Matt & Luke Goss’ life lessons: “We’ve always been there for each other”
Prior to the release of their film, After The Screaming Stops, the Bros twins reveal to Closer their principles for happiness
They were the kings of British T pop in the ’80s, scoring hit after hit with boyband Bros, and recruiting an army of fans. Their first album sold over 10 million records, they played 19 consecutive nights at Wembley Stadium, and a signing session at London’s HMV store saw 130,000 fans descend, causing Oxford Street to be shut down by police.
But despite their success alongside bandmate Craig Logan – who quit in 1989 due to illness – with hits like I Owe You Nothing and When Will I Be Famous?, the twins, now 50, split in 1992. Matt continued to find success with a solo career, then got into acting, while Luke went to Hollywood and starred in hit movies, including Blade II and Hellboy II. The duo are now releasing a film, After The Screaming Stops, which charts their reunion and sold-out show in London’s O2. Here, they reveal what life has taught them…
“SPEND AS MUCH TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY AS POSSIBLE”
Matt: “Luke and my brother Adam mean everything to me. We lost our sister [Carolyn, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1988] and mum [Carol, who died from breast cancer in 2014]. The biggest compliment my mum ever gave me was that I was her son and best friend. She was the cornerstone of my life. I had an incredible relationship with her. We spoke three times a day, and I Facetimed her after every show while I was doing a Vegas residency at Caesars Palace for six years.” Luke: “I try to spend as much time with my brothers as possible. We’re still young enough to explore new places, try food and booze, watch sunsets and just do nothing together. I would love to do not a lot more often. We have a small, close family.”
“TRUST IS KEY IN RELATIONSHIPS”
Matt: “I’m a happily single man. I’ve had some beautiful relationships [including Melanie Sykes and X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson]. The longest relationship I’ve had was with a celebrity who was also in the business – and that really helps you have an understanding between each other. You know exactly what each other has to do, and that it’s not always glamorous. When someone’s imagination runs away with them, it can destroy something great. They think you’re up to all sorts, but you’re actually alone in your hotel room after a day of interviews. In my last relationship, we had a long-distance romance, and she wanted me to Facetime her every night from my London hotel room, so we could fall asleep together. Then it dawned on me that she might not trust me and wanted to make sure I wasn’t with anyone else. Without trust, you’re doomed, especially in this industry.” Luke: “Communication is also really important. Even in a marriage [he’s been married to backing singer Shirley Lewis since 1994], you should never lose that spirit of flirting, friendship, communication, and enjoying food together – complacency is something that cripples even the best of relationships. You’ve got to make an effort.”
“INTERACTION IS A DYING ART – EMBRACE IT”
Luke: “When you think about it, even with all the apps and social media, everyone is becoming more lonely – there is tragically even a rise in suicide. It’s a privilege that complete strangers come up to us, wanting to say something nice. Interaction is a dying art – it should be embraced.” Matt: “People come and give us hugs all day long. They have so many Bros stories, like, ‘I met my wife because of you!’ and then, they’ll ask if we can Facetime their family!”
“BELIEVE IN SUCCESS”
Matt: “It’s not a very English thing to say, but we really thought we would succeed and become famous from the start. We didn’t get into this for a laugh, we got into it for a career. It’s our life.” Luke: “The key ingredient to our success was taking a chance and steering towards the beautiful unknown.” Matt: “We recognised, even at a young age, that success is longevity. A lot of people have a hit record, but to have our own solo career, and then be able to come back 30 years on and fill a stadium is something to be proud of.”
“STAND OUT AS AN INDIVIDUAL”
Matt: “I really admire people who throw the dice and give anything a go. I have a great admiration for performers like Lady Gaga. I just went to see A Star Is Born and I thought it was glorious. I recognise somebody who shows individuality and is aspiring to expand their horizons. Fear messes with everything, and as an artist, you have to overcome that. I was also a big fan of Amy Winehouse. She’s the last person that I really feel like I can’t live without her music.”
“DON’T COPE ALONE”
Luke: “I’m not actually sure if I’d have been able to cope alone with some of the problems in my life. Fame is extremely isolating, so Matt has literally been a lifesaver to me. I’ve had moments that have been incredibly tough, and I wouldn’t have been able to get through that, categorically. We’ve always been there for each other.” Matt: “Luke is the love of my life, so without him I don’t exist. I just don’t.”
‘Fame is incredibly isolating’