From Hospital Porter To Synthpop Icon: The Story Of Philip Oakey & The Human League
Could a chance encounter, a hospital porter's desperation, and a note stuck to a door really birth one of the most iconic synth-pop bands of the 1980s? The unlikely story of The Human League, fronted by the enigmatic Philip Oakey, is a testament to the power of unconventional beginnings and the enduring appeal of electronic music.
The genesis of The Human League, a band that would define an era, began in 1977 in Sheffield, England. Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh, two computer operators, were experimenting with electronic synthesizers. Seeking a vocalist, Ware made a rather unconventional move: he invited his old school friend, Philip Oakey, who was working as a hospital porter at the time, to join the band. The invitation, delivered via a note on Oakey's door, was a pivotal moment. Oakey, despite having no prior experience in a band, accepted.
Oakey's life before the bright lights of the stage was, as he himself admitted, a world away from the glamour of the music industry. He described his job as a hospital porter as born "out of absolute desperation." Before this, he had worked in a bookshop, earning a meager 9.50 a week. Portering, though not a dream career, offered the relative financial comfort of 50 a week. This humble beginning, far removed from the creative circles of the music world, underscores the serendipitous nature of The Human League's formation. This humble beginning, far removed from the creative circles of the music world, underscores the serendipitous nature of The Human League's formation. The band, initially a trio, soon solidified its name, and with it, a new chapter began.
| Full Name: | Philip Oakey |
| Born: | October 2, 1955 (Age 68 as of Nov 2023) |
| Birthplace: | Hinckley, Leicestershire, England |
| Occupation: | Singer, Songwriter, Producer |
| Known For: | Lead singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the English synth-pop band The Human League. |
| Key Collaborations: | Giorgio Moroder, numerous other artists |
| Solo Albums: | Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder (1985) |
| Human League Albums (Selected): | Reproduction (1979), Travelogue (1980), Dare (1981), Hysteria (1984), Crash (1986), Octopus (1995), Secrets (2001), Credo (2011) |
| Significant Hits: | "Together in Electric Dreams," "Don't You Want Me," "Human," "Mirror Man," "The Lebanon," "(Keep Feeling) Fascination" |
| Active Years: | 1977present |
| Residence: | Sheffield, England (for many years) |
| Reference: | The Human League Official Website |
The Human League's story is intertwined with the evolution of synth-pop. In 1978, they released their first single, "Being Boiled." However, early success proved elusive; the song wouldn't make the UK Singles Chart for four years. It wasn't until the early 1980s that the band truly broke through to mainstream success. The lineup included Oakey, Martyn Ware, Ian Craig Marsh, and Adrian Wright, their initial creative force. "Reproduction" (1979) and "Travelogue" (1980) secured the band's position in the music scene.
The 1980s saw The Human League reach their commercial and critical peak, with hits like "Don't You Want Me" and "Human" dominating charts worldwide. For many, they were the definitive pop band of the decade, their innovative use of synthesizers and Oakey's distinctive vocals creating a sound that was both futuristic and undeniably catchy. Their iconic album, "Dare" (1981), a cornerstone of synth-pop, continues to be celebrated, with the band performing it in its entirety at live shows, much to the delight of fans.
Oakey's influence extended beyond the band. His 1984 collaboration with Giorgio Moroder, "Together in Electric Dreams," originally written for the film of the same name, became a significant solo achievement and an honorary Human League song, often included in their encore performances. The singer even worked with the Italian record producer Giorgio Moroder on the 1985 collaborative album 'Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder'. Their partnership, a fusion of Oakey's vocal style and Moroder's electronic production, produced tracks that were a blend of synth-pop and a more electronic-dance sound.
Oakey has enjoyed an extensive solo music career, as well as collaborative projects. He worked with Giorgio Moroder, and has collaborated with several artists, broadening his musical reach. "Together in Electric Dreams" is often credited as a Human League single, and it was released at the height of the band's fame and success, which resulted in it being included in the band's various greatest hits compilation albums.
The band, however, wasn't immune to the pitfalls that often come with fame. The group squandered millions and failed to realize their full potential, but Oakey, as the consistent core of the band, steered them through difficult periods. The band experienced internal rifts and changes in lineup, with Ware and Marsh departing early on.
In December 2021, fans had the chance to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Dare" at the Brighton Centre, reliving the iconic album in its entirety, alongside other classics. The band's legacy continues to resonate with audiences old and new.
The Human League's sound, once described as "synthetic soul," resonated deeply with audiences, and their impact on the music scene continues to be felt today. The band's influence extended to the fashion world as well, with Oakey's eclectic style of dress becoming a trademark.
The band's story remains an enduring tale of a group of unlikely individuals who, through experimentation and a willingness to embrace the unconventional, crafted a unique sound that defined a generation. From Sheffield's industrial heartland to global recognition, The Human League's journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring appeal of synth-pop.
The Human League is still touring, and will be landing on our shores alongside other 80s hitmakers. The only consistent band member is vocalist and songwriter Philip Oakey. If you want to hear the human league play any album, you can have your dream fulfilled because the band is still touring.
