The Holly Johnson Story Archive

The exhibition

In the 1980s Britain was changing. Social and political unrest led the way for a cultural revolution, set against a backdrop of synth-pop music and experimental sounds. The ‘80s was a time of innovation and rebellion, punks, and new wave bands, and at the forefront stood Holly Johnson.

The Holly Johnson Story celebrates Holly’s creative genius, and marks the 40th anniversary release of Frankie Goes to Hollywood album, ‘Welcome to the Pleasuredome’, featuring songs ‘Relax’, ‘Two Tribes’ and ‘The Power of Love’.

This exhibition charts Holly’s early personal life and career, from a young musician to an internationally renowned, openly gay star, living in the public eye. Dealing with the price of fame, coping with an HIV+ diagnosis and unwanted negative press, whilst going it alone as a monumental LGBTQ+ icon.

Through polarising emotions of glamour and sexual liberation, alongside fear, loss and stigma, The Holly Johnson Story tells the stories of people who experienced the gay scene in the 1980s, and the devastating impact and legacy of HIV.

The Holly Johnson Story has been produced by Homotopia, DuoVision Arts and National Museums Liverpool, in collaboration with Holly Johnson.

The Holly Johnson Story is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

 

 

The impact of HIV and AIDS on LGBTQ+ Liverpool

The oral histories give first hand accounts of the cultural melting pot that was Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ scene in the 1970s and 80s and the emergence and impact of HIV/AIDS on this community.

We hear about this horrendous disease from five people who saw its impact and share their experiences – Carl, Nick, Maria, Gerry, Cathy, Martin and James.

We hear about how fanciful rumours of a ‘gay cancer’ from America quickly became a terrifying reality. They share memories of how diagnoses felt more like death sentences. We discover how public health workers went above and beyond to support the community. They tell us about how amongst this culture of fear, they found solace and support underneath the mirror ball. And absolutely kept dancing!

A podcast series was created using the oral histories in association with NML.
The Holly Johnson Story is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

HIV AND AIDS EPIDEMIC

The 1980s saw the LGBTQ community devastated by the rise of the AIDS epidemic, claiming lives and creating fear by a homophobic press campaign.

In 1991 Holly was diagnosed as HIV positive, he stopped making music and began writing his autobiography, painting and coming to terms with his AIDS diagnosis.

Withdrawing from the world, writing and painting became his main creative outlet.

After telling his family of his HIV infection, supported by his partner Wolfgang, Holly announced his HIV status in The Times Easter edition 1993. However he is crucified by the tabloid press who steal the article before it is printed.

Despite the constant negativity that was directed at gay men and those affected by HIV from the tabloid press, the support Holly received from fans and LGBTQ community was unwavering.

By 1996 the advances in treatment for HIV saw the introduction of antiretroviral combination therapy become the standard of care for those affected with the virus with extremely positive life changing results.