Scissor Sisters spill the beans on their long-awaited comeback
Scott "Baby Daddy" Hoffman (on the left), Jake Shears (in the middle), and Del Marquis are set to embark on a tour next May.
Scissor Sisters, known for their vibrant presence in the pop music scene, have revealed they are coming back together, 12 years after announcing an "indefinite break" in a live performance.
The American band will embark on a 10-date tour across the UK in May 2025 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their hit debut album, which is also titled Scissor Sisters.
"It's crazy," says lead singer Jake Shears in an interview with BBC News, reminiscing about the band's achievements. "On one hand, it feels like it was just yesterday, but on the other hand, it seems like it happened a lifetime ago."
Founding member Ana Matronic has chosen not to participate in the reunion performances, but the band has announced that they will pay tribute to her during the shows.
"It allows us to approach things from a new perspective," explains keyboardist and bassist Scott "Baby Daddy" Hoffman.
"We're not looking to take Ana's place at all; rather, we want to invite a few people up on stage and ask some friends to join in on some entertaining activities."
When asked if Rebecca Lucy Taylor, who starred alongside Shears in last year's London production of Cabaret, might make an appearance as a guest star, the band expressed excitement.
"I truly adore her," Shears expresses. "I consider myself fortunate to share the stage with her whenever I get the chance."
"That's an excellent suggestion," Baby Daddy remarks. "Maybe she’ll come and perform some songs."
No matter what goes down, Shears guarantees a touch of disorder and rebellion during the performance.
"That's the secret element, and we’re absolutely going to deliver that unpredictable vibe once more."
The Scissor Sisters, shown here in 2004, were among the final wave of bands that grew naturally from the club scene, before music became predominantly digital.
Scissor Sisters originated from the vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife of New York City and made a splash on the music charts with their bright and energetic rendition of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" in late 2003 and early 2004.
Their first album became the top-selling record in the UK in 2004, which led to them winning three Brit Awards. They also released more chart-topping hits with vibrant pop songs like "Take Your Mama" and "Filthy/Gorgeous."
In 2006, they reached the number one spot on the singles chart with "I Don't Feel Like Dancin’," which they wrote together with Elton John. They also achieved more success with the emotional ballad "Fire With Fire" and the song "Only The Horses," produced by Calvin Harris.
Following the release of four albums, the band revealed they would be going on hiatus during their last performance at the Roundhouse in London.
"This will be our final performance in London for a while," Shears informed the packed audience.
Reflecting on his decision, the star expressed that he aimed to exit the band on a positive note, right after the remarkable achievement of their drag-themed hit "Let's Have A Kiki," a song that continues to be popular in LGBTQ+ bars and Pride celebrations.
"Kiki was an incredible surprise and made quite an impression," he shares.
At that point, I found myself thinking, 'I'm not sure I have anything more to communicate through this lens.'
"Baby Daddy had a passion for creating graphic novels, while Del [Marquis, the guitarist] was focused on the artwork inside those books. Each of us had our own unique interests that we were eager to dive into."
During the years that followed, Shears put out two solo albums and collaborated with Elton John to create the Broadway musical Tammy Faye. Meanwhile, Baby Daddy managed to pursue his writing goals while also working on songs for artists like Kylie Minogue, Tinashe, and Demi Lovato.
The idea for the reunion was ignited during the pandemic when the band organized a live-stream of their 2007 concert DVD as a way to raise funds for the charity Trans Lifeline.
"We were somewhat taken aback by how good the show turned out to be and realized that there was still more to explore," Shears remarks.
Marquis reflects, "It was amazing to witness the level of support we received during that time. We often overlook it since we frequently returned to the US, where we weren't as popular."
"Baby Daddy agrees that the UK embraced them in a unique way. Instead of simply treating them like fans, it felt more like they were welcomed as part of the family, which is quite amusing."
The band performed a duet with Kylie Minogue during the 2010 Glastonbury Festival, which was significant as it was her first time on the Pyramid Stage. She had previously been scheduled to headline the event in 2005 but had to pull out because of her battle with breast cancer.
It's difficult to convey just how much the British music scene has changed since the Scissor Sisters first emerged. Back then, people were still purchasing CDs from supermarkets and stores like Woolworths, and most of those CDs were pretty dull, mainstream releases from artists such as Katie Melua, Il Divo, and Keane.
The band's unique blend of rock, pop, electro-clash, disco, burlesque, and ballads was not only refreshing, but it was also a powerful force that shook things up.
When we last talked, Shears nostalgically remembered how one reviewer had dismissed their first album, describing it as "a puzzling board game of a record."
"I totally overlooked that, but it's a fact!" he chuckles.
"We wanted to create an experience that felt like switching channels with every new track," Baby Daddy shares. "I believe we managed to pull that off quite well."
In reality, it still holds the title of the 38th best-selling album in history—a fact that's nearly undeniable in today's streaming age.
The Rise Of The Gay Pop Pantheon
Beyond their chart-topping hits, the Scissor Sisters symbolized a significant change in the way gay culture and queer expression were embraced in the pop music scene.
Twenty years after Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The Communards, it was still uncommon for a band to openly identify as LGBTQ+, and for some people in the music industry, this was seen as a risky move.
Shears recalls being asked in the past, "Did you ever consider keeping your band’s identity a secret?" He expresses that the thought never even occurred to him.
"I believe that our music has always inherently included elements of queerness."
"By the time we formed as a band, I had already been open about my identity for a decade," Marquis shares. "There was no hiding it anymore!"
According to Baby Daddy, the one thing they would alter is how the media highlights their sexual orientation.
We were comfortable with others seeing that aspect of our personalities, but deep down, we believed there was more to us than just that.
"I believe that's the point," Marquis acknowledges. "We're not categorized in the 'gay pop' scene; we're simply part of the broader pop music landscape."
“There was also a message about inclusivity,” Baby Daddy explains. “We aimed to make sure that everyone felt welcome, regardless of their sexual orientation.”
The situation has changed significantly. Sharing your sexual identity doesn't exclude others from being involved. However, back then, there was a sense that it could make some people feel isolated.
The group made a lasting impression when they took the stage with puppets from the Jim Henson studio during the 2005 Brit Awards opening.
With queer culture now in the limelight, the band is thrilled to return at a time when artists like Chappell Roan, Troye Sivan, and Billie Eilish are celebrated as mainstream icons.
They're somewhat surprised that their music has not only stood the test of time but has also gained fresh recognition in the U.S. after being away for 12 years.
"Even in the southern states," Shears exclaims, chatting from the kitchen of his cousin Jackie-Sue's home in North Carolina.
"Just yesterday, she said, 'I was at the Winn-Dixie store, and they were playing your song,'" he chuckles.
"It's such a great feeling to know that the music has had lasting power."
