Bronski Beat and London Records release ‘WHY?’ (40th Anniversary Doc Short)

Bronski Beat and London Records unveiled Why? (40th Anniversary Doc Short), a new documentary by director Matt Lambert. The film explores resilience, strength, and solidarity, with the iconic anthem “Why?” serving as its foundation. Through this release, the filmmakers pay tribute to those who fight for love and risk everything for the LGBTQ+ community.

Why? followed Bronski Beat’s debut, Smalltown Boy, challenging homophobic violence head-on. The song’s opening lines—marked by a cry, shattering glass, and a bold proclamation—left no doubt about its defiance and identity. The 1984 music video, however, fell short in conveying the band’s true message. Four decades later, vocalist Jimmy Somerville aimed to address this disconnect.

“Jimmy wanted a project reflecting today’s LGBTQ+ rights landscape,” explains Lambert. He drew from past and present archives, self-shot footage, and Bronski Beat’s original music stems to craft the documentary’s impactful score. Lambert’s work weaves together material from protests, news stories on LGBTQ+ violence, and community footage, capturing a spectrum of voices.

The film balances unflinching portrayals of adversity with moments of joy, as the LGBTQ+ community unites in resilience. It serves as both an educational tool for younger generations and a reminder to older activists that the struggle for equality continues.

Bronski Beat The Age of Consent (40th Anniversary Editions) is out now on London Records on deluxe 4CD/DVD, 2CD and 2LP and available to pre-order from the official Bronski Beat store here.