As the lead singer of the sophisticated hitmakers Culture Club, Boy George (born George Alan O’Dowd in 1961) was one of the most recognisable characters in ’80s pop. His striking, gender-bending looks drew people in, while his smoothly yearning voice fully commanded their attention on cuts like the buoyant megahit “Karma Chameleon” and the gently wounded “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me”. Culture Club split in 1986 and Boy George went solo, releasing Sold in 1987. He followed that with a slew of albums that showcased his evolving vocal style and his emergent interest in electronic music; he also wrote the music and lyrics for Taboo, which debuted on the West End in 2002, and reunited with Culture Club for albums and tours.