Andy Bell interview on ‘Ten Crowns’, dreams and disco legacy: ‘Feeling strong enough to stand on my own’
Andy Bell live in Glasgow on 6 May 2025 (Photo by John Brown)
(Interview by Janos Janurik) As one half of Erasure, Andy Bell helped define the sound of British synth-pop for generations. Nearly four decades after joining forces with Vince Clarke in 1985, Bell remains as vibrant and active as ever — now stepping further into the spotlight with his second solo album, “Ten Crowns“, released on May 2, 2025. The album entered the UK charts at number 14 and coincided with the start of a UK solo tour, reaffirming Bell’s singular voice in electronic music.
In this exclusive interview with Side-Line, conducted by Janos Janurik, Andy Bell reflects on the creative journey behind “Ten Crowns”, his ongoing solo tour, and his inspirations — from collaborating with Debbie Harry to staying grounded through decades of industry change. As Erasure approaches its 40th anniversary, Bell also hints at what might lie ahead for the iconic duo.
Andy Bell’s musical journey and inspirations
Read on as Andy Bell shares candid thoughts on self-confidence, artistic evolution, and the hope for a better world — just ahead of his Ten Crowns shows in Germany.
SL: With almost four decades of experience in the pop industry, how excited were you before the first gig? How did the audience react at the tour opener? Now that the first leg of the tour has come to an end: Which concert was the most memorable for you during the UK tour – and why?
One cannot help but have a flurry of nerves before the first show — it’s totally natural. But we had rehearsed in Nashville and had a warm-up gig on a ship, which was very successful. Plus, it is a pleasure to have Andy Whittle on board (safe hands). My Stephen had arranged the whole thing and created a label for Ten Crowns — and boy, was it a lot of work! I had no idea. The best show for me was in London and the tiny theatre in Wales, which used to be a hospital for wounded soldiers.
SL: For those who haven’t checked the setlist yet: What does the setlist look like — without giving away any spoilers, of course? Will there be any changes as the tour progresses?
Six brand new songs, a fantastic cover version and lots of updated Erasure songs. The show will not change unless we add one or take one away.
SL: The title Ten Crowns feels like a modern fairytale — the poor boy who wins the kingdom in the end.
Would you say the album reflects your personal journey? How have you managed to stay so positive and uplifting throughout your career?
I don’t know. We seriously couldn’t think of an album title, and it just so happened that I was having ten crowns fitted into my mouth in Miami. Last time I had this done was before the ABBA-esque EP — so I felt that it had acquired some kind of magic! As far as my self-confidence being boosted — this is true, but I really don’t know why. Maybe it’s to do with age and finally feeling strong enough to stand on my own two feet!
SL: The new songs are fantastic — almost every track feels like a potential hit, not just the club-oriented ones.What do you think made this album so special? Was it the perfect constellation of people, timing, and creativity?
I think it was all of these things together. Dave and I had been working a long time to make it right. I think after The Neon, I felt a shift in my confidence — and I’m finally receiving the kudos I deserve.
SL: One of your big dreams came true with the duet featuring Debbie Harry.How did this collaboration come about? Was she familiar with Erasure’s Blondie covers?Does your song, apart from the title, have anything to do with her soundtrack song “Liar, Liar”?
I knew Debbie was rather partial to the words “Liar” and “Heart”. She came through with flying colours for the performance, which I’m thrilled about! The red tape though — that’s a whole other thing!
SL: There’s also a wonderful duet with Sarah Potenza on “Lies So Deep”.You’ve worked with great voices like K.D. Lang, Claudia Brücken, and Cyndi Lauper.Are there any other artists still on your dream collaboration list?
Well, I would have to say Annie Lennox, Barbra Streisand and Kylie.
SL: The Ten Crowns album showcases your decades-long passion for disco, while also representing your less danceable side.Tracks like “Dawn of Heaven’s Gate” appeal to fans who enjoy the darker, more introspective side of synth-pop.Does this song reflect a longing for a better world — beyond political clichés?
Always, always, always we pray for a better world. But as long as we keep slaughtering each other and the planet — it’s not gonna happen!
SL: For me, “For Today” captures the spirit of early ’80s synth-pop — pure, energetic, and made for the dancefloor. You’ve said before that you’re not sure what to do with club music anymore, even though you love dancing. Are there any artists whose music still gets you dancing at home?
The best artists for me in that respect are Rihanna, Robyn and Róisín Murphy — they’re my faves.
SL: The album closer “Thank You” feels like a soulful, almost a cappella moment. How do you keep your voice so strong and emotional after all these years? Vince Clarke certainly made a good choice back in 1985!
To be honest, I don’t really know. You have to be committed and bring your life experience into the voice.
SL: Working with Dave Audé seems to have been very productive. How was working with Dave different from working with Vince?
Dave is a very nice chap, same as Vince — but I suppose the writing side didn’t seem so serious, because there was no deadline!
SL: Speaking of Vince: Has he given you any feedback on Ten Crowns? Does he have a favourite track? Could there even be an Erasure remix of one of your songs?
There may be a remix — he liked it very much and thought the vocals were great.
SL: Looking ahead, next year will mark the 40th anniversary of Erasure’s debut album Wonderland.
Apart from the special fan club nights in September 2025, which sold out in record time — what else could make the celebrations more complete for fans? Are there any plans for new material or a tour in the near future?
No plans yet!
SL: Back in 1994, you promoted I Say I Say I Say by saying: “You can listen to it on a walkman, in your car, everywhere.” Who would you recommend Ten Crowns to, and for what occasions in 2025?
Any group of friends who all come back to their house after a night at the pub — please have a dance!
SL: Next stops: Germany!
Andy Bell continues his Ten Crowns tour in Germany between June 12 and June 19, performing in six cities, including Frankfurt, Berlin and Hamburg.
Tickets & info: https://www.andybell.com/live/
Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil.
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