Born on December 19: Limahl, Kajagoogoo's charming smile

He was born in Manchester in 1958 under the name Christopher Hamill. He made teenage girls' hearts skip a beat, as well as some boys'! 

Comedy and music quickly became the teenager's two passions who had not yet opted for his stage name Limahl. Voluntary and hard-working, he took drama classes and perfected his vocal technique. He thus landed a few supporting roles in theater and musicals. In the early 80s, between a brief appearance in a police TV series ("The Gentle Touch") and an extra in the video for "Stand And Deliver" by Adam & The Ants, he remained confined to anonymity. But the ambition to succeed was more present than ever. 

After a few short-lived experiences, he was recruited by the founding members of Kajagoogoo who then had the pretty name of Art Nouveau. The advert in the magazine "Melody Maker" specified that the singer sought had to "sing in tune and have an attractive look". Two qualities that the Manchester native (who had definitely become Limahl by anagram of his surname) clearly possessed naturally. 

The help of Nick Rhodes (keyboardist of Duran Duran) proved essential in the interest generated by "Too Shy", their very first 45. At least as much as their sophisticated hairstyles! Published in January 1983, this title would also be the group's biggest success: number 1 in Great Britain and in the top 5 in the United States. For a first attempt, it was a masterstroke...

Starting a career with a bang doesn't necessarily ensure the sustainability of a project. Despite the success of their first album "White Feathers" and the scenes of teenage hysteria triggered by Limahl (or more precisely because of them, no doubt), the four other members of the group decided to send their singer home. Eternal ego problems!

In the years that followed, neither Limahl's solo career nor that of his former Kajagoogoo comrades were any more successful. And the reformation of 2008 ultimately only satisfied those nostalgic for a bygone era. With a certain obstinacy, Limahl continued to record three albums under his own name before, probably in desperation, he also sacrificed himself to the tradition of Christmas songs that are so topical these days. Emphasis and violins are on the program of his "London For Christmas" in 2012 as well as "One Wish For Christmas" in 2020.

(MH with AK - Photo: © Etienne Tordoir)
Photo: Limahl with Kajagoogoo at the Hof Ter Lo hall in Antwerp (Belgium) on June 15, 1983