ENGLISH pop icon Boy George has rebuffed talks that he is difficult or a demanding person adding that they are just misconceptions about him.
“They say I’m difficult. That I’m a diva. I hear things that I’m demanding. As long as I put my makeup on and my hat I’m fine,” said Boy George, during an interview on “Tonight with Boy Abunda” aired over ABS-CBN.
Boy George, whose real name is George Alan O’ Dowd, is in Manila for his one-night only concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City on June 18.
In the same interview, the “Karma Chameleon” hit maker said that he loves hats and shoes. “Hats are beautiful objects. I’m obsessed with hats.”
Last June 14, Boy George turned 55. The Grammy-winning member of the band Culture Club said that he is used to working on his birthdays.
“I like to be working when I’m celebrating my birthday. You get to share your birthday with your fans. I have a wish but I can’t tell you what it is,” laughed Boy George. “What about 10 cakes this year? I love giving cakes. So I keep blowing candles but I can’t tell you what it is but I’ll let you know if it comes true. I have 10 wishes over and over.”
Boy George also said that music keeps him sane and he loves people staring at him.
“When I was younger, I kinda like people stare at me. So the natural platform for me would be in music because you have people staring at you. I love music because it kept me sane. Music is a powerful thing.”
Boy George, who charmed music fans with his androgynous looks, also said that he admires David Bowie and Prince for their great music.
“I love David Bowie. I was 11 years old when I first saw him. When I saw him I wanna be like him. He’s s a great guy and a great loss. He was my biggest influence. Prince is also a genius,” he said.
During the “Fast Talk” portion of the show, Boy George chose Cyndi Lauper over Madonna. His favorite movie is “Cabaret” and his biggest rival was George Michael whom he considers now a friend.
Given the chance, Boy George said he would love to raid the closet of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos. He also said Manila is his favorite city.
Boy George and the Culture Club blasted to the music scene with the song “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” which went to No. 1 in many music charts in Europe and No. 2 in the US in 1982. It was lifted from the band’s debut album “Kissing to be Clever.”
A year later, his group hit No. 1 with the song “Karma Chameleon” from the group’s sophomore album “Color by Numbers.”
Other hits of the band include “Time,” “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya,” “Church of the Poison Mind,” “Miss Me Blind,” “It’s a Miracle,” “The War Song,” “Move Away,” “Love is Love,” “Mistake No. 3,” among others.