Say hello to Cicero. Wave goodbye to Cicero. Remember him?

Being signed to the Pet Shop Boys own label should of been a recipe to world wide success? Shouldn’t it? So why do we not speak of Cicero as a music giant and still ‘bop’ to his tunes? And who or what is Cicero? Well David Cicero was born in Long Island, NY but relocated to Scotland when his parent separated in the 1980’s. A huge PSB pan, it was after he saw them play live in Glasgow in 1988 that he sent them a demo tape. Chris Lowe liked it and singed him to their own label, Spaghetti without delay.

He released his debut single “Heaven Must Have Sent You Back to Me” in August 1991 but, despite having famous and successful backers, it failed to chart anywhere. More successful was its follow up “Love Is Everywhere”, released in January 1992 it found its way into the UK top twenty, perhaps production by Neil and Chris helped that, just as they had done with Dusty Springfield, Liza Minnelli and Eighth Wonder some years before.

A third PSB produced single “That Loving Feeling” came that Spring but stalled at No.46 in the UK. He released his debut album “Future Boy” (definitely a PSB sounding title!) came that June but failed to made an impression with anyone. The following month “Heaven Must Have Sent You Back to Me” was re-released, re-produced by PSB and with a video directed by Lowe. This time it did chart, but only as far as No.70 in the UK.

Cicero contributed the song “Live For Today” for the film ‘The Crying Game’, featuring backing singer Sylvia Mason-James – who provided vocals on Jimmy Nail’s five week chart topper “Ain’t No Doubt”. The soundtrack proved a hit as did the title theme sung by Boy George, but Cicero’s contribution did not.

In 1996 he left Spaghetti Records and went as an independent artist. He did support the mighty Take That on their tour that year and released the singles “Say Hello Wave Goodbye” and “She Had A Way” through Clubscene Records. Neither did anything at all. And that was it. Or was it?

On a 2008 episode of the BBC celebrity quiz show Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Cicero made an appearance in a line up on the Mystery Guest round. Could the panel work out which one he was…?

Despite vanishing again, Dave Cicero has continued to record and release music, his most recent being the single “Face This World Alone” in 2015.

Keep in touch with Cicero through his WEBSITE and his FACEBOOK page

Take a look at all our other Where Are They Now posts and don’t forget to follow the playlist!

If you enjoy what you read on this site – feel free to donate and show your support…click to donate any amount you like, every little helps – and don’t forget to download the App!