It has to be admired when a song released in 1984 seems as relevant as ever some 42 years later, even if it is for pretty bleak reasons. That is one of many reasons to select an absolute classic for this weeks blog. Ladies and gentleman – please sit back and appreciate the sheer brilliance of Two Tribes.
The artist
The scourge of the BBC, Frankie Goes To Hollywood were one of the most infamous bands of the early-mid eighties – to such an extent that their column inches in the tabloids frequently overshadowed the brilliance of their music.
Holly Johnson formed an initial version of the band in 1980 (they took their name from an advertisement for a Frank Sinatra film), though that incarnation quickly ended. Johnson kickstarted the band again in 1982, with Peter Gill (drums), and brothers Mark (bass) and Jed O’Toole (guitar). Jed left soon after and was replaced by his cousin, Brian Nash. They played their first gig at Pickwicks (a Liverpool club), where they recruited backing singer and dancer Paul Rutherford. Influenced by established Liverpool groups such as Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Echo & the Bunnymen, and The Teardrop Explodes, Johnson admitted that he wanted the band to be provocative and influential, melding the genres of disco and punk. They quickly established a loyal following and a reputation for being one of the edgier music acts of the time, a view perhaps best personified when they performed on cult TV music show The Tube in February 1983 dressed in fetish outfits. Johnson admitted to that being a calculated move intended to attract the attention of record labels, though many were too afraid to sign them. One new label though, ZTT (founded by legendary producer Trevor Horn) were willing to take that risk and signed the band in May of that year.
Their first single, Relax, was recorded as several different versions before one which Horn arranged without the band, featuring drum machines and synthesisers, was selected. It was released in October 1983 and although initial sales were slow, they gathered momentum after a debut performance on Top of the Pops in January 1984. It didn’t take the BBC long to ban the song, resulting in publicity which money couldn’t buy. A mere fortnight later, Relax hit the top spot in the UK singles chart, where it stayed for 5 weeks. The BBC reversed the ban and Frankie went on to dominate the charts that year, achieving three number one singles and becoming the most talked about band in the country. At that time, they became just the second act in the history of the UK charts to reach number one with their first three singles (following fellow Liverpudlians Gerry and the Pacemakers, who achieved the feat in the sixties).
Their success was short-lived though. Their fourth single, Welcome to the Pleasuredome, was released in March 1985, reaching number two in the UK singles charts. They continued recording, though Johnson was becoming increasingly distant and was apparently unhappy with the band taking more of a rock direction, rather than the dance music he preferred. The single Rage Hard was released in August 1986 and reached number four in the charts – something of a disappointment for the band. Johnson left the band in 1987 to pursue a solo career, leaving behind an incredible legacy for an act together for such a short period.
Why I’ve chosen to write about this song
I found choosing a first Frankie song so difficult! Welcome to the Pleasuredome was the first single I bought with my own money (!) and any one of those first three singles (Relax, Two Tribes, or The Power of Love) would have been appropriate for this blog (and will all figure at some point). However, Two Tribes is my absolute favourite of the three. I’ve written previously about 1984 being the year I pretty much became really obsessed with music (as a ten-year-old). I listened to the singles and albums my mum & dad bought all the time, and I watched Top of the Pops religiously. I vividly remember seeing the band perform Relax for the first time. Of course, at that age, I didn’t understand the meaning of the songs or the controversy they caused, but that didn’t stop me loving them. The sound on Two Tribes was like nothing I’d ever heard. The sheer power of that initial bassline set my heart racing and still does to this day. The cymbal-heavy drum part fizzes along, the second bass riff which kicks in over the line Cowboy number one genuinely sends a bolt of excitement through my veins every single time I hear the song, the delay-heavy guitar parts throughout still sound menacing and brilliant in equal measure, whilst the overall production still sounds astonishing. Of course, at that age, I didn’t understand the deeper meaning of the lyrics. When the realisation dawned that this was an anti-war song focusing on the threat of nuclear annihilation, it just added an extra layer of mystique.
The video
Quite simply, one of the most memorable music videos of the entire decade. Given the subject matter, of course the video was going to feature the US President (Ronald Reagan) and the Soviet leader (Konstantin Chernenko) wrestling in what appears to be a subterranean pit whilst a baying crowd places bets and scream for violence and chaos! Safe to say, Bucks Fizz this ain’t! Throughout, Johnson plays the role of a US-style host, maintaining his composure whilst everything around him crumbles, all in the name of entertainment. He seems a natural at this, and it illustrates the star quality and magnetism he had – you’d be forgiven for thinking he’d play this role his entire life.
As the end of the video nears, chaos ensues and the crowd erupt into violence, just prior to the inevitable ending of the entire planet exploding. Not exactly subtle, but still a powerful warning of the potential damage to be caused by those on political ego-trips. Does that sound familiar to anyone as we sit here in 2026 and try to make sense of what is going on in the world around us?
The stats
Although commonplace these days, songs entering the charts at number one in the early-mid eighties was a rarity. Two Tribes achieved that feat though, hitting the top of the 16/6/84 chart. It stayed there for nine weeks, making it the longest running UK number one single of the decade. During that period, Relax also rose to number two, making Frankie only the fourth act in UK chart history (at that time) to achieve this.
The cover version
I was looking for a full-on rock cover as this is clearly a song begging for that! However, there aren’t many around (I need to rectify that when I eventually start my eighties cover band…), though I did stumble across this great version whilst I was looking. The artist is White Noon and the album title ‘Café Ibiza – Acoustic Lounge Session’ tells you everything you need to know about the style this song adopts. I love it! The flamenco inspired arrangement works really well and there is brilliant use of space between the notes / chords. Overall, a really pleasant surprise.
The wrap-up
I’ll keep this one very brief. One of the finest songs of the decade from one of the most important bands of the decade. Put some headphones on / pop in some earbuds, turn it up and enjoy!
Best wishes.
Mick
