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 scheduled to go on tour next May.
The Scissor Sisters, known for their vibrant pop sound, have revealed that they are getting back together, twelve years after they announced a break with no set end during a live performance.
The American band is set to embark on a UK tour with 10 performances in May 2025 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their hit debut album, which shares the same name, Scissor Sisters.
"It's amazing," says lead singer Jake Shears in an interview with BBC News, looking back on the band's accomplishments. "On one hand, it feels like it just happened, but on the other hand, it seems like it was ages ago."
Ana Matronic, one of the founding members, 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 fresh perspective," explains Scott "Baby Daddy" Hoffman, the keyboardist and bassist.
"Not to take Ana's place, but to invite a few people up on stage and ask friends to join in on some entertaining activities."
When asked if Rebecca Lucy Taylor, who shared the stage with Shears in last year's London production of Cabaret, might be one of the guest stars, the band expressed their excitement.
"I really adore her," Shears expresses. "I feel fortunate whenever I get to share the stage with her."
"That's a fantastic suggestion," Baby Daddy chimes in. "She might come over to perform a few songs."
No matter what occurs, Shears guarantees there will be some "touches of chaos and disorder" during the performance.
"That’s the secret sauce, and we’re absolutely going to infuse that unpredictable vibe once more."
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Scissor Sisters, shown in 2004, were among the final wave of bands that naturally developed from the club scene, right before music shifted predominantly to the online world.
Scissor Sisters emerged from New York's vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife and made a splash in the music charts with their bright and colorful 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, winning them three Brit Awards. It also led to more hit songs featuring dramatic pop anthems like "Take Your Mama" and "Filthy/Gorgeous."
In 2006, they reached the top of the singles chart with their song "I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’," which was co-written with Elton John. They also found success with the powerful ballad "Fire With Fire" and the track "Only The Horses," produced by Calvin Harris.
Following the release of their fourth album, they revealed that they would be stepping away for a while during their last performance at London's Roundhouse.
"Shears informed the packed audience, 'This will be our final performance in London for a while.'"
Reflecting on the past, the artist shares that he aimed to part ways with the band while they were still on a high note, especially after the huge success of their drag-themed hit "Let's Have A Kiki," which continues to be popular at LGBTQ+ bars and Pride celebrations.
"Kiki was an incredible surprise and really took everyone by storm," he mentions.
In that instant, I thought to myself, "I’m not sure if I have anything more to express with this perspective."
Baby Daddy was interested in creating graphic novels, while Del (the guitarist) was focused on interior designs. Each of us had various interests we wanted 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 worked on his writing projects while also penning songs for artists like Kylie Minogue, Tinashe, and Demi Lovato.
The idea for the reunion came about during the pandemic, when the band held a live stream of their concert DVD from 2007 to raise funds for the charity Trans Lifeline.
"We were pleasantly surprised to discover that the show turned out well and that there was still more to explore," Shears reflects.
"It was amazing to witness the level of support we received back in those days," Marquis points out. "We tend to overlook that, especially since we would often return to the US, where we weren't quite as popular."
Baby Daddy shares, "The way the UK embraced us is quite unique. It feels less like we have fans and more like we've been welcomed as part of the family, in a quirky sort of manner."
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The band performed a duet with Kylie Minogue at the 2010 Glastonbury Festival, which was her first appearance on the Pyramid Stage. She had previously been scheduled to headline in 2005 but had to cancel because of breast cancer.
It's challenging to capture just how much the British music scene has changed since the Scissor Sisters first appeared. Back then, people were still purchasing CDs in grocery stores and chains like Woolworths, and most of those CDs featured uninspiring, mainstream music from artists like Katie Melua, Il Divo, and Keane.
The band's unique blend of rock, pop, electro-clash, disco, burlesque, and ballads wasn’t simply refreshing; it was like a powerful storm.
During our previous conversation, Shears reminisced about a particular critic who harshly reviewed their first album, describing it as "a bewildering board game of a record."
"I completely overlooked that, but it's definitely the case!" he chuckles.
"We wanted each song to bring a different vibe, like switching the radio station," explains Baby Daddy. "I believe we managed to piece it all together quite well."
In reality, it continues to hold the position of the 38th best-selling album ever, a fact that is nearly unassailable in today’s streaming age.
The Gay Pop Icons
Beyond their chart-topping hits, Scissor Sisters played a significant role in changing how gay culture and queer expression are embraced in the pop music scene.
Twenty years after Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The Communards, it was still uncommon for a band to be openly LGBTQ, and some within the music industry viewed it as a gamble.
"I recall someone asking me years ago, 'Did you ever consider not being open about your identity as a band?' and honestly... it never even occurred to me," Shears shares.
"I believe that our music has always incorporated elements of queerness."
"By the time we became a band, I had already been open about my identity for a decade," Marquis explains. "There was no hiding it anymore!"
Baby Daddy states that the only aspect they would like to see altered is how the media concentrates on their sexual orientation.
"We didn't have a problem with others seeing that aspect of our lives, but we often thought that there was more to us than just that."
"I believe that's the point," Marquis concurs. "We're not part of the 'gay pop' category; we're simply part of the broader pop scene."
"There was a message about inclusivity as well," Baby Daddy explains. "Our goal was to ensure that everyone felt welcome, regardless of their sexual orientation."
The scene has changed dramatically. Sharing your sexuality doesn’t exclude others from being involved, but back then, there was a sense that it could create a feeling of separation.
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The band made a lasting impression by taking the stage alongside puppets created by the Jim Henson workshop during their opening act at the 2005 Brit Awards.
With queer culture front and center, the band is thrilled to be making their comeback during a time when artists such as Chappell Roan, Troye Sivan, and Billie Eilish are celebrated as major stars in the mainstream.
They are somewhat surprised that their music has not only lasted but has also gained a new following in the US 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 supermarket and they were playing your song,'" he chuckles.
"It's a wonderful sensation knowing that the music has remained with us."
