Belouis Some

Neville Keighley grew up in Forest Hill, South London. He started playing guitar and writing songs while at school (Dulwich Prep London and Royal Russell School).[4] After leaving school in 1978, Keighley spent several years developing his songwriting, recording demos and playing small gigs.

Keighley's first release was "Lose It to You" b/w "Aware of You" on The Cue Record Label in 1981 under the name Nevil Rowe.[5] This record was produced in Crescent Studios, Bath, by David Lord and Darren Hatch, later of the Italo disco group My Mine. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith from the band Graduate, later Tears for Fears, played on the recording with Manny Elias on drums.

In 1982, Keighley formed a band and started performing live gigs as Belouis Some. Keighley played numerous gigs with his band across London and after a gig at The Embassy Club in Old Bond Street, Belouis Some was signed to Tritec Music by Paul and Michael Berrow, who at the time also managed Duran Duran.[4]

In 1983, Belouis Some was signed to Parlophone by EMI's David Ambrose, releasing the single "Target Practice" in 1984, his first single on a major label.[6] In 1985, a new version of "Target Practice" was recorded and produced by Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero; this new track was included on Belouis Some's first album and also later released as a single.[7]

Belouis Some's first album Some People was released in 1985.[8]

After initial production in London with Ian Little and Pete Schwier, Some People was produced by Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero in New York. Guitarist Carlos Alomar arranged and played on the sessions along with Bernard Edwards, Tony Thompson, Dave Lebolt, Jimmy Maelen, Carmine Rojas, Guy Fletcher, Gary Barnacle, Rick Bell, Jack Waldman, Chester Kamen, Robin Clark, Frank Simms and Earl Slick.[9]

The video for the first single release from the album, "Imagination", was directed by Storm Thorgerson and caused controversy as it contained full frontal nudity. The video for the second single, "Some People", also directed by Thorgerson, was used as a Swatch television advertisement in the U.S.[10][4]

"Some People" and "Imagination" were both US Hot Dance Club Play hits.[11]

Belouis Some's contribution to the Pretty in Pink soundtrack, "Round, Round", propelled him towards audiences outside of the clubs.[8] After worldwide chart success and extensive touring, including a support slot on Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 1985 US tour,[4] the single "Imagination" was re-issued in 1986[12] and became a hit in the UK. Both "Some People" and "Imagination" were remixed several times.

"Imagination" can be heard in the films Ghost Chase (Hollywood-Monster) and The Business.

In the summer of 1986, Belouis Some was one of the support acts on Queen's Magic Tour appearing at Knebworth, Paris and Manchester.[13][14]

In late 1986, Belouis Some recorded his second album Belouis Some in New York, produced by Gary Langan and Guy Fletcher.[8] Main band members were Carlos Alomar, Geoff Dugmore, Carmine Rojas, Chester Kamen, Jimmy Maelen (The Borneo Horns), Lenny Pickett, Steve Elson, Stan Harrison and Fletcher on keyboards.[15] Pete Townshend, Julian Lennon and Neal X made guest appearances on the album.[4]

"Let It Be with You" and "Animal Magic" were also both US Hot Dance Club Play hits.[11]

In 1989, Belouis Some formed The Big Broadcast. The band toured the UK playing small venues and clubs.[4]

In 1993, Belouis Some released the album Living Your Life on BMG Records. The album was produced in London by Geoff Dugmore and Nigel Butler. Musicians included Karl Hyde, Steve Barnacle, Peter Oxendale and J.J. Belle.[16]

In 1995, Belouis Some released the single "Let Me Love You for Tonight" produced by Richard "Biff" Stannard (Biffco) and Matt Rowe.[17]

In 2019, Belouis Some performed at the 1980s-orientated Let's Rock summer festivals across the UK.[18]

• List of performers on Top of the Pops
• Nudity in music videos
• Concerts at Knebworth House
• List of new wave artists and bands

• Belouis Some biography at Allmusic website