After Dinner Speakers: Right Said Fred, Harvey Keitel, George Melly

This camp UK pop trio comprises the bald pated Fairbrass brothers Richard (b. 22 September 1953, East Grinstead, Sussex, England) and Fred (b. Christopher Abbott Bernard Fairbrass, 2 November 1956, East Grinstead, Sussex, England), plus Rob Manzoli (b. 29 January 1954, West London, England). Fred, who failed trials for Chelsea and Fulham football clubs, had formerly toured with Bob Dylan and played with Then Jerico in 1989. He had also appeared in Dylan's much derided movie, Hearts Of Fire. Lead vocalist Richard was originally a bass player who had served time with several prominent artists. Following their divergent paths, the brothers came together to form their own band in the late 80s. By 1988, they were back in London working as a duo. They eventually met up with collaborator Manzoli, a seasoned session guitarist and a qualified chef. To raise money for their first recording foray, the band had to secure a Ł100 loan from their bank manager. They lied, stating they were about to purchase a car. Initial names for the band included Trash Flash And Money, the Actors and the Volunteers. They finally settled on Right Said Fred after the novelty 1962 Bernard Cribbins hit of the same name. With the help of producer Tommy D. their initial success was embedded in the slow-burning kitsch classic "I'm Too Sexy" (UK number 2/US number 1), with equally lascivious follow-ups "Don't Talk Just Kiss" (UK number 3) and "Deeply Dippy" (UK number 1). Almost overnight Right Said Fred had become the coolest pop band in the UK, cornering the pop market while adult audiences found them impossible to dislike. In 1991, they sold more singles than any other artist in the UK, (excluding Bryan Adams), and "I'm Too Sexy" topped the charts in 26 countries. They were heavily involved in the 1993 Comic Relief fund-raising effort "Stick It Out" (UK number 4) with the help of several celebrities. The failure of their second album effectively ended their brief period in the limelight. The brothers formed their own Happy Valley record label in 1995, releasing Smashing! the following year. They have continued to tour while Richard Fairbrass has become a media personality, appearing on various UK game shows and co-hosting the BBC2 show Gaytime TV.