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Thank God It's Toby: Highlights
Andy Kyriacou
Andy Kyriacou is a musician and vocalist best known as the lead singer of the British pop band Modern Romance. Born in the United Kingdom, Kyriacou's musical journey took an unexpected turn in 1981 when he had a chance to meet with the members of Modern Romance and joined the band. Within a remarkably short period of eight weeks, the band achieved chart success with their first hit single, "Everybody Salsa."
As a member of Modern Romance, Andy Kyriacou embarked on extensive tours across the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Far East, captivating audiences with the band's unique sound. Their popularity extended worldwide, earning them Gold Discs for their tracks and albums in various territories, including Japan, Venezuela, and their home country, the UK.
In 1999, inspired by the success of the film Shrek, which featured Modern Romance's song "Best Years of Our Lives" on the soundtrack, Kyriacou made the decision to relaunch the band. This time, he took on the role of lead singer, breathing new life into the Modern Romance Sound and introducing it to a new generation of fans. Since then, the band has continued to tour extensively, forging connections and making friends around the world.
Modern Romance was originally formed in 1980 when Geoffrey Deane and David Jaymes, former members of the punk parody band the Leyton Buzzards, joined forces. After a few initial struggles, the band shifted their musical direction, blending Latin-American dance styles with bass, percussion, and brass, resulting in hits like "Everybody Salsa" and "Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey." The band experienced various lineup changes throughout their career, with Kyriacou joining as the drummer prior to the release of "Everybody Salsa."
Despite commercial ups and downs, Modern Romance achieved notable success in the early 1980s, including chart-topping hits such as "Best Years of Our Lives," "High Life," and "Walking in the Rain." Their compilation album, "Party Tonight," became their most successful release, reaching gold status within six weeks of its launch.
After the original band disbanded in 1985, Kyriacou pursued other musical endeavours before ultimately reforming Modern Romance in 1999. Although the current lineup does not feature any original band members, Kyriacou's leadership ensures the continuation of Modern Romance's iconic music. The band released albums such as "Back on Track" and "Moves 2 Fast," which featured re-recorded versions of their classic hits.
In addition to his musical career, Kyriacou successfully defended the band's name in a trademark dispute in 2019. Despite Geoff Deane's attempt to appropriate the name after a 36-year absence from the band, the Intellectual Property Office ruled in Kyriacou's favour, recognizing his continuous involvement and contributions to Modern Romance.
Andy Kyriacou's dedication to preserving the legacy of Modern Romance and his passion for sharing their music with fans old and new have solidified his status as a respected musician and vocalist in the British pop music scene. With his vibrant performances and unwavering commitment, Kyriacou continues to carry the Modern Romance Sound forward, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Highlights from Toby's Friday afternoon show on Shout Radio. Featuring chat with top showbiz guests.
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Sean Martin
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