The War Song. Boy George was known for his androgynous appearance, flamboyant outfits and colourful make-up. He became a media darling and a pop icon.
However, Boy George also faced many difficulties and challenges in his personal and professional life. He struggled with drug addiction, especially heroin, which affected his health, performance and reputation. He suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts. He had a turbulent relationship with Jon Moss, his bandmate and secret lover. He had legal troubles with his manager, his record company and the police. He had conflicts with other celebrities, such as Madonna, Elton John and George Michael. He also had to deal with the pressure and criticism of fame and fame.
Boy George managed to overcome his problems and reinvent himself in the 1990s and 2000s. He found sobriety, spirituality and new musical directions. He became a successful DJ, producer and mentor for young artists. He also explored other creative outlets, such as writing books, designing clothes and performing in musicals. He wrote his autobiography with Spencer Bright, a journalist and friend, in 1995. The book was published by HarperCollins in the UK and the US.
You should read Take It Like A Man Boy George Ebook because it is a fascinating and entertaining account of Boy George's life and career. It is not a typical celebrity autobiography that glosses over the dark and controversial aspects of fame. It is a candid and honest reflection of Boy George's experiences, thoughts and feelings. It is also a witty and humorous narration of Boy George's anecdotes, jokes and opinions. It is a captivating and engaging story that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
The early years: from Woolwich to West End
Growing up as the 'pink sheep' of an Irish family
Boy George was born as George Alan O'Dowd on June 14, 1961, in Woolwich, London. He was the second of six children in a working-class Irish family. His father, Jerry O'Dowd, was a builder who moved from Dublin to London in search of work. His mother, Dinah O'Dowd, was a housewife who raised her children with strict Catholic values.
Boy George described his childhood as "a mixture of love and violence". He loved his family, especially his mother, who supported him unconditionally. He also loved music, which was his escape from reality. He listened to records by artists such as David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Shirley Bassey and Nina Simone.
However, Boy George also faced violence and abuse from his father, who was an alcoholic and a gambler. He also faced bullying and rejection from his peers at school and in the neighbourhood. He felt different and isolated because of his sexuality, his appearance and his interests.
Boy George said that he knew he was gay since he was six years old. He said that he never tried to hide or change who he was. He said that he was proud of being gay and that he wanted to be like Shirley Bassey when he grew up.
Boy George called himself the "pink sheep" of his family because he stood out from his siblings and relatives. He said that he always wanted to be special and noticed. He said that he developed his sense of humour as a way of coping with his situation.
Discovering music and fashion as a teenager
Boy George discovered music and fashion as a teenager in the late 1970s. He said that music was his passion and salvation. He said that fashion was his expression and rebellion.
Boy George became interested in music when he saw David Bowie perform on television in 1972. He said that Bowie was his idol and inspiration. He said that Bowie showed him that it was possible to be different and creative.
Joining the Blitz Kids and meeting Malcolm McLaren
Boy George became part of the Blitz Kids, a group of young people who frequented the Blitz nightclub in London in the early 1980s. The Blitz Kids were known for their extravagant and eclectic fashion and music tastes. They were influenced by genres such as glam rock, punk rock, new wave and synth-pop. They were also influenced by cultures such as Japanese, Indian and African.
Boy George said that the Blitz was his "school of life". He said that he learned a lot from the other Blitz Kids, who were his friends and mentors. He said that he met many influential people at the Blitz, such as Steve Strange, Marilyn, Princess Julia, Philip Sallon and Leigh Bowery.
Boy George also met Malcolm McLaren, the manager of the Sex Pistols and the creator of the punk movement. McLaren was impressed by Boy George's style and personality. He invited him to join his new project, Bow Wow Wow, a band that mixed punk rock with African rhythms. Boy George agreed to join Bow Wow Wow as a backup singer and dancer.
However, Boy George soon left Bow Wow Wow after a conflict with Annabella Lwin, the lead singer of the band. Boy George said that Lwin was jealous of him and tried to sabotage his career. He said that he decided to form his own band instead.
The rise and fall of Culture Club
Forming the band and creating a unique image
Boy George formed Culture Club in 1981 with Mikey Craig, Roy Hay and Jon Moss. Craig was a bassist who played reggae and soul music. Hay was a guitarist who played rock and pop music. Moss was a drummer who played punk and jazz music. Boy George was the singer who wrote the lyrics and melodies.
