MIRROR-IMAGE MUSIC MAKERS
Two heads are always better than one. And in the music business, two voices sound better than one! So what could be better than making music with a sibling? Tuning up with a twin, of course! These two sets of successful twins have typical twin trials and tribulations. But they don't let anything get in the way of their impressive musical careers!GENE LOVES JEZEBEL
Extroverted. Romantic. Outrageous. Trendy. Gorgeous. British. The five-piece band known as Gene Loves Jezebel is all this and more!
Gene Loves Jezebel took its name from the group's leaders, twin brothers Michael and Jay Aston. Michael, who had hurt his leg and was limping like '50s rocker Gene Vincent, acquired the nickname Gene. Brother Jay picked up the moniker Jezebel, and the twins decided that combining their nicknames would make a great name for their new band.
That was way back in 1982. And they've been through a lot since then, Jay laughingly admits to 'TEEN. While it hasn't always been easy sharing the stage with a twin, the two claim to have had no unusual problems. Of course. "We say the worst things to each other, but we always make up," Jay confesses in his dreamy English accent.
In England, the band released Promise and a second album, Immigrant, but didn't tour the United States. So the acclaimed (but "underground") Britishers were virtual unknowns here. They also had some personnel changes. In fact, about 10 members came and went! But now with James Stevenson, Pete Rizzo and Chris Bell, the lineup is complete. (Hopefully!)
It took four albums for the outgoing band to really hit its stride.
Of course, Gene Loves Jezebel didn't tour the States until 1985. So how
were we to know about these dreamboats from overseas? Well, they've captured
the U.S., and stateside fans can't get enough!
Their latest album, House of Dolls, was recorded in England and Hollywood. And the songs on the album tend to reflect the twins' personalities and experience. Guitarist Jay explains some of their new songs: "'Gorgeous' is about being lonely in a nowhere town, such as the one we come from. And you're in a bar and a gorgeous girl walks in and there's that special spark. You fall in love instantly. Personally," admits Jay, "it hasn't happened to me yet. I'm still waiting for that perfect moment."
Another song that's been getting rave reviews is "20 Khz." "It's about using your own energy - not chemical or synthetically induced," explains Jay. "Natural adrenaline is all we need. Life is too special, too precious, to waste." Adds Michael, "it's a warning - as near as Gene Loves Jezebel will ever get to an anti-drug statement. We are, and always have been, anti-drug. But we don't stand on soapboxes."
This is one set of twins who aren't double trouble! And thanks to Jay's
red hair and Michael's blond locks, fans know who's who! Or was that Michael's
red hair and... In any case, though it may have taken these romantic British
musicians some time to reach the States, it's definitely been worth the
wait!
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