The Holly Johnson Story Exhibition
Museum of Liverpool
12th September 2024
Louder Than War were invited to an exclusive preview of The Holly Johnson Story exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool before it opened to the public on 14th September. Who can forget the trailblazing Liverpool icon who fronted 80’s band Frankie Goes To Hollywood. It’s a personal experience for Andrew Twambley (words) and Melanie Smith (photos) as they take stock and reminisce about a fabulous time in music history.
On October 8th 1976, fresh into my first year at Liverpool Poly, I first attended Erics Club on Mathew Street, Liverpool, to see the American all-girl rock band, The Runaways. I was overcome by the irreverence and compelling atmosphere of this dank and dirty basement venue. I became a regular attendee for the next 4 years. All sorts of cool and charismatic characters worked here and floated around the club, some even playing in the house band, Big in Japan, with many going onto greater things. One such person was the unforgettable Holly Johnson.
Forty-seven years later I am invited to attend “The Holly Johnson Story” at The Museum of Liverpool, along with a celebrity-infused crowd of friends, family and admirers. I class myself in the latter category as I was, and am, far too uncool to have made his acquaintance. The opening of the exhibition marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s celebrated and seminal album, Welcome to the Pleasuredome, featuring all their 80s bangers.
Heralded as “ an exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of this pioneering LGBTQ icon”…..I approached the Liverpool Museum with some trepidation. The entrance space was inhabited by a gathering of helpful smiley people, handing out drinks and refreshments, with loud industrial music played by two colourful resident DJs. The time passed with me looking around, wondering if these people were the same ones that colonised Erics, all those years ago. Then suddenly Holly appeared, fully leathered up, with a flock of silver hair, and was introduced to the adoring congregation. After a brief yet impactful welcoming speech, this trailblazing LGBTQ + icon was whisked away and we were led into the exhibition.
The exhibits were displayed in an orderly fashion, starting with an introduction to his life, then taking us back to Erics and his unforgettable participation in his first big role……playing bass with Big in Japan. I was immediately transported back to 1976/77 through photographs and signed artwork. A little lump formed in my throat as I looked at some of the old Erics programmes and images….. memories from a time and a place that can never repeat itself……and is probably best remaining in my memory with legendary status.
We then moved on to Frankie and the band’s extraordinary impact on music and 80’s culture. I recall seeing the video for Relax on TV and couldn’t believe what I was experiencing. It pushed the boundaries of acceptance beyond known limits and fiercely led the way to a brave new world from which society could never return. We saw several of Hollys costumes, displaying with the videos behind them, all the while music played, transporting you back in time.
Leaving behind Frankie we were transported into Hollys solo career and his battles with HIV and standing as a champion for the (then) gay community, fighting against the dreaded Clause 28 and pushing for equal rights for all……all this whilst encountering personal tragedies of his own. Passing this transportation back to the eighties and nineties we were rewarded with an exhibition of Hollys distinctive art….. eye-opening work in its own right.
Once we had toured the exhibition along with the adulating populous, I needed to go again to soak up more memories of this revolutionary icon. Moving back into the museum entrance, there he was, talking to anyone and everyone, including little old me. I didn’t overstay my audience as he had a horde of disciples to please. Back in the entrance space I spied a little chap that I knew I knew, but couldn’t place. It was Norman “ the cat “ Killon the former resident DJ at Erics. He was oblivious to me, but he was the guy who ensured 3 years of my life ran smoothly. Another face popped up in our memories Lynne Burns who alongside her ex-husband Pete Burns (Dead or Alive) scared the living daylights out of people, back in the day.
What a monumental piece of work the exhibition is, well researched and put together over two years. It has been produced by Homotopia, DuoVision Arts and National Museums Liverpool, in collaboration with Holly Johnson. I urge anyone who was around in those days and anyone with an interest in music culture and icons to visit. Frankie says just go!
Please note: Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to contact the photographer please email: mel@mudkissphotography.co.uk (more photos can be found here:)
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The Holly Johnson Story is open from 14 September 2024 —27 Jul 2025 – get your tickets here:
Words by Andrew Twambley his author profile can be found here:
All photos by Melanie Smith – Louder Than War | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Portfolio
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