FGTH Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax Uncensored Sex Mix 12" Maxi Vinyl Single

- "From Dry To Moist", This album was banned by the BBC Radio 1

On January 11, 1984, BBC Radio 1 disc jockey Mike Read was playing the record on his show when he noticed the front cover design (by Yvonne Gilbert), depicting a man and woman pressed against each other, back to back, with clothed upper bodies but bared buttocks, and including a somewhat salacious quote from the song's lyrics. This prompted him to listen more intently to the words, and his reaction was such that he apparently removed the disc from the turntable live on air, branding it "disgusting" causing the record to be banned from the radio stations

 

High Resolution Photo #1 FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD Relax Vinyl Record

"Relax Sex Mix" Album Description:

Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 12" Maxi Vinyl Single "Relax Sex Mix" holds a significant place in the musical landscape of the early 1980s, with its release in 1983 in Germany. Produced by the legendary Trevor Horn and featuring album cover design by Yvonne Gilbert, this single not only showcased the band's distinctive sound but also contributed to the cultural and musical zeitgeist of its time.

In the context of the early 1980s, the music scene was undergoing a transformative period, marked by the emergence of new wave, synth-pop, and electronic dance music. Frankie Goes to Hollywood, with their bold and provocative style, played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic landscape of this era. The "Relax Sex Mix" 12" Maxi Vinyl Single stands out as a testament to the band's willingness to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.

Trevor Horn, known for his innovative production techniques, lent his genius to this iconic single. His work on the "Relax Sex Mix" not only showcased his prowess as a producer but also contributed to the evolution of electronic and dance music production. The use of synthesizers, layered instrumentation, and Horn's trademark attention to detail created a sound that was not only groundbreaking but also influential in shaping the future of electronic music.

Yvonne Gilbert's album cover design added another layer to the artistic presentation of the single. Her visual interpretation captured the essence of the band's rebellious spirit and the provocative nature of the "Relax Sex Mix." The cover design became an integral part of the overall package, complementing the audacious sound within.

The release of the 12" Maxi Vinyl Single in Germany further amplified the band's international reach. Germany, with its vibrant and diverse music scene, provided a fertile ground for the acceptance of innovative sounds. The single's success in the German market contributed to Frankie Goes to Hollywood's global recognition, solidifying their status as trailblazers in the evolving music landscape.

"Yvonne Gilbert: The Enchanting Illustrator Behind Iconic Art and Intricate Imagery"

Yvonne Gilbert is a British illustrator and artist, best known for her intricate and highly detailed work, particularly in the realms of album covers, book illustrations, and postage stamps. Born in 1951 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Gilbert gained significant recognition in the 1980s and 1990s, her work often characterized by a blend of fantasy elements, historical references, and a distinctive, almost ethereal quality.

One of her most famous works is the cover illustration for the single "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, released in 1983. This controversial artwork, depicting an erotic scene, became iconic and contributed to the single's notoriety, which was already fuelled by its provocative lyrics and music video. The cover is a prime example of Gilbert's ability to evoke strong emotions and convey complex themes through her detailed and stylized imagery.

In addition to her work in the music industry, Yvonne Gilbert has illustrated numerous children's books, where her talent for creating enchanting and immersive worlds is evident. Her illustrations often feature rich textures, meticulous attention to detail, and a vibrant color palette, bringing stories to life in a way that captures both the imagination of young readers and the appreciation of adults.

Gilbert has also contributed to philately, creating designs for postage stamps that reflect her detailed and precise style. These stamps, like her other works, are celebrated for their artistic value as well as their technical excellence.

Throughout her career, Yvonne Gilbert has remained a versatile artist, adapting her style to different mediums while maintaining the distinctiveness of her illustrations. Her work continues to be admired for its beauty, craftsmanship, and the ability to transport viewers into other worlds.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

80s Pop / Euro-Disco / Dance / New Wave

Collector Notes / Liner Notes
  • The maxi-single release of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s breakthrough hit.
Label & Catalognr:

Island ZTT 601 096 / ZTT Perfect Songs

Album Packaging

Standard sleeve with Yvonne Gilbert’s iconic cover design.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl 45rpm Stereo Maxi-single Gramophone Record
Total Album weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1983 – Germany

Producers:
  • Trevor Horn – Producer
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Yvonne Gilbert – Album Cover Design
Trevor Horn — Record Producer, Musician

Trevor Horn is often hailed as “the man who invented the ’80s sound.” Emerging with The Buggles and their prophetic hit Video Killed the Radio Star, he soon shifted to production, redefining how records were made. His meticulous, technology-driven style shaped the sound of Grace Jones, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Propaganda, and Art of Noise, leaving an indelible mark on New Wave and beyond.

  • Primary Role – Record Producer, Musician
  • Country – United Kingdom
  • Years Active – 1970s–present
  • Bands – The Buggles, Yes (briefly), Art of Noise
  • Associated Acts – Grace Jones, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Propaganda, Seal, Pet Shop Boys
Selected Discography
  • The Buggles – “The Age of Plastic” (1980)
  • Grace Jones – “Nightclubbing” (1981)
  • Frankie Goes to Hollywood – “Welcome to the Pleasuredome” (1984)
  • Propaganda – “A Secret Wish” (1985)

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Holly Johnson – Lead Vocals
  • Brian Nash – Guitar
  • Mark O'Toole – Bass
  • Peter Gill – Drums
  • Paul Rutherford – Keyboards / Backing Vocals
Pete Gill — Drummer

Pete Gill is a powerhouse drummer who carved an unlikely path through both heavy metal and New Wave. As a founding member of Saxon, he laid down the thunderous rhythms that defined early NWOBHM classics. After leaving Saxon due to a hand injury, Gill re-emerged behind the kit for Frankie Goes to Hollywood, adding muscular drive to the spectacle of “Relax.” He later joined Motörhead, hammering through albums like Orgasmatron with the same relentless intensity. From denim and leather to synth-pop excess, Gill’s career is a rare crossover through the extremes of the 1980s.

