Years & Years in Montreux "You can swim in the lake and then go on stage"

3.7.2024

He is an icon of the queer community. Singer Olly Alexander, better known as Years & Years, lives openly gay. It was not an easy path. A conversation about music, his coming out and marriage for all.

It was an unforgettable performance. At the Brit Awards 2021, Years & Years sang the song "It's A Sin" together with Elton John.

In his songs, Years &Years talks about his gay life and sings about how painful it can be when others think you are sexually incorrect.

Olly Alexander grew up in a small town in England. He was bullied, teased and beaten up at school.

Lots of skin, lots of leather, lots of helmets: the Years & Years show at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Lots of skin, lots of leather, lots of helmets: the Years & Years show at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Picture: blue Music

The now 31-year-old singer was ashamed of his sexuality for years, but couldn't talk to anyone about it. He scratched himself, suffered from depression and bulimia.

"The most important gay pop star of our time"

Fortunately, the hiding game has been over since he appeared on stage as Years & Years. But the road to this point was not an easy one.

Five years ago, Olly Alexander spoke openly about his youth and coming out in the documentary "Growing Up Gay". Today, the singer knows where he belongs.

In fact, he has even become something of an icon in the LGBTIQA+ community. The New York Times named him the "most important gay pop star of our time".

In a video interview with blue Music before his performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, he proudly states:

"I love being gay. And I love being a pop star."



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