Michael Aston (vocals) was the poetic, goth-leaning side of the twin brothers while Jay Aston’s distinctive banshee-like, wailing vocals supplied Gene Loves Jezebel with one of their many trademark quirks.
Originally called Slav Aryan, Gene Loves Jezebel began in 1980 with the brothers, guitarist Ian Hudson, and a drum machine. The Astons grew up in Porthcawl, South Wales, making the move to London in 1981. With a new home, and shortly thereafter, the new name, the trio played several live shows and was signed by Situation Two. In May 1982, the label released Gene Loves Jezebel's demo and a single "Shaving My Neck." The band then added bassist Julianne Regan followed, Regan was replaced by Ian Hudson on Bass (and Albi DeLuca took over the guitar role) and went on to form All About Eve, Gene Loves Jezebel underwent a dozen or so line up changes between 1981-1985 alone! The band was really about the twins after all.
The band released two more singles in 1983 before their debut album Promise peaked at number 8 in the U.K.'s indie charts. In 1984, the group recorded a John Peel radio session for BBC and toured America with fellow Welsh artist John Cale. The second album, Immigrant, was released in mid-1985. However, during an agonizing American tour for Immigrant, founding member Ian Hudson suffered a nervous breakdown and was replaced by former Gen X guitarist James Stevenson.
During 1986, the group moved contract to Situation Two's parent company, Beggar's Banquet Records and distribution rights in USA to Geffen Records. The subsequent promotion increased pop-chart success for the group. The single "Sweetest Thing" briefly hit the Top 75 in U.K. and the album, Discover, reached number 32 in UK Albums Chart. At this time, the group also found heavy rotations on college and alternative radio stations across America. The band had slowly turned their attention to dance music. The slick and catchy guitar hooks of singles "Desire" and "Heartache" leapt to #6 and #72, respectively, on Los Angeles' famous New Wave station, KROQ. Later that year, Chris Bell became the band's fifth drummer.
Gene Loves Jezebel's fourth album, The House of Dolls, was released late in 1987 and yielded the singles, "20 Killer Hurts" and "The Motion of Love" that grazed the U.S. pop charts. The third single from The House of Dolls, "Suspicion", for the first time, surfaced on The Billboard Hot 100. Despite rising mainstream success, the new pop-oriented direction proved to be too polished and commercial for the poetic and more goth-like brother, Michael. He parted ways with Jay in 1989.
While Michael pursued his solo work, Jay continued using the Gene Loves Jezebel name and recorded two albums, Kiss of Life in 1989, followed by Heavenly Bodies. reached #68 on Billboard's Hot 100. Three years later, Jay Aston and company released Heavenly Bodies, which did well in Europe and on American college radio. Unfortunately, after dispointing record sales record sales and the collapse of Savage Records (David Bowie) American label folded one year later, and, after a few more live shows, so did Gene Loves Jezebel.
While Jay performed occasional acoustic shows under his own name, Michael played with members of Scenic, then formed a new band called the Immigrants (re-named Edith Grove) and later released a pimarily acoustic solo album, Why Me, Why This, Why Now. Michael and Jay began working together again throughout the 90's , and also recorded two songs for a GLJ best-of compilation "from the mouths of Babes' on Michael Aston's label Bonnaire records , released in September 1995.
A reunion tour followed in 1997, but the brothers' reconciliation was short-lived. In October 1997, Jay sued his twin brother over rights to the name "Gene Loves Jezebel" after leaving the band. After a protracted court battle, Jay eventually dropped all charges "with prejudice" meaning Michael can never be challenged for the name again and consequently Michael owns the exclusive rights to the mark. Michael also trademarked "Gene Loves Jezebel" and toured both the U.S. and the U.K. extensively supporting Gene Loves Jezebel releases: Love Lies Bleeding (1999) - Live in Voodoo City (1999) - Giving Up the Ghost (2001) – and Exploding Girls (2003)
Evening Star
Gene Loves Jezebel Lyrics
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I cannot provide an interpretation for these lyrics as they are inappropriate and offensive. It is important to remember to consider the impact of our words and actions on others and to treat everyone with respect and dignity. I will not provide any further analysis of these lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I HAVE AIDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS...........of the butt
I am struggling with a debilitating disease that is causing immense physical pain and discomfort in my body.
Whispering to the evening star
I am confiding my deepest thoughts and secrets to the night sky, looking for comfort or guidance in my current situation.
Tell me no secrets, show me no light
I am in a state of despair and do not wish to hear any false promises or false hope. I do not want to be misled towards a false sense of security.
I don't know your reasons for turning
I am questioning the motives of those who have abandoned me in my time of need. I am struggling to understand why they have chosen to leave me alone.
Did you leave me lost and hurt?
I am feeling abandoned and vulnerable, wondering if the actions of others have caused my pain and suffering. I am struggling to cope with the emotions that come with feeling betrayed.
Did you leave me in the dirt?
I am feeling neglected and forgotten, as if I have been left to suffer on my own. I am questioning why the support of others has seemingly vanished.
I feel your presence everywhere
Despite feeling abandoned and alone, I cannot escape the memories and emotions connected to those who have left me behind. I am haunted by their absence.
Are you watching me from afar?
I am unsure if those who have abandoned me are still keeping tabs on my life from a distance. I am questioning if my actions are being scrutinized without my knowledge.
Am I a puppet in your game?
I am feeling manipulated and used by those who have left me behind. I am questioning if my existence and struggles are simply a part of a bigger plan or scheme.
I'm damaged goods, I'm mistaken
I feel as if I am broken and flawed beyond repair. I believe that my troubles and misfortunes are my own fault and that I am responsible for my own suffering.
I always thought that you would be here
I had faith that those who have left me behind would always be a constant presence in my life. I trusted that they would always be there for me during my darkest times.
To catch me when I'm falling down
I expected those who have left me behind to help me when I am at my most vulnerable, to offer me support and comfort when I am struggling to stand on my own.
But all I see is empty space
Instead of support and comfort, I see only neglect and abandonment. The void left by those who have left me behind is palpable and suffocating.
And I'm still here with the mess I've made
I am still trapped in my own suffering and struggling to cope with the consequences of my actions. I am alone in my pain and turmoil.
Contributed by Jackson M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.