IN RECENT years the names at the top of the bill for Brighton Pride have considerably raised the festival’s profile, going from boyband Blue in 2014 to both Britney Spears and Nile Rodgers & Chic in 2018.
As we are starting to near the time of year when the next headliners of Brighton Pride are announced to the public we have put together a list of some of the artists we think should be the next to step on that stage in Preston Park
Abba
The Swedish Pop stars have recently reunited and recorded their first new material in 35 years so now 2020 seems like the perfect time for them to return to Brighton, just 46 years after their triumph in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, held at Brighton Dome.
Musicals and subsequent films have made the group popular with all generations in the years since they disbanded and ensures they would be a headliner for all ages.
Most anticipated song: 1974 Eurovision entry, Waterloo
Sir Elton John
Having completed his farewell tour just this summer, headlining Pride 2020 would be a milestone for the singer-songwriter, but then his career has been marked by such moves.
At 72, Sir Elton may no longer jump on his piano, but judging from his performance at Hove County Cricket ground this summer, that voice remains powerful enough to please a field full of people.
Most anticipated song: Crocodile Rock
Dolly Parton
The country music star may have more than 3,000 songwriting credits, well over 50 albums, and 25 Billboard number one singles to her name, but she’s never headlined Pride in the Park.
Being able to draw on hits such as I Will Always Love You and Here You Come Again would go down a storm.
Her set on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2014 was widely praised and called “a performance that surely needs a redefinition of the word crowd pleaser.”
Most anticipated song: Working Nine to Five
Iggy Pop
A more punk alternative, the lead singer of The Stooges offers a different tone to many options on our list.
Iggy has been enjoying a resurgence in recent years, with his 2016 album Post Pop Depression becoming his most successful ever in the charts. But, as the title of the record suggests, not much of it would be much use in Preston Park.
Most anticipated song: The Passenger
Dame Shirley Bassey
Now Dame Shirley, the voice behind some of the most iconic ballads and Bond themes ever and the first Welsh person to have a number one single could bring some gravitas to Preston Park in 2020
Winner of the 1977 Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist of the past 25 years, Dame Shirley’s credentials can’t be doubted, and even at 82, she is still performing. In August of this year she played Unicef’s Summer Gala in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, singing Goldfinger and S’Wonderful.
Most anticipated song: Diamonds are Forever
Madonna
Described by American LGBT magazine as “the greatest gay icon”, Madge’s transition from young Catholic girl in Michigan to the Queen of Pop wouldn’t be complete without at least one performance in Preston Park.
Before Kylie was announced this year, there were rumours that Madge would be the 2019 headliner. The highest-grossing solo touring artist of all time could add some more to her tally here.
Most anticipated song: Like a Virgin
Erasure
Recognisable for their 80s synth sound and their inclusions in all manner of soundtracks over the years, English pop duo Erasure is formed of Vince Clarke (a founding member of Depeche Mode) and Andy Bell.
Lead singer Andy has become something of a gay icon due to his openness about his sexuality and speaking eloquently about his HIV-positive status, making the band a great choice. Founded in 1985 and still active today, the duo is perhaps one of the more likely options on our list.
Most anticipated song: A Little Respect
Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi last performed in Brighton in 2011, when she played Dome and gave a performance that The Argus described at the time as “A powerhouse of infectious energy.” Her campaigning for LGBT rights in the US Election earned her a special guest invitation to Barack Obama’s 2013 inauguration.
In previous years petitions have tried to convince Cyndi to come and headline Brighton Pride, but none have yet been successful. A similar petition for the 2020 festival may only have eight signatures at the time of writing, but the Time After Time singer’s popularity has certainly not waned.
Most anticipated song: Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Fatboy Slim
What could be more fitting? Rivalled only by Nick Cave (now that would be a different Pride) for musicians associated with Brighton, DJ Norman Cook would certainly be a popular choice. In 2002, Cook’s Big Beach Party drew 250,000 people to Brighton, but it’s fair to say that the beach party taught the Pride organisers a lot about how to manage large crowds of people and a festival atmosphere.
Most anticipated song: Praise You
Who would be your dream headliner?
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