Win tickets to see Go West!

Peter Cox found his place in the music industry when he met fellow musician Richard Drummie. 25 years on, one of the biggest duo acts of the 80s is still performing with a brand new album and UK tour.

Peter grew up with the influences of reggae, motown and blues rock. An undisputable talent for singing led to Peter performing in bands from a young age and whilst working in the Twickenham area, Peter read a review of another local band, “I thought if they are our competition we should go and see what they are like. I brought a demo tape with me and Richard asked to hear it.”

It was the start of Go West but it took some time before they could secure a deal. Rejection did not stop them though. “We were in love with the idea of making an album so we listened to music, absorbed influences and carried on.”

When it did happen for Go West in 1985 they rose to the top quickly, “It was exciting to get the publishing deal and be paid to write songs. We spent it all in a week on a car and musical equipment so we could keep going.”

Their first single “We Close our Eyes” reached Number 5 in the UK charts and their music video for the song also brought them a lot of attention. Directed by Godley and Creme, formerly of 10cc, the video includes Peter Cox with a giant wrench and dancing wooden dolls, “We knew that we were working with two of the biggest directors and we had meetings to talk about wardrobe but they hated everything we showed them.

“The day the video was shot I spent an hour in make-up being made to look like a mechanic but I didn’t know anything about the big wrench.

I had no camera experience and Godley and Creme were either side of me shouting directions. I would say that was one of the hardest day’s work I have ever done.”

Recognition came in 1986 when they won “Best Newcomer” at the Brit Awards, the only award to be chosen by the public, “No matter how insecure you feel, when people say you are the best thing which has happened musically that year it is a great feeling.”

Go West became particularly successful in America where their first music video was being played frequently. They soon moved out to Los Angeles and scored a Top 10 US Hit with “King of Wishful Thinking” which featured in the movie Pretty Woman.

Going solo

After working together for a while the duo’s relationship began to suffer as they each longed to pursue personal projects, “When you have a difference of opinion you will compromise but it is also nice to be able to make all the creative decisions.”

Location also caused problems. As Peter grew to love America, Richard could not wait to be back in the UK. In 1994, Peter relocated to America and stayed there for six years working solo and with other musicians. One of his favourite collaborations was with producer Peter-John Vettese on his first solo album, “Peter came to my house in California with several start points for songs which were actually demos half way there. He was just so fantastically talented.”

Go West returns

In 2000 Peter’s father became ill and he returned home to spend time with him. Peter wanted to keep working and with a demand for Go West he and Richard soon started working together again.

They have performed at the Henley Rewind Festival several times and have just completed their new album called “3D”. Peter is also halfway through his latest solo album which he hopes to be completed before their UK tour which kicks off in October.

See them live!

Go West will be performing at The Anvil, Basingstoke on Wednesday 13 November along with Hue and Cry and special guests The Christians. Buzz has a pair of tickets to give away. Just answer the question below and fill in your details by Wednesday 6 November.

What is the name of Go West’s new album?

A. 3D

B. 2D

C. 4D