If you, like me, were around in the early 1980s, you cannot say the word 'fame' without adding "I'm gonna live forever..." The seminal performing arts movie Fame, directed by Alan Parker in 1980 begat the spin-off TV series which began in 1982. This in itself spawned a pop sensation with the TV cast going under the collective title 'The Kids From Fame'. For a couple of years, 'The Kids From Fame' were sensations, hit singles and LPs followed, as well as hysteria fuelled concert tours of Europe by the cast. Fame-mania seemed unstoppable. The BBC broadcast one of the concerts from the Royal Albert Hall. A debut LP soundtrack shot to number one in the album charts, thus cementing the pupils and staff of the New York High School Of Performing Arts in the British public consciousness.
Like many fads and fashions, the momentum couldn't be maintained. The BBC showed only four of the six seasons, with the curtain finally coming down on the series in the US in 1987. But Fame was a sleeping giant. The energy and sheer infectious joy of its songs and stories of empowerment through the performing arts continued to inspire a devoted band of fans, whose rose tinted specs has kept the flame of Fame alive! A quick look at the superb website The Kids From Fame Archive proves that Fame cast reunions are not exactly a rare occurance, the cast have continued to get together at sporadic intervals over the past four decades to join fans in celebrating the show.
Super fan Sue Hinds had the idea of reuniting the cast again in order to raise funds for the Claire House Childrens Hospice in Liverpool. Herculean efforts on her part saw a Liverpool concert reunion in 2009 which was received with great enthusiasm. A live CD recorded in Liverpool has also been released, marking the long overdue album return for 'The Kids From Fame'.
So, here we are in 2022 and we have the 40th Anniversary concerts taking place at the Town Hall in Birmingham. Sadly perhaps the two most recognisable faces of the series are not with us. Debbie Allen, who played fearsome dance instructor Lydia Grant and whose voice is heard at the start of every episode with the iconic words "Fame costs... and right here is where you start paying!" is an incredibly busy director / choreographer and not available for the UK concerts. Rather more sadly, Gene Anthony Ray alias the talented misfit Leroy Johnson, who blazed a trail with his incredible dance moves, passed away in 2003, aged just 41.
However, a core of the series veterans has been re-assembled for the Birmingham shows. And the Fame fans turned out in force at the opening of three nights. 'The Kids From Fame' are back but obviously the 'Kids' bit is no longer valid. All of tonights performers have had long and successful careers in showbiz outside of their Fame personas. They may be older, but they have lot none of their sparkle.
It is clear from the outset that the fans are up for a party and they get it from the off with a spirited 'Step Up To The Mike'. What becomes obvious is that the cast are having as good a time as the audience as the show progresses. Quite cleverly, given the performers are all now well into middle age, the show has the good fortune to have a troupe of dancers from the LIPA Academy, who don leotards and legwarmers to deliver that authentic 1980s high energy flavour to the evening. They are assisted by three very capable backing singers and a four piece band who belt out those iconic melodies in great style.
Each of the cast members have a solo chance to shine. Jesse Borrego delivers a fine 'The Other Side Of The Road'. Loretta Chandler rocks out with the movie song 'Hot Lunch Jam' and Cynthia Gibb offers a touching 'A Special Place'. P.R. Paul and Cynthia even gave us a live rendition of their new single 'Everything Works Out Just Fine'. But it is those songs we have come to know and love and have become part of the 1980s cultural fabric that get the biggest reception. Jesse stepped into Gene's shoes for 'Desdemona' and 'Life Is A Celebration' had the cast and audience in unison. Ladies of a certain age were on their feet as Carlo Imperato launched into 'Friday Night' and the silky voiced Valerie Lansburg sent us all wild donning a 'Doris Schwartz' wig as she brought the house down with 'Hi-fidelity' as if the years had never passed. Keyboard maestro Lee Curreri (Bruno Martelli in the series) was on hand all evening, whether solo, dueting with Valerie or simply accompanying the house band, he is still a remarkable talent. By the time the show reached the finale with a video tribute to the cast members no longer with us, shown as the cast performed their biggest hit 'Starmaker', we were all in Fame heaven. The songs have lost none of their nostalgic lure, and for a short time we were in a happier place where fame costs... but we were happy to pay.
These concerts are a hit on two levels. Obviously raising much needed money for a very worthy cause, and also feeding our need to feel better about the real world by taking refuge in past, happier, times. Judging by the euphoric reaction of the audience on the opening of the three nights, it is perfectly possible that Fame just might live forever!
Rob Cope
The live CD can be ordered HERE or downloaded from online music sources. A new book on the Fame phenomenon is also raising funds via Amazon
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