Boy George and Jon Moss have shared memories of facing homophobic crowds and skeptical record labels during Culture Club's early years. The comments appear in a new clip from Alison Ellwood’s documentary about the band. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2025, is now available to rent on streaming services.
Formed in London in 1981, Culture Club quickly wrote songs that came together easily because the members worked well together. Their first shows, however, sometimes drew ignorant and homophobic reactions from audiences.
In one archival clip, Boy George responds to a heckler by saying, “Thanks, you already paid for your ticket, I’m gonna buy myself some eyeshadow!” Director Alison Ellwood noted that the footage shows the band facing early rejection before they became hugely popular within a year.
Record executives were also hesitant. Boy George recalled labels saying “He’s too much” and refusing to sign the group despite the new wave style being popular at the time. The band eventually landed a deal with Virgin Records after inviting executives to a show and then blocking their cars from leaving until they reconsidered.
After signing, Boy George expressed doubts about the contract terms, noting he did not fully understand that he had given away rights to his music.