Culture Club was a band that combined different musical genres and cultures. They mixed pop, rock, soul, reggae and new wave sounds. They also mixed British, American, Jamaican and Indian influences. They created a unique and original sound that appealed to a wide audience.
Culture Club was also a band that challenged the norms and stereotypes of gender and sexuality. Boy George was the most visible example of this. He wore flamboyant outfits and colourful make-up that blurred the lines between male and female. He also openly talked about his homosexuality and his relationship with Moss.
Boy George said that he wanted to create an image that was different from the other pop stars of the time. He said that he wanted to be more than just a singer. He said that he wanted to be an artist, a performer and a provocateur.
Achieving global success and fame with hits like Karma Chameleon
Culture Club achieved global success and fame with their hit songs in the early 1980s. Their first album, Kissing to Be Clever, was released in 1982. It featured their breakthrough single Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, which reached number one in several countries. It also featured other popular songs such as Time (Clock of the Heart) and I'll Tumble 4 Ya.
Their second album, Colour by Numbers, was released in 1983. It featured their biggest hit Karma Chameleon, which sold over five million copies worldwide. It also featured other successful songs such as Church of the Poison Mind, Miss Me Blind and Victims.
Their third album, Waking Up with the House on Fire, was released in 1984. It featured their controversial song The War Song, which criticized war and violence. It also featured other notable songs such as The Medal Song, Mistake No. 3 and Love Is Love.
Culture Club won several awards and accolades for their music and image. They won two Brit Awards for Best British Group and Best British Single in 1983. They won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1984. They were nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for Love Is Love in 1985.
Boy George became one of the most famous and influential pop stars of the decade. He appeared on numerous magazines covers, television shows and movies. He had millions of fans around the world who admired him for his talent, style and charisma.
Struggling with drug addiction, depression and legal troubles
However, Culture Club also faced many difficulties and challenges in their personal and professional life. They struggled with drug addiction, especially heroin, which affected their health, performance and reputation. They suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts. They had a turbulent relationship with each other, especially Boy George and Moss, who broke up and reconciled several times. They had legal troubles with their manager, their record company and the police. They had conflicts with other celebrities, such as Madonna, Elton John and George Michael. They also had to deal with the pressure and criticism of fame and success.
Boy George was the most affected by these problems. He became addicted to heroin in 1985, which caused him to lose weight, lose his voice and lose his fans. He tried to quit several times, but he relapsed repeatedly. He also became addicted to other drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy and LSD.
He became depressed and suicidal because of his drug addiction, his failed relationship with Moss and his declining career. He attempted to kill himself several times, but he survived. He also suffered from panic attacks, paranoia and hallucinations.
He had legal troubles because of his drug addiction and his behaviour. He was arrested for possession of heroin in 1986, which led to his public admission of his addiction and his rehabilitation. He was also arrested for assault, false imprisonment and harassment in 2005, 2006 and 2008.
He had conflicts with other celebrities because of his drug addiction and his opinions. He feuded with Madonna, who he accused of being a hypocrite and a copycat. He feuded with Elton John, who he accused of being a drug pusher and a liar. He feuded with George Michael, who he accused of being a closeted gay and a coward.
He had to deal with the pressure and criticism of fame and success. He said that he felt trapped by his image and his expectations. He said that he felt lonely and misunderstood. He said that he felt unhappy and unfulfilled.
The comeback and reinvention of Boy George
Finding sobriety, spirituality and new musical directions
Boy George managed to overcome his problems and reinvent himself in the 1990s and 2000s. He found sobriety, spirituality and new musical directions.
He found sobriety after several attempts at rehabilitation. He said that he finally realized that he had to change his life or die. He said that he decided to take responsibility for his actions and choices. He said that he learned to love himself and forgive himself.
He found spirituality after exploring different religions and beliefs. He said that he was always interested in spirituality since he was a child. He said that he experimented with Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. He said that he eventually adopted a form of Hinduism called Vaishnavism, which worships Krishna as the supreme god.
He found new musical directions after leaving Culture Club and pursuing a solo career. He said that he wanted to explore different genres and styles of music. He said that he wanted to express himself in different ways.
and events around the world. He produced music for himself and for other artists, such as Eve Gallagher, Dharma Protocol and Jesus Loves You. He mentored young artists, such as Sam Smith, Paloma Faith and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
He also explored other creative outlets, such as writing books, designing clothes and performing in musicals. He wrote several books, such as his autobiography Take It Like A Man, his novel The Devil in Sister George and his memoir Straight. He designed clothes for his own label B-Rude and for other brands, such as Fred Perry and MAC Cosmetics. He performed in musicals such as Taboo, The Rocky Horror Show and The A-Team.
