Jimmy Somerville: Queer Rebel of British Pop

Overview

With his soaring falsetto and magnetic yet understated stage presence, Jimmy Somerville burst onto the 1980s new wave scene, making the world dance to songs rooted in struggle and resilience. From the harsh realities of Glasgow’s working-class neighborhoods to the challenges of growing up gay in a hostile world, and the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis, Somerville transformed pain into anthems of freedom. First with Bronski Beat, then The Communards, and later as a solo artist, he became both rebel and diva—the unmistakable voice of a generation fighting for equality. Through intimate stories from those who have stood by him for four decades, this portrait reveals a rare artist who has never wavered in his convictions.

Cast

Jimmy Somerville

Self (archive footage)

Félix Maritaud

Narrator (voice over)

Sarah-Jane Morris

Self : Friend & Singer

June Miles-Kingston

Self : Friend & Singer

Richard Coles

Self : Friend, Musician & Anglican priest

Didier Lestrade

Self : Friend & Activist-Journalist

Mark Ashton

Self (archive footage)

Bibhu Bhattacharya

Self

N/A

Colin Stewart Bell

Self

N/A

Otis Coulter

Self

N/A

Hugues Ozouf

Self

Tom Rasmussen

Self