Keyboardist hits the high note

Carl Hudson performed on stage at the Forum arena in LA in February with original members of Culture Club as part of their US tour.

Speaking to the Standard on his return to Boston, Carl said: “Karma Chameleon was number one in the charts when I was born, so when we played that on stage in front of this huge crowd, it really resonated with me.

“There was one point during the show when I looked up at everyone on stage and just had a little shudder down my spine. It was unreal.”

The 32-year-old has been fascinated and passionate about playing keyboard ever since very young childhood.

“There is a photo of me sitting on a potty with a toy piano my mum had put in front of me, so I think I have loved playing since before I can even remember,” he says.

Carl exlained how his parents just ‘left him to it’ with music over the years - and, as he got older, he was given earphones to use to avoid disturbing the family. But they soon realised what an amazing talent he had developed.

“One day they just pulled the earphones plug out and realised it sounded alright,” he said, modestly.

Ex-Boston Grammar School pupil Carl used to play for Boston Youth Jazz Orchestra – and was so advanced he was teaching the instrument to others at Pen Street Organ Centre at the tender age of 14.

He went on to study music at Colchester University and later played for Professor Green at Glastonbury, as well as stints at Party in the Park.

Last year, he made his own album, Pixel Planet, which he describes as a ‘cosmic and funky collaboration with friends and musicians’.

In the summer, he will be playing at the Hollywood Bowl as part of Culture Club’s ongoing US tour.