By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos: Sean Black, Andreas Blank
This year, Andy Bell released his first solo album in 15 years, “Ten Crowns”, and he is currently on a US tour that will take him to Atlanta on October 7 – just in time for the Atlanta Pride. We had the chance to talk to the Erasure frontman about his Ten Crowns Tour, the album, and his special connection to Atlanta.
“Ten Crowns” is your first solo album in 15 years. You have been releasing music all this time with Erasure, but how does it feel to be “on your own” with this album again?
At the time of writing this, I’m actually back on the road with Vince for four special shows to celebrate Erasure’s 40th Anniversary until the solo tour carries on from October through January 2026. I never realised what a luxury it was to travel with a full band on a coach, although the coach is packed to the brim! We have a great ensemble cast and have a good laugh. I very much look forward to being back in the US – although everyone seems to be going through quite a tumultuous time, we hope to bring some relief to the madness.
The album is really gorgeous! It mixes genres from current electronica, with a definite Y2K and 90s vibe, even some 80s influences, a bit of rock, and, of course, the perfect power ballad, all tied together by your stunning vocals. What was the overall inspiration for “Ten Crowns”?
I think it’s a hybrid of LA and Nashville, so all the genres are a bit mixed up. It started out as a few dance tracks that Dave and I wrote in 2012, and then he moved his family to Nashville, where we wrote the majority of the tracks. Because the early writes did fairly well on the now-defunct Billboard Dance Chart, we decided to carry on writing as an exercise. “Lies So Deep” with Sarah Potenza is an ode to Whitney Houston and Stevie Nicks. I like to think of Ten Crowns as dance gospel with a hint of religious iconography.
You mention David Audé and working with the powerhouse producer on this album, which comes across in how consistent this album feels – how did he influence and help you shape “Ten Crowns”?
Dave is an amazing workhorse. I think i finally met someone who works as hard and productively as Mr. Clarke. Whenever I or my partner, Stephen, calls, he is always “ears deep” in music. He is about ten years younger than me, so I probably know the original dance/funk artists, but he keeps up with all the bright young things (please don’t ask me to name names). I always find that when you’ve been working in such close proximity with somebody, you almost reach a psychic understanding with them. This is true of Dave and me; communication becomes more or less unspoken, but things get done!
You’ve released the album on your own Crown Recordings label. Do you have more plans for the label? Might you sign and release other artists for example?
We might do, but it was a hell of a lot of work for my partner Stephen, which I wouldn’t like to put him through again. We had amazing support from Mute and PIAS. I had no idea how much work they do behind the scenes.
Now that the album has been out since Spring, what songs have crystallized as your favorites – your gems in the crown – on “Ten Crowns”?
“Dawn of Heavens Gate” is like a prayer to Saint Peter, saying, “Hey, let me in!” It was imagined as a Tetris game!
Speaking of gems: You have to tell us about the collaboration with Debbie Harry on “Heart’s A Liar” – how did that come about, and what was it like working with the legend?
Well, I have been a lifelong fan of Ms. Harry and think she is the coolest person on the planet, so having her say ‘yes’ to being on my song was a dream come true. When she emails me, I still get butterflies.
Now turning to the tour: What does it mean to you to be able to perform these songs live and in front of an audience?
In the words of the immortal Ms Harry, “Once had a love and it was a gas, soon turned out the tour was a blast.” Seriously, though, I feel like we have four Charlie’s Angels on stage with me. Dave Audé is touring with us (on keyboards), Jerry Fuentes, who also tours with Sting, on guitar, Sarah Tomek (drums for Steven Tyler) on drums, and our newest angel is Chelsea Blank on vocals. Our dream team band is incredible, so if you’ve never seen us, please come and have a blast!
You have all this new and amazing material to play, but will fans also get to hear some of your other hits?
Yes, sir, the show is the perfect balance of new songs, as well as Erasure hits and fan favorites – plus a very special cover for someone’s 45th Anniversary.
You’re playing at Atlanta’s Buckhead Theatre, but you actually have quite the connection to Atlanta. Can you elaborate on that?
My partner Stephen and I have a place in Atlanta near the arts district, and we always love the calm summer and fall there – everything is so close and convenient. Hair salon, nail salons, restaurants, pubs, you name it. It’s always a relief to land here, because people are very friendly and there is so much to do. I love all the parks and gardens, as well as the botanical garden, which is quite close for a Christmas treat. The markets and shopping are fabulous – it reminds me of London when I first went there and was still rather unspoiled! GoLanta!!!
You’ll be here right before Atlanta Pride – will you be staying for the festivities, or is it on with the show?
Unfortunately, not this year – although I’m glad they moved it because it would’ve been too hot otherwise!
Looking ahead, Erasure will celebrate its 40th Anniversary next year. Besides celebrating an incredible catalogue of music, will there be anything else coming from Erasure?
Vince and I are working on brand-new music right now, but we have no idea what it’ll sound like or when it’ll come out —hopefully 2026!
Where can people find you and follow you – and get those last-minute tickets?
AndyBell.com is where all the links are – and you can also visit erasureinfo.com, where we make all Erasure announcements first.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I would just like to say a warm ‘hello and thanks’ to all the lovely people, young and old, that read David Magazine and to say to the whole community, allies, and everyone else, keep your peckers up, and remember things are only temporary, so live for the moment!
