Rumours have been swirling, but the secret is 'out' in Bob Downe's latest live show – 'Bob, Sweat & Tears'.
The Prince of Polyester is manning up to perform a bunch of new hits and some old classics, so when we asked Bob to give us a top five, he presented us with his fav macho-man songs.
1. Billy, Don't Be A Hero - Paper Lace (1973)
A powerful, eloquent cry against the senseless waste of war, all wrapped up in an incredibly annoying series of hooks and novelty tricks. "Keep your pretty head low..."
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2. I'm The Leader Of The Gang (I Am) - Gary Glitter (1973)
As with Rolf Harris now, the systematic erasing of all evidence of a wildly successful recording and concert career is slightly Stalinist and just a mite Maoist - almost as creepy as the convicted crimes themselves. I sing Gary Glitter songs as a protest.
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3. Mull Of Kintyre - Wings (1977)
The top selling single of the 70s, and at the time, the biggest selling single ever. It was a long climb down for Paul McCartney from the creative heights of YESTERDAY only a decade before. And now he's turned into Linda.
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4. Jacky - Marc Almond (1991)
A fabulously camp, overwrought and over the top dance cover (produced by Trevor Horn) of the Jacques Brel cabaret classic, in which TAINTED LOVE singer Marc Almond fantasises about domination of women, Paris and the pop world. Well, two out of three ain't bad! Speaking of which...
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5. I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) - Meatloaf (1993)
The title says it all, really. Yet another version of the song that Jim Steinman wrote over and over and over again... Well, when I say 'song', more like a club over the head.
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Honourable Macho Song Mentions:
Radar Love (Golden Earring)... Take A Letter Maria (R B Greaves)... Marie's The Name Of His Latest Flame (Elvis)... The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence & 24 Hours From Tulsa (Gene Pitney)... Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison)... Delilah (Tom Jones)... Jump (Van Halen)... Macho Man (Village People).
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Bob Downe performs at the Brisbane Powerhouse from the 8th to the 11th October.
