The Passions profile picture

The Passions

The official page of the Passions

About Me

The Passions were a West London band of the late 70's and early 80's, who helped create the template for the introspective, quirky pop common in the Indie era. Signed to Fiction records with the Cure, their debut album Michael And Miranda featured ringing, echoed guitars and observant lyrics. The Passions had a two boy, two girl line up that added to their fresh appeal. After a personnel change and newly signed to Polydor Records in 1980, the Passions released two singles, The Swimmer and I'm In Love With A German Film Star. The latter became a hit and exposed the band to a new audience. Five more singles and two albums followed, Thirty Thousand Feet Over China and Sanctuary. The band toured Britain and Europe extensively and performed in America during 1983, making many new friends. Lack of business acumen and explosive personal relationships caused the Passions to implode on their return to Britain. The band's last ever gig was at the Marquee in Wardour Street on the 28th August 1983, counted by many as the best they ever did.
In the last few years there has been increasing interest in the band, nearly a quarter of a century after they split, and an ever growing collection of cover versions of German Film Star, eleven to date including one by the Foo Fighters in 2005 (see video below left).
None of the band's material is currently available except the compilation 'Passion Plays', originally released on Polydor in 1985, which is available as a CDO (CD On Demand) from the Disk Kiosk . However the band are working on getting their entire back catalogue re-released and hope to have some news soon.
German Film Star now re-released.
Download from
UK iTunes
or
US iTunes
For everthing there is to know about the Passions and German Film Star, go to www.thepassions.co.uk and wikipedia
For Passions related discussion and chat go to the forum



MyGen Profile Generator

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 6/23/2006
Band Website: thepassions.co.uk
Band Members: 'Michael and Miranda': Claire Bidwell (bass), Barbara Gogan (vocals/guitar), Clive Timperley (guitar), Richard Williams (drums)

'30,000 Feet Over China': Barbara Gogan (vocals/guitar), Clive Timperley (guitar), David Wardill (bass), Richard Williams (drums)

'Sanctuary': Barbara Gogan (vocals/guitar), David Wardill (bass), Richard Williams (drums) plus Kevin Armstrong (guitar), Jeff Smith (synthesiser)

Record Label: Fiction, Polydor
Type of Label: Major

My Blog

Passions Reunited

After a gap of 27 years the original Passions played together again last weekend. Barbara, Claire, Clive, David and Richard met up in a rehearsal studio in Shepherds Bush (where else?) and played song...
Posted by The Passions on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:53:00 PST

Thirty Thousand Feet Over China and Katsen

At long last we can now confirm that the Passions' second album will be re-released as a CD on Cherry Red Records on the 21 July 2008. It's been re-mastered from the original tapes and will include fi...
Posted by The Passions on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:02:00 PST

And another

Blimey, they’re coming thick and fast now, is there no end to this 80s nostalgia? Another compilation has just been released featuring ’I’m in Love with a German Film Star’ (wh...
Posted by The Passions on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:08:00 PST

Ashes to Ashes soundtrack

Well it had to happen, Sony are releasing a soundtrack compilation album to tie in with the BBC1 series. Its to be released on the 17 March and includes a full length German Film Star. Its expected to...
Posted by The Passions on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:44:00 PST

West End Girl

Just heard that the Pet Shop Boys are releasing a cover version of German Film Star with Sam Taylor Wood singing the lead vocal. How cool is that?Full details here...
Posted by The Passions on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:00:00 PST

The tune that never dies

We've been told that 'German Film Star' featured on the soundtrack of 'Ashes to Ashes' on BBC1 last night. For those who don't know, 'Ashes to Ashes' is set in 1981 and is a follow up to 'Life on Mars...
Posted by The Passions on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 02:51:00 PST

Whats in a name?

We've just noticed yet another American band going by the name of Passions. This one describes itself as an Emo band and has very recently undertaken a short tour of the UK. We know some people actual...
Posted by The Passions on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:01:00 PST

German Film Star available on US iTunes

At last German Film Star is available on US iTunes. Whether this is anything to do with our efforts is anyone's guess, but here it is as part of the 'New Wave Gold' album....
Posted by The Passions on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:59:00 PST

Another Film Star cover!

Just been told about yet another cover of German Film Star by Antonio. This one's really good, very unusual. My only criticism s that its far too short, I could listen to it for hours. Check it out an...
Posted by The Passions on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 02:58:00 PST

Film Star covers and vids

Just discovered a charming stripped down version of German Film Star by Katsen featuring Donna on vocals.Also found a video of Seattle band Sushirobo playing their version of the song live on a US TV ...
Posted by The Passions on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 09:11:00 PST