Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Singer Holly Johnson has Aids virus

John Arlidge
Wednesday 07 April 1993 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

HOLLY JOHNSON, former lead singer of the pop group Frankie Goes to Hollywood, has revealed that he has the Aids virus, writes John Arlidge.

Mr Johnson, 33, discovered he was HIV positive only a few days before the death last year of Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the rock band Queen. He is the second celebrity this week to reveal that he has the virus. On Sunday, Kenny Everett, a DJ on Capital Gold radio in London, revealed that he was diagnosed HIV-positive four years ago.

In an interview to be published in the Times Magazine, Mr Johnson says he has had 'moments of black despair'. He found out that he had the virus while being treated for Kaposi's sarcoma.

He says: 'I was in such a state of panic . . . for fear of the media. I was afraid . . . they'd say that this person who'd promoted a promiscuous homosexual lifestyle had got his comeuppance.'

Frankie Goes to Hollywood were one of the most successful but short-lived British bands. Their hit Relax remains the second highest-selling single in Britain.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in