Legendary artists Peter Murphy and Boy George have combined forces for a gorgeously majestic new single entitled ‘Let The Flowers Grow’.
Produced and co-written by Youth, their duet on what is a profoundly emotional orchestral masterpiece is available on Metropolis Records.
Murphy recalls: “I was recording my new album in Spain with Youth and, while listening to a playback of a song, I heard another piece of music coming from his mobile phone. It caught my ear for its melodic beauty as well as a Roy Orbison-like voice that was singing it.” Upon learning that it was an unfinished demo written by Boy George, he was intrigued and asked Youth if he could work on the partial song. “In a matter of twenty minutes, we had ‘Flowers…’ finished.”
“When I heard the mix, I was satiated in every way,” beams Boy George. “I have always loved Pete’s voice and his writing on this adds a beautiful darkness. The production feels very epic, like Scott Walker.”
‘Let The Flowers Grow’ carries an air of elegance, the iconic voices of both singers delivering a message of hope and tolerance. Originally written by Boy George, its initial message was one of personal acceptance about being gay. As the song developed, it took on a more expansive and universal scope, its lyrics extending beyond sexuality and embracing race, gender, creed and religion. “With everything going on in the world about identity, it feels very powerful,” he explains.
The mutual adoration between the duo has spanned decades. “I first met Boy George when he asked to be allowed backstage to meet Howard Devoto when Bauhaus were supporting Magazine,” recalls Murphy. “He struck me as a super-original, self-styled 17th Century fop. The second time I met him was when we walked into the BBC to do ‘Ziggy Stardust’ on Top of the Pops where Culture Club were also making their debut on the show. George greeted me very warmly and I discovered he was a Bauhaus fan.”
With the single unveiled, Boy George adds:“It makes me dizzy and proud,” while Murphy concludes: “Boy George loves it and I’m so glad.”
PETER MURPHY : photo by Jolene Siana | BOY GEORGE : photo by Dean
LET THE FLOWERS GROW
Written by Peter Murphy/Boy George/Youth
Lyrics by Peter Murphy/Boy George
Produced by Youth
Recorded and Mixed by Michael Rendall
Assistant Engineers – Eddie Banda and Lore Young
Mastering by Tim Debney
Voice: Peter Murphy
Voice: Boy George
Guitars: Youth
Drums: Eddie Banda
Synths/Programming: Eddie Banda
Synths/Programming: Michael Rendall
Flamenco Guitar/Bouzouki/Arabic Oud/Electric Guitar: Amir John Haddad – EL AMIR