 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
Keith Forsey | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1948-01-02)2 January 1948 (age 77) London, England |
| Genres | Rock |
| Occupations | |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1960s–present |
| Labels | |
| Website | keithforsey |
Keith Forsey (born 2 January 1948) is an English pop musician and record producer.[1]
Forsey began his career as a percussionist in the mid-late 1960s as the drummer for The Spectrum[2] and as the drummer inUdo Lindenberg's Panik Orchester until 1976, during which he also played percussion forAmon Düül II.[3] By late 1970s, he was a pioneer of disco, working with artists such as Lipstique,Claudja Barry,La Bionda, theItalo disco pioneers andBoney M. He becameGiorgio Moroder's drummer and played on records byDonna Summer, includingBad Girls,Sparks' "No. 1 in Heaven" andBlondies singleCall Me.[4]
Forsey's own band, Trax, a collaboration withPete Bellotte, was not as popular.[3] Forsey was influenced by Moroder and began experimenting with electronics and European dance rhythms.
Like Moroder, Forsey started producing albums himself, and in 1982 producedBilly Idol's solo debut album,Billy Idol andIcehouse's global breakthrough albumPrimitive Man. Idol's 1983 follow-up,Rebel Yell, went even further, combining Forsey's affection for synthesized pop, Idol's punk grit, and guitaristSteve Stevens' heavy metal sound.[3] 1983 was the year that established Forsey as a producer. He co-wrote "Flashdance...What a Feeling" with Moroder andIrene Cara, who sang the track, for the movieFlashdance. In 1984, the song won anAcademy Award. Forsey produced the songMagic by Mick Smiley featured on theGhostbusters soundtrack.
The popularity ofFlashdance led to co-writing the songThe Heat Is On featured on the soundtrack ofBeverly Hills Cop, and the titletrack toThe NeverEnding Story. Forsey also produced and drummed onThe Psychedelic Furs most-acclaimed album,Mirror Moves.[5][6]
The 1985 hit "Don't You (Forget About Me)" fromThe Breakfast Club was originally offered toSimple Minds, who declined. AfterBryan Ferry,Billy Idol and several other artists passed on the song, Simple Minds reconsidered; their recording went on to top the charts in several countries.[7]
In 1985, Forsey also produced the debut album for the singerCharlie Sexton.
In 1995 Forsey returned to producing Simple Minds, on their albumGood News from the Next World.[8]
In 2003, Forsey produced the American guitar pop bandRooney. 2005 saw his return to Billy Idol, producingDevil's Playground.[3]
