Rock ‘n’ Roll High School 77: Totally Obsessed With Wham!

Please don’t assume that two Rock ‘n’ Roll High Schools this week means that I suddenly have my act together. I’m the Popeye of blogging…I blog when I blog and that’s all that I blog. (I know. It was a stretch.) Today’s FAB guest is British author Louise Bay. I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of Louise’s brand new book, Hopeful, and immediately fell under the spell of her hero, Joel. If you like dreamy Brits (and you do if you read my blog–I require it!), and if you like my books, you will definitely enjoy Louise’s writing. Her RNRHS contribution is awesome as well, bringing Wham! back into our lives in a meaningful and super-relatable way. It makes me want to wiggle my hips (in a white skirt while being unflatteringly lit from behind) and recall the reasons I had a passing thing for Andrew Ridgeley. Perhaps the JT-esque blonde bangs coupled with the Stuart Copeland-esque tennis shorts? Always a lethal combination.

Louise Bay

UK, Class of 1991, Currently: I write sexy contemporary novels

Band and/or song that reminds you the most of high school: I was TOTALLY obsessed with Wham! when I first got to High School, up until they split about a year later in June 1986. We had family friends that lived about 20 miles away from where George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley grew up and went to school. My mother used to drive me around the area and past the school because I was desperate to spot them! She was the best mother ever for indulging me like that.

My favorite song from that time which I still love now, was ‘Boys of Summer’ by Don Henley. It’s such an awesome song. I’ve owned it on vinyl, CD and I’ve downloaded it. 1984 for a bumper year for pop music. In the UK it gets played every summer and hearing it on the radio every year I always get excited because it’s a sign summer’s here.

Favorite piece of music memorabilia (poster, t-shirt, etc.) in high school: My first poster of George Michael a friend gave me because it was all wrinkled. I took it home and ironed George Michael’s face.

Band that you hated that everyone else at school seemed to love: At the time, I didn’t get the bands that all the boys loved: The Cure, New Order, Madness etc. I LOVE all those bands now! What was I thinking?

Best show or concert you saw in high school: Well obviously, going to “The Final” (Wham!’s final concert) at the beginning of High School was a huge thrill, even if my Mum tagged along with me and my best friend! BUT right at the end of High School I got to see Prince. Anyone who has seen Prince knows he’s INCREDIBLE live. Fifteen years later I got to see him three times when he played 23 dates in London. I wish I could have gone to every single one. He was just as good as he was back in High School. He is my all-time favorite live performer.

Best high school make-out song: My first slow dance was to Spandau Ballet’s ‘True’. It was and is a great song but my dance partner had no rhythm and it was the 12’’ – I thought it would never end!

Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels. Her latest, Hopeful, is out now. She loves the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don’t have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne. You can find out more about Louise and her books at louisebay.com.