Steve Bronsky: ‘Smalltown Boy’ star dies at 61

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Steve Bronsky died at the age of 61, here at a concert in London in 1984.
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Bronski founded Bronski Beat with Larry Steinbachek and Jimmy Somerville (from left).
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He is said to have died of a stroke.
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His bandmate Steinbachek (from left) died of cancer five years ago.

A great mourning for ’80s superstar Steve Bronsky. A friend confirmed to the BBC that the musician died at the age of 61. Bronski became known as the keyboardist of the namesake for the band Bronski Beat. He founded this with Jamie Somerville (60) and Larry Steinbachek (1960-2016).

According to Bild, Bronsky, whose real name is Steve Forrest, has been in poor health in recent years. He is said to have died of a stroke. His bandmate Larry Steinbachek died of cancer five years ago.

Breakthrough with “Smalltown Boy”

Bronski Beat got off to a great start in 1984 with her song “Smalltown Boy,” which is about small-town gay problems. Until then, the three Britons publicly stood by their sexuality and sent political messages along with their songs over and over. This was followed by their hit “Why” before Somerville left the group. They replaced him with John Foster (60) and celebrated once again with a hit with Hit That Perfect Beat.

On Twitter, former bandmate Somerville mourns Steve Bronski. He writes, “It is sad to hear of Steve Bronsky’s passing,” adding, “He was a very talented and musical man. Working with him on songs and the one and only song that changed our lives and affected so many other lives was a fun and enjoyable time. Thanks for the tune Steve.” (BSN)