Erasure front man Andy Bell closed out Atlanta Pride’s stage on Saturday evening, following British pop songstress Rita Ora, who already had the crowd packed to the stage and ready to dance.
Bell, who has also had a successful solo career, treated fans to a set of favorites including Erasure hits like “Chains of Love.”
Appearing alone on stage, Bell began his set in suit jacket, then tossed it aside to dance and twirl in a sleeveless t-shirt. He also thanked his partner, who he is soon to marry, who was standing to the right of the stage during the show.
From folk and country crooners to dance music divas and up-and-coming pop sensations, Atlanta Pride packs a diverse mix of performers into two stages over two days. Pull out your smartphone and check out their websites to learn even more.
SATURDAY, OCT. 14
Coca-Cola Stage
Kat Graham
2 p.m.
http://katgraham.com
Andy Bell is not one to rest on his laurels. In addition to logging more than a quarter of a century as Erasure’s charismatic vocalist, notorious for his dance moves and fondness for costumes ranging from elaborate to skimpy, he found the time to release a couple of solo discs. Bell also made a name for himself on the DJ circuit.
As one of the headliners at the 2012 Atlanta Pride, Bell is scheduled to perform at 8:05 p.m. on the Coca Cola Stage.
GA Voice: Erasure marked its 25th anniversary a couple of years ago. Looking back at the early days, did you ever imagine that you and Vince [Clarke] would be celebrating such a milestone?
Andy Bell: I knew that I was a massive fan of Vince Clarke and it is a massive pleasure to work with him. Every day that we are all here is a blessing! So I never imagined we’d still be here 25 years later because I tend to take each day as it comes.
Amy Ray, known for her rocking solo shows and as half of the beloved Atlanta folk duo Indigo Girls, will headline the Sunday stage at Atlanta Pride, organizers announced today.
The annual festival is set for Oct. 13-14 in Piedmont Park. Pride officials had already announced that Andy Bell of Erasure would headline Saturday's entertainment.
Ray's performance is set for Sunday evening, immediately before the Starlight Cabaret drag extravaganza closes out the festival.
“We are thrilled to announce Amy Ray as our Sunday headliner!” said Glen Paul Freedman, Atlanta Pride board chair, in a press release announcing the show. “The 2012 line-up is shaping up to be a great one and with the addition of Amy Ray, our festival goers are sure to be entertained.”
The Atlanta Pride Committee today announced that Andy Bell, one half of the duo from Erasure, will perform at this year's Atlanta Pride festival on Oct. 13.
Bell's appearance will be sponsored by local gay nightlife/entertainment magazine David and Project Q Atlanta.
“We were thrilled when the guys from David and Project Q approached us about sponsoring Andy Bell to perform at the festival this year! It is because of relationships like this and commitments to the event that help us keep the festival free to anyone who would like to attend,” said Atlanta Pride Committee Board Chair Glen Paul Freedman.
With their first album in more than four years, English synthpop duo Erasure is making waves again as Vince Clarke and Andy Bell tour the world and make their way to the U.S. after a long hiatus.
“I think absence makes the heart grow fonder,” says Clarke in a telephone interview from Mexico City. “The tour is going really well, considering we haven’t played live in four years.
“People are quite mad and ultra enthusiastic,” Clarke adds in his British accent.
Clarke and openly gay Andy Bell come to Atlanta for a sold-out show on Sept. 3 at Center Stage. The show features local DJ Vicki Powell opening for the band as well as playing the official after party at the Loft located in the same venue.