In 1992, infamous fashion designer, model, performance artist and Taboo club promoter Leigh Bowery formed the band Minty (named after the Polari word for ‘snooty’). Bowery was a hugely influential pop art icon and experimental performance artist; his very existence has left a huge legacy upon popular culture. Minty was his musical vehicle to bestow his unique brand of art performance onto the world.

Minty’s famously avant-garde and shocking scatological performances prompted The Sun newspaper to describe them as the “sickest band in the land” – a statement of which Leigh was immensely proud. ‘Useless Man’ opened every show: Leigh, a huge figure in floral dress, face mask and wig heaved his way onstage and belted out the lyrics over a throbbing live rock band. At the crescendo Leigh hauled himself onto a table, laid back and ‘gave birth’ to Nicola in a graphic performance of which Boy George said that it “never ceased to impress or revolt”. On New Year’s Eve 1994 the death of Leigh Bowery swept through London and then the world. Abandoned then re-discovered, further writing and recording of Minty’s album Open Wide took place throughout the grieving and reflecting process. The album was released in 1997.

To mark 25 years since Leigh’s passing The state51 Conspiracy and Candy Records re-released Minty’s renowned 1997 album Open Wide along with controversial single ‘Useless Man’ in 2020 including a new mix from Boy George and the long lost ‘Original’ Minty Mix.