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CINCINNATI, OH- It’s been over three decades since Belouis Some graced U.S. stages, but the recent tour alongside Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel marked a long-awaited return for the enigmatic voice behind 1980s classics like “Imagination” and “Some People.” With a charismatic stage presence and a band of seasoned New York musicians, Neville Keighley reminded audiences not only of his place in pop history but also of his enduring relevance. Ahead of his return to the road for Richard Blade’s Lost ‘80s Live summer tour, we caught up with Keighley to reflect on his past hits, his experience writing for Pretty in Pink, and what fans can expect from his long-anticipated new material.
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BLURRED CULTURE: Let me start by saying it was a genuine pleasure to meet you in Cincinnati. Judging by the audience reaction to your set, it seems that you have a warm welcome back after your 30-year hiatus. What are your thoughts on that?
Neville Keighley: I was so pleased, it was a great night! The audience was ready to have a good time, and The Ludlow Garage is such a fantastic, historic venue.
BC: Your band was tight. Who do you have on the road with you? They complement you well.
NK: They’re a band of New York musicians… Bruce Martin (keys), Pablo Martin (guitar), Sean Seymour (bass), and Kevin Tooley (drums). Kevin, who I’ve known for a few years, put the band together, and they’ve all played with so many great bands over the years. Bruce and Pablo were both in the Tom Tom Club with Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz, so a lot of history.
BC: The songs you are playing on this tour—are they all from your original albums?
NK: Yes, from Some People and Belouis Some. It felt so good to be playing the songs live again after so many years. The audience responded well to them—I was thrilled. I had the opportunity to talk with Neville and this is the result of it.
BC: How do you feel about dusting off your three hits from your career?
NK: I loved it. I didn’t feel like the songs had aged at all, and they seemed to mean a lot to the audience—maybe bringing memories and stirring emotions.
BC: As you well know, Gen Xers have an affinity for John Hughes films, and Pretty in Pink is top on the list. Would you please share the story of “Round and Round” and how it ended up on the soundtrack?
NK: John Hughes was a fan of “Imagination” and called me in London and asked if I would write a song for his new film. Of course, I said “yes,” and he sent that particular part of the script. It was hard to write “to order”—I’d never done it before. I recorded the final version in Los Angeles, produced by Bernard Edwards from Chic.
BC: Are you working on new music?
NK: Yes. I have a finished album ready to release, and I’ve recorded some demos for the next album. I’m very excited about the new songs.
BC: After this tour with Gene Loves Jezebel, you’ll return for Richard Blade’s Lost ‘80s Live summer tour. What else does the future hold in the foreseeable future?
NK: A new single released before the tour! It’s going to be very different, and I can’t wait for people to hear it. Could be a shock.
BC: Thank you for your time and answering these questions. I wish you much luck in this next chapter of your career.
NK: Thank you. It was my pleasure, and I’m glad you enjoyed Cincinnati. I loved the city, and the audience was amazing.
The tour has already ended, but Belouis Some will be back with dates on Richard Blade’s Lost ‘80s Tour this summer. I wish you well, Mr. Keighley, on all your future endeavors. It was a blast watching you step back into your place on U.S. stages. Hopefully, some new music will be offered soon as well.
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