Scissor Sisters @ Audley End House & Gardens in Saffron Walden

About the artist

Scissor Sisters are an American band formed in 2001. "Spawned by the scuzzy, gay nightlife scene of New York," the band took their name from a sexual position between two women also known as tribadism. Its members comprise Jake Shears and Ana Matronic as vocalists, Babydaddy as multi-instrumentalist, Del Marquis as lead guitar/bassist, and Randy Real as drummer (who replaced Paddy Boom). Scissor Sisters have incorporated diverse and innovative styles in their music, but tend to sway towards pop rock, glam rock, nu-disco, and electroclash. The band came to prominence following the release of their Grammy-nominated and chart-topping disco version of "Comfortably Numb" and subsequent debut album Scissor Sisters (2004). The album was a success, particularly in the UK (a country they call their "spiritual home") where it reached number one, was the best-selling album of 2004, was later certified platinum by the BPI and accrued them three BRIT Awards in 2005. All five of its singles reached positions within the top 20 of the UK Singles Chart while "Filthy/Gorgeous" scored the band their first number one on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs, despite the album's mere success in their native US. The album continued its success in countries around Europe, in Australia and in Canada before the unveiling of the band's second studio album Ta-Dah (2006) which proved to be another success that scored them their second consecutive UK number one album and produced their first UK number one single "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'". Their third studio album Night Work (2010) displayed a shift towards a more club-oriented sound, charting at number two on the UK Albums Chart, number one on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart and in the top 10 of several international territories. The band released their fourth studio album Magic Hour in May of 2012. Scissor Sisters have performed around the world and have become well-recognized for their controversial and transgressive live performances. They have also collaborated with a number of other well-known pop musicians, including Elton John and Kylie Minogue; these particular collaborations have been received positively by both critics and other notable figures. In 2004, Bono, lead vocalist of rock band U2, described Scissor Sisters as "the best pop group in the world". They have also collaborated with Global Cool in 2007 on one of their green lifestyle campaigns.

Lineup

• Scissor Sisters · headliner
• Bananarama
• Gok Wan