Biography
In 1973 you couldn't open a music magazine without seeing Jobriath, who, it was claimed, came from outerspace and would be the year's hottest new star. With androgynous glam rockers ruling the charts here in the UK and making inroads in the U.S., the flamboyantly theatrical and, shockingly for the time, openly gay Jobriath would surely become a star. What could go wrong?The world just wasn't ready. Produced by Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix and Led Zepplin) the album's sound met somewhere
between David Bowie's Hunky Dory and early Elton John. In spite of positive reviews the album didn't sell. After a second commercially disappointing album, Jobriath, was dropped by Elektra. He soon announced his retirement from the music business. He died in 1983 due to complications from AIDS. Over the last 30 years the cult of Jobriath has grown, his music (and his status as the first openly gay rock 'star') serving as an
inspiration for others who have followed in his other-wordly footsteps. Among his longtime fans is Morrissey who compiled Lonely Planet Boy from Jobriath's two albums as well as penning its liner notes and is releasing it on his Attack imprint.
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