NewswireToday - /newswire/ - London, United Kingdom, 06/03/2007 - With his first studio release in four years, one of the most iconic gay music legends ever is back with a powerful collection of music, ‘Stardom Road’. Sanctuary Records has announced that the new Marc Almond album 'Stardom Road' is released.

In a world where 'celebrity' is usually just a word thrown around too freely - and fame seems to have become a disposable commodity, it is rare to discover a person to whom the description "Stardom" belongs so completely. Marc Almond is just such a person.

Being nothing less than himself has seen Almond enjoy a career that now spans across three decades and contains highlights that most new-found celebrities can only dream of.

Even more than his unique vocal prowess and stand-out career highlights, Marc Almond has been a true gay star since days when being gay was something most performers hid for fear of damaging their careers. But not Almond.

From bursting forth in the music scene with Soft Cell and his legendary performance of 'Tainted Love', there never was a closet big enough to contain his immense showmanship and talent.

Being gay is something that Almond has always held as an essential element of self. Not so much a badge to be worn or proclaimed but a truth that has never needed hiding.

In Marc Almond's case his career, the music and being gay were not something that could ever be separated.

Including duets with Antony (of Antony and The Johnsons) and Sarah Cracknell (of Saint Etienne) the new 'Stardom Road' brings a true gay 'Star' back to an army of fans that have waited and missed the unique impact and emotion that is Marc Almond.

This first Almond studio album since 2003 contains a collection of reworks of some of the most classic tracks in popular music, all crafted to become Marc Almond originals.

From Dusty Springfield's 'Close My Eyes And Count To Ten' to 'Dream Lover' and upwards to the high camp of 'Backstage' - each of the 13 new recordings on 'Stardom Road' creates a new standard for some of the best tracks of all time.

The title track 'Stardom Road' could have been written about Marc Almond himself telling as it does a true insiders story of looking "too poofy", being surrounded by "hangers-on spaced out on speed", and revealing that life lived on stage does not match reality inside the bubble of fame.

The powerful track 'Redeem Me (Beauty Will Redeem the World)' is the first original Marc Almond composition since a near fatal motorcycle accident in 2004 - and reflects an artist that is comfortable with his situation and – as fans at recent shows have just discovered – truly at the absolute top of his game.

'Stardom Road' has been a long time coming and his gay fans and many more will be extremely pleased to discover the road to this particular Star's new album is one well worth travelling.

To celebrate the launch of Stardom Road, Sanctuary Records is pleased to offer a special “Stardom” prize pack containing signed copies of the album, concert tickets, a limited edition 2007 Marc Almond Tour T-shirt, a copy of Almond’s autobiography, "In Search Of The Pleasure Palace" and the possibility to meet Marc Almond backstage at one of his forthcoming concerts. 75 albums with 15 Marc Almond "Stardom" prize packs are available to win via the mailing list online.

'Stardom Road' by Marc Almond (marcalmondstardom.com) is distributed by Sanctuary Records releasing worldwide via iTunes and in-stores on June 4, 2007.

Agency / Source: Out Now Consulting

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