Thompson Twins are widely regarded as one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s. Known for their unique fusion of pop, new wave, and synth-driven dance music, combined with an eclectic visual style, the band enjoyed consistent success in both the singles and albums charts throughout the decade on both sides of the Atlantic.
They are also among the select group of British artists who successfully “broke” America. With huge success particularly in the UK and the USA, they appeared at Live Aid in Philadelphia with Nile Rodgers on guitar and Madonna on backing vocals.
Thompson Twins singer and co-writer Tom Bailey is regarded as one of the UK’s premier songwriters, performers and producers. He played on Grace Jones’ “My Jamaican Guy” and Foreigner’s classic rock anthem “I Want To Know What Love Is”.
Tom Bailey, the band’s lead vocalist and instrumentalist, now performs under the name Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey.
His shows celebrate the band’s greatest hits, including classics like “Hold Me Now”, “Doctor Doctor”, “In The Name of Love”, “Love On Your Side”, “If You Were Here”, “Lies”, “Lay Your Hands On Me”, and “King For A Day.” In addition to revisiting these iconic tracks, Tom also showcases songs from his debut solo album, “Science Fiction.”
For many, Thompson Twins’ cool snyth’ sound was the soundtrack to their lives in the 1980s. The latest Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey live performances have received ecstatic audience receptions, cementing an ever-growing loyal and new fanbase.
This year [2025]Tom completed a mini-world tour visiting countries for the first time that he’d never performed in before.
He also joined forces with The Human League this summer for a series of festivals across the UK which showcased the very best of British synth’ pop. Tom and his band: Charlotte Raven (vocals/keyboards/cello), Paulina Szczepaniak (vocals/drums) and Alice Offley (vocals/bass/keyboards) received a standing ovation on every date.
This month [Oct 2025] BMG release a new “Best Of” album: “Industry and Seduction: A Thompson Twins Collection”, [three-CD and two-vinyl LP formats.
- In September next year, Tom and his band, with Blancmange as special guests, will tour the UK for 14 dates. Neil Arthur now tours as Blancmange, long-time friends of Tom Bailey, and a fellow artist from the 80s synth’ pop scene and arts culture. With four top 20 singles, including the hit “Living On A Ceiling”, Blancmange were an integral part of British musical history from that era.Tickets for the tour are on sale now…
Tom Bailey’s “Track Record”
1. First song you recall hearing as a child?
A Bach chorale prelude.
2. First single you owned?
Suppe’s Light Cavalry.
3. First LP/album you owned?
Joan Baez live.
4. First CD you owned?
Thompson Twins “Into The Gap” demonstration disc.
5. Last music you bought and in what format (CD/vinyl/digital download)?
A Lebanese market trader in my village in France made a CD of traditional and experimental music.
6. Which album would you be happy to receive as a gift?
The next Tom Bailey solo album!
7. Favourite album? (Choose more than one if need be…)
Morimur, Christopher Poppen andThe Hilliard Ensemble
8. Best record ever made (can be single/album/EP – and choose more than one if need be)?
Probably Pink Floyd: “Dark Side Of The Moon.”
9. Guilty secret (or anything unusual or perhaps unexpected) in your music collection?
Lots of Max Reger organ harmonisations.
10. What does music mean to you and how does it make you feel?
It’s a complex and dynamic language which allows the extremes of mathematical perfection, emotional vocabulary and happy go lucky experimentalism; and it makes me feel really good.
11. Which song or album is a guaranteed mood booster?
Brandenburg Concerto # 3.
12. Which song or album would be the soundtrack to a film about your life?
I haven’t finished it yet……
13. Your favourite driving track – or music to exercise to?
“Trans Europe Express” or “Autobahn”.
14. Best song or album for a romantic moment?
Let them decide.
15. Which song was played for the “First Dance” at your wedding (if you are married), or which song would you choose if you did get married?
I don’t dance, so a tricky question. I’ve been married twice, but there was no dance music.
16. Your choice of song to sing at karaoke?
I’d run away at the first sign of being asked to sing karaoke. But selfishly, I enjoy watching others do it. Karavoyeurism!
17. Which song takes you back to your childhood?
Bach piano pieces and school folk songs.
18. Favourite band (or bands)?
Shakti.
19. Favourite singer (or singers)?
Milton Nascimento and Abida Parveen.
20. Which song would you like played at your funeral?
Bach’s “Ich Ruf Zu Dir” is a family tradition.
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