The U.S. State Department Does Not Care About Boy George

Problems in Iran and Afghanistan, an Albanian ambassador embroiled in an ammunition cover-up and Boy George's denial of a U.S. visa were among the topics the U.S. States Department spokesman Tom Casey faced at a press briefing yesterday. Sandwiched between two much more serious subjects, one confused member of the press asked Casey why Boy George wasn't allowed into the U.S., thus forcing the Culture Clubber to cancel his first American tour in a decade. Nearly choking on his drink after being caught off-guard by the question, Casey replied, "I've seen the report that's out there. Obviously, visa records are confidential. But I'd simply note that there often are difficulties for individuals who either are currently subject to criminal charges or otherwise may have criminal records." The charges Casey is insinuating about date back to April 2007, when George allegedly imprisoned a male escort in his London apartment as well as 2005 arrest for possessing cocaine in New York City. After being told the decision was "tragic" by the questioner, the quick-witted Casey replied "Do you really want to hurt him?," referencing one of George's more famous songs. Check out the video above — the George question pops up at the 2:26 mark.

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Song Stories

“1999”

Prince | 1982

“I don’t consider myself a great poet,” Prince told Rolling Stone. “I just know I’m here to say what’s on my mind.” In the case of the apocalyptic party anthem “1999,” he was worried about then-president Ronald Reagan’s foreign policies. The song’s melody is based on a riff borrowed from the Mamas and Papas’ “Monday, Monday,” and Prince originally envisioned the first verse with three-part harmony but later split the vocals between himself and members of the Revolution. Because Warner Bros., with whom Prince was locked in a contractual battle, owned the original’s masters, Prince rerecorded the song and appropriately released that version in 1999.

More Song Stories entries »

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