Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy has returned with “Let the Flowers Go,” a collaboration with fellow ’80s vocalist Boy George.
Featuring Murphy’s belting baritone and George’s dramatic vibrato, the duet is a power ballad ode to transformation and becoming rooted in your identity in your younger years. “I’ve been changing/ And mamma don’t know,” they sing in harmony. “Let her tears fall/ And make the flowers grow.” Stream “Let the Flowers Go” below.
The song was produced by Martin “Youth” Glover of the band Killing Joke, who had worked with both Murphy and George on their respective solo records. “Let the Flowers Go” dates back to 2014, when Murphy was working on his solo album Lion. Youth presented the unfinished track written by George and himself to Murphy, who added to the track and presented it back to George.
“With everything going on in the world about identity it feels very powerful,” Boy George said. “The production feels very epic like Scott Walker. It makes me dizzy and proud.” Murphy echoed his statement, writing “Boy George loved it and I’m so glad that he did.”
“Let the Flowers Go” serves as Murphy’s first new song since releasing a 2021 collaboration with the late DJ Cheb i Sabbah. Meanwhile, Murphy had reformed his band Bauhaus in 2022 for their first new music offering in 14 years, but unfortunately cancelled their reunion tour after Murphy checked himself into rehab. He returned to touring last year for a special celebration of David Bowie’s catalogue.
Boy George, on the other hand just completed a 2024 co-headlining tour with the band Squeeze, and is wrapping up his fall tour of the UK over the next few days. He also starred as Harold Zidler in the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! earlier this year.