Curiosity Killed the Cat

They emerged suddenly, as if from a parallel universe where blue-eyed soul was hailed as the savior of rock & roll in the late '80s. Similar bands like Johnny Hates Jazz, Waterfront, Living in a Box, and Curiosity Killed the Cat all made their debuts and vanished around the same time. Among them, Curiosity Killed the Cat had a particular appeal to the teen girl audience, whose walls were adorned with "Smash Hits" posters. Their light funk sound and photogenic appeal earned them mainstream success in England, though they failed to make a significant impact in America. Curiosity Killed the Cat was formed in 1984 by Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot (vocals), Julian Godfrey Brookhouse (guitar), Nicholas Bernard Thorp (bass), Michael Drummond (drums), and Toby Anderson (keyboards). Volpeliere-Pierrot met Thorp at art school; Thorp was then part of the post-punk band Twilight Children with the other future members of Curiosity Killed the Cat. Volpeliere-Pierrot joined as the new lead singer, and they recorded a song titled "Curiosity Killed the Cat." This track caught the attention of businessman Peter Rosengard, who became their manager and renamed the band after the song. In 1985, the band signed with Phonogram and started working on their first LP. Initially produced by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, the project saw delays and a change in producers to Stewart Levine, postponing the album's release by nearly a year. Their single "Misfit," released in July 1986, initially failed to make an impact. However, the band gained significant attention when Andy Warhol, a fan, made a cameo in the "Misfit" music video. In early 1987, their single "Down to Earth" became a Top Ten hit in the UK. In 1989, the band shortened their name to Curiosity. Their 1992 single "Hang On in There Baby" peaked at number three on the British charts. Afterward, the band faded from the music scene until reuniting for the '80s nostalgia Here and Now tour in 2001. Band Members - Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot (born Martin Benedict Volpeliere-Pierrot, May 19, 1965, Earls Court, London) - vocals - Known for wearing a beret, which was actually a peaked fisherman's hat turned backward. He was humorously nicknamed 'Ben Vol-au-vent Parrot' and 'Bendy Ben' (or 'Boozy Ben') in *Smash Hits* magazine. Ben also appeared as a model on the cover of Mike Read's *Pop Quiz* board game and released solo singles in the mid-1990s as "Ben VP." - Julian Godfrey Brookhouse (born May 15, 1963, Putney, London) - guitar - Nick Thorpe (born Nicholas Bernard Thorp, October 25, 1964, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex) - bass guitar, keyboards - Along with Migi Drummond, Nick co-founded Naked Records in 1995, which was later acquired by Eidos Plc in 1996. - Migi Drummond** (born Miguel John Drummond, January 27, 1964, Strawberry Hill, Middlesex) - drums - Co-founded Naked Records with Nick Thorp. Additional Contributions - Toby Andersen** - co-wrote all tracks and played keyboards on the album *Keep Your Distance*. - Mike McEvoy (Michael J McEvoy)** - session guitarist/keyboard player who co-wrote songs on their *Getahead* album. - Jeff Porcaro - Toto drummer who played on three tracks: "Cascade," "Can't Grow Trees on Money," and "Who Are You."