Marc Almond with Neal X, Tony Visconti, and more

Marc Almond, born in Southport, gained fame as part of synth pop duo Soft Cell. Known for his theatrical style, he pursued a solo career after the band's 1984 split. Almond's work spans genres like cabaret, pop, chanson, and Russian folk. He released seminal albums with the Willing Sinners and collaborated with artists like Jarvis Cocker, Jools Holland, and Gene Pitney. Notable albums include "The Stars We Are" and "Absinthe." He covered Jacques Brel extensively and released a ten-disc retrospective, "Trials of Eyeliner." Almond was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2017 and remains an influential figure.

Holly Johnson, born in Liverpool, rose to fame as frontman of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, known for hits like "Relax" and "The Power of Love." After a legal battle for artistic freedom, he launched a solo career with chart-topping "Blast." An openly gay artist, he detailed contracting HIV in his autobiography. Also a painter, he launched his label Pleasuredome and released several albums, including "Soulstream" and "Europa." Collaborated with Frankie Knuckles and Eric Kupper.