Bronski Beat announce 40th anniversary reissue of The Age of Consent

‘80s synth pop band Bronski Beat have announced 40^th anniversary deluxe reissues of their debut album The Age of Consent, out October 18 via London Records.

Accompanying the news is a remix of ‘Smalltown Boy’ by Bolton-born, Tallinn-based artist Planningtorock.

“When there is something we do in our life that can have such an impact on other peoples’ lives, and to be told this by others, it's humbling,” said the Bronski Beat’s Jimmy Sommerville. “The Age of Consent is, and always will be, such a special part of my life.”

Released in 1984, the LP played a role in the fight for queer liberation and equal rights at the time. The inner sleeve listed the varying ages of consent for consensual gay sex in different nations around the world, highlighting the stricter laws on sexual acts between men in the UK at the time. The album peaked at no.4 on the UK charts.

Bronski Beat were formed in London in 1983 by vocalist Sommerville, keyboardist and percussionist Steve Bronski and Larry Stenbacheck, who passed away in 2021 and 2107 respectively

The 40th-anniversary reissue of The Age of Consent will be available in a variety of physical and digital formats, including a 5-Disc Deluxe Edition (4CD+DVD): featuring 4 essays by Tom Rasmussen, Lesley Chow, Lucy Robinson, and Barney Ashton-Bullock, the original album, bonus tracks, remixes, rarities, early versions, and rare radio sessions.

For more information, including preorder details and the full tracklisting,  click here.

Listen to Planningtorock's remix of 'Smalltown Boy' below.