Philip Oakey

Philip Oakey (aka Phil Oakey, b.02 October 1955) is a British vocalist, musician, songwriter and recording artist, best known as the lead singer of the group The Human League. He joined the group in 1978 and, after a split in 1980, remained with the band name and to date is the only original member still active.

Oakey has written the majority of lyrics for the group's output, including those of early tracks such Being Boiled and Empire State Human, as well as the group's commercial hits like Don't You Want Me, Mirror Man, Tell Me When and many more.

Since the early days Oakey was known for his unique 'lop-sided' haircut which he kept until early 1982. As frontman He was also known for his use of face make-up and use of feminine clothing to give the group a striking visual image. His appearance, as well as that of other band members especially vocalists Susanne Sulley and Joanne Catherall, have continued to be an important part of The Human League.

Away from the group, Oakey's most commercially successful collaboration was with producer Giorgio Moroder. The two wrote and recorded the theme song to the 1984 film ''Electric Dreams, entitled Together in Electric Dreams. They went on to produce a self-titled album the following year and had a modest hit with the single Goodbye Bad Times.''

As a recording artist he is associated with electronic music, the use of which was part of the 'manifesto' of The Human League since their early pioneering days, and for bringing the genre into the mainstream especially through the Dare album and associated singles during 1981. Oakey has since remained faithful to the use of electronic instruments throughout his career, spanning over four decades.

In 1999, he sang lead vocals (and spoken voice) for the single 1st Man in Space by the Sheffield band All Seeing I, with whom he performed on Top of the Pops. He has also recorded with respect, Pet Shop Boys and Little Boots.