British Pop Scene Spawns Another Oddity (Press, 30 April 1986)
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Summary: British Pop Scene Spawns Another Oddity (Press, 30 April 1986)
A new trend in the music scene has emerged that is causing quite a stir among parents concerned about their teenagers' musical choices. This trend features a group known as Sigue Sigue Sputnik, fronted by Martin Degville, who embodies the concept of a "shemale". Unlike previous gender-bending acts like Boy George or Marilyn, Degville's performance integrates raw macho violence with a provocative aesthetic that raises questions about gender identity. Degville, hailing from a tough West Midlands housing estate, is known for his flamboyant style, which includes long spiky hair, blacked-out eyes, and a fishnet mask. He wears bisexual clothing and has been noted for inciting audience violence, using racist jokes and obscenities to provoke both attendees and those around him during performances. This volatile atmosphere has led to physical altercations, including one incident in Coventry where Degville was struck and required seven stitches. As the public grapples with Degville’s persona, an analysis reminiscent of the reactions to Boy George has begun to surface in media discussions. Raised in a challenging working-class environment, Degville originally worked as a clothes designer and even shared accommodation with Boy George in Birmingham before venturing into music. Interestingly, Degville lacks a conventional musical background, but the group achieved a measure of success with their hit single "Love Missile F-111," which climbed to No. 2 on the British charts. Known for his love of fashion, Degville recalls childhood memories of playing dress-up in his mother’s clothes, proudly declaring himself "the prettiest man alive". His self-deprecating humour extends to a recognition of his prominent ears, which he often tape back when performing, with a crew member on hand for emergency adjustments. Despite the initial buzz and outrage surrounding Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Degville’s provocative act, critics speculate that the group may not endure in the long term, potentially fading into relative obscurity within the music industry. Nonetheless, any teenager seeking to attend a Sigue Sigue Sputnik concert is likely to provoke a dismayed reaction from their parents.
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