our alumni

Marc Almond performing

Marc Almond

BA (Hons) Fine Art (1976-1979)

Marc Almond is a global icon. Having sold over 30 million records worldwide Almond is an acclaimed artist, singer/songwriter and influential musician.

Following his school education, Almond attended art college before enrolling on a BA Fine Art degree at Leeds Polytechnic, where he graduated in 1979 with a 2:1. Almond was interviewed by Lecturer Jeff Nutall, who accepted him on the merit of his performance skills.

During this time, Almond established his illustrious style; a panache which mixed experimental art forms, such as: performance art, music, film and cabaret pop. He presented a series of theatrical art pieces at Leeds Polytechnic following a visit to Soho London, during his college break. Zazu, Twilights & Lowlifes and Glamour in Squalor, were documented fragments which Almond recorded on his travels to the capital.

It was at Leeds Polytechnic that Almond was introduced to fellow undergraduate David Ball. Together the pair formed the internationally renowned 'electro duo' Soft Cell in 1979. Soft Cell went on to record four albums and had a number of top ten hits, including the timeless song Tainted Love. The Soft Cell single, Trained Love remained in the US Billboard Top 100 for a record-breaking period of time and won a Brit award for best track of the year in 1981.

BA (Hons)

Fine Art

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