He wrote his autobiography with Spencer Bright, a journalist and friend, in 1995. The book was published by HarperCollins in the UK and the US. The book was a bestseller and received critical acclaim.
Writing his autobiography with Spencer Bright
Boy George wrote his autobiography with Spencer Bright, a journalist and friend, in 1995. The book was titled Take It Like A Man: The Autobiography of Boy George. The book was published by HarperCollins in the UK and the US.
Boy George said that he wanted to write his autobiography because he wanted to tell his story in his own words. He said that he wanted to share his experiences, thoughts and feelings with his fans and with the public. He said that he wanted to set the record straight about his life and career.
Boy George said that he chose Spencer Bright as his co-writer because he trusted him and liked him. He said that Bright was a friend who knew him well and understood him. He said that Bright was a journalist who had interviewed him several times and had written articles about him.
Boy George said that he and Bright worked together on the book for two years. He said that they met regularly at Boy George's house or at Bright's office. He said that they recorded their conversations on tape and then transcribed them into text. He said that they also used other sources of information, such as diaries, letters, photos and articles.
Boy George said that he and Bright had a good collaboration and a good relationship. He said that they agreed on most things and disagreed on some things. He said that they respected each other's opinions and suggestions. He said that they had fun and laughter while working on the book.
What can you learn from Take It Like A Man Boy George Ebook?
Take It Like A Man Boy George Ebook is a book that you can learn a lot from. It is a book that offers insights and lessons from Boy George's life story. It is also a book that provides reviews and feedback from readers and critics.
The insights and lessons from Boy George's life story
How to be yourself and express your creativity
One of the main insights and lessons from Boy George's life story is how to be yourself and express your creativity. Boy George is a person who has always been true to himself and his vision. He has always followed his passion and his talent for music and fashion. He has always shown his personality and his style through his appearance and his performance.
Boy George is a person who has inspired many people to be themselves and express their creativity. He has inspired many people to embrace their differences and their uniqueness. He has inspired many people to explore their interests and their talents.
and your style through your appearance and your performance. You can learn how to be confident and proud of who you are and what you do.
How to cope with fame, pressure and criticism
Another insight and lesson from Boy George's life story is how to cope with fame, pressure and criticism. Boy George is a person who has experienced fame, pressure and criticism in his life and career. He has experienced the highs and lows of being a pop star. He has experienced the benefits and drawbacks of being famous. He has experienced the praise and the blame of being a public figure.
Boy George is a person who has learned how to cope with fame, pressure and criticism in his life and career. He has learned how to enjoy and appreciate the positive aspects of fame, such as recognition, admiration and success. He has learned how to deal with and overcome the negative aspects of fame, such as stress, isolation and scrutiny. He has learned how to accept and respond to the constructive and destructive criticism of his work and his actions.
You can learn from Boy George how to cope with fame, pressure and criticism by following his advice. You can learn how to balance your personal and professional life. You can learn how to manage your expectations and emotions. You can learn how to handle your problems and challenges. You can learn how to seek help and support when you need it.
How to overcome challenges and adversity
A third insight and lesson from Boy George's life story is how to overcome challenges and adversity. Boy George is a person who has faced many challenges and adversity in his life and career. He has faced challenges such as drug addiction, depression, legal troubles and personal conflicts. He has faced adversity such as bullying, rejection, discrimination and violence.
Boy George is a person who has overcome many challenges and adversity in his life and career. He has overcome challenges such as drug addiction, depression, legal troubles and personal conflicts by finding sobriety, spirituality and new musical directions. He has overcome adversity such as bullying, rejection, discrimination and violence by finding courage, resilience and forgiveness.
You can learn from Boy George how to overcome challenges and adversity by following his example. You can learn how to face your challenges and adversity with honesty, determination and optimism. You can learn how to find solutions and alternatives for your challenges and adversity. You can learn how to grow and learn from your challenges and adversity.
The reviews and feedback from readers and critics
The praise and appreciation for Boy George's honesty and wit
and wit. Readers and critics have praise