Boy George Hard to Beat as '80s Music's Worst Story of 2008

I told myself I wasn't going to write about this, as tabloid sensationalism is not something I want to get into a habit of spotlighting on this site. But it is a time for looking back as we approach a new year, and even though I haven't gone through every single '80s music-related incident of this year, I think it's probably safe to say that Boy George's recent conviction for falsely imprisoning a male escort stands in a class of its own.

So the plummet continues for one of the most interesting, unique and perhaps even talented stars of the early '80s, a man who redefined androgyny in the MTV age but also managed to exceed the reach of glossy, image-conscious pop culture through the work of his chart-topping band, Culture Club. It's a definite shame that George can only seem to gain anyone's attention these days on police scanners or in courtrooms, as pop music fans generally display much generosity when it comes to cutting their stars some slack. For now George continues to play shows, but the clock may well be ticking on the singer's free time as well as the judge's patience. We'll know something by the January 16 sentencing, regardless of whether or not George "really wanted to hurt" anyone.

• Sample or download the aptly titled At Worst...The Best Of Boy George And Culture Club here.
• Official Boy George Website

Album Cover Image Courtesy of Virgin Records