  • Primary Role – Drummer
  • Country – United Kingdom
  • Years Active – 1970s–1990s
  • Bands – Saxon, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Motörhead
  • Associated Acts – NWOBHM, New Wave, Heavy Metal
Selected Discography
  • Saxon – “Wheels of Steel” (1980)
  • Saxon – “Denim and Leather” (1981)
  • Frankie Goes to Hollywood – “Welcome to the Pleasuredome” (1984)
  • Motörhead – “Orgasmatron” (1986)

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Relax (Sex Mix) "From Dry to Moist" – 8:20
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Ferry Goes to Mersey – 4:15
  2. Relax "From Soft to Hard" (Acapella Intro) – 4:24
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover artwork of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood 12 inch Maxi Single Relax. The design shows a provocative illustration by Yvonne Gilbert of two semi-nude figures, a muscular man and a red-haired woman, entwined upside down against a stark white background. The man wears black leather briefs, thigh-high stockings, and high heels, while the woman is positioned beneath him with her hair cascading. Bold text reads RELAX and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, alongside the words MAXI-SINGLE. In the lower corner, a printed lyric quote Relax, don't do it when you want to go to it, relax, don't do it when you want to come. The ZTT and Island logos appear in the upper right. The overall composition is provocative and surreal, blending eroticism and stylized illustration.

This is the front cover of the 12" Maxi Single Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The striking artwork by Yvonne Gilbert depicts two semi-nude figures rendered in detailed illustration.

A muscular man dominates the composition, shown upside down, wearing glossy leather briefs, thigh-high black stockings, and sharp high-heeled shoes. Entwined with him is a red-haired woman, her head angled downward, her curls cascading toward the bottom edge of the sleeve.

Set against a stark white background, bold angled typography announces RELAX in green and the band’s name in black, with the word MAXI-SINGLE printed in pale orange. In the lower corner, part of the design includes printed lyrics: Relax, don’t do it when you want to go to it. Relax, don’t do it when you want to come!

The upper right corner displays the ZTT and Island Records logos, grounding the artwork with the label’s identity. The overall effect is provocative, surreal, and unapologetically bold, reflecting the controversy and daring attitude of the single itself.

Photo of Album Back Cover
Back cover of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood 12 inch Maxi Single Relax. The design features a clean white background with angled text columns labeled as chapters, giving the back sleeve a conceptual, almost book-like layout. On the right side is a black and white photograph of a male torso, partially wrapped in a torn cloth sling, exposing the chest and arm, adding a raw and provocative tone. The track listing appears in structured boxes under headings like Chapter One, Chapter Two, and Chapter Three, listing different mixes of Relax. At the bottom left, a black and white photo shows the full band standing together, dressed in edgy 1980s fashion with leather and casual wear. Thin orange lines run across the design, framing text and sections. The catalog number 601 096-213 is printed in the upper corner. Overall, the back cover merges stark minimalism with theatrical detail.

This is the back cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s 12" Maxi Single Relax, designed with a conceptual, book-like layout.

The sleeve is dominated by a white background, divided by thin orange lines that structure the content into angled text blocks called chapters. These sections include track listings such as Relax in its various mixes.

On the right, a striking black and white photograph captures a man’s torso, his arm wrapped in a tattered sling, exposing bare skin and muscle. The image adds a raw, theatrical quality to the otherwise minimal composition.

Toward the lower left, a black and white group photo of the band members shows them in edgy 1980s style — a mix of leather, casual wear, and bold attitudes — reinforcing the provocative image of Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

The catalog number 601 096-213 appears at the top, tying the release to its record label identity. The overall effect is sharp, structured, and provocative, echoing the spirit of the music inside.

Close up of record’s label
Close-up of the ZTT record label for the Frankie Goes to Hollywood 12 inch Maxi Single Relax. The circular label is printed in a gradient of light blue to violet, with bold black ZTT logo at the top. Centered text reads Frankie Goes to Hollywood Relax (Sex Mix) From Dry To Moist, followed by track length 8:20 and songwriting credits Gill/Johnson/O'Toole. Below is the credit Produced by Trevor Horn. The text notes the 1983 Original Sound Recording made by ZTT Perfect Songs. To the left is the GEMA/Stemra rights society box and the designation ST 45 Stereo. At the bottom center is the Island Records logo showing a palm tree set against an orange sun. Catalog numbers 601 096 and S 601 096 A are also present, with Seite 1 indicating the side in German. The design is crisp, clean, and professional, highlighting the European pressing details.

This is a close-up of the ZTT record label for the 12" Maxi Single Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, from its European release.

The label is styled in a soft gradient of light blue fading to violet, dominated at the top by the bold black ZTT logo. Beneath it, the central text clearly states: Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Relax (Sex Mix) "From Dry To Moist", with its running time of 8:20 and songwriting credits to Gill, Johnson, and O'Toole.

Production credit is given to Trevor Horn, followed by copyright details noting the 1983 Original Sound Recording by ZTT and Perfect Songs. To the left are rights society stamps for GEMA/Stemra, along with the ST 45 stereo designation.

The lower section features the iconic Island Records logo: a bright orange sun setting behind a palm tree on a blue background. Additional catalog numbers, including 601 096 and S 601 096 A, are visible, with Seite 1 identifying the side in German. The precise typography and layout reinforce the professional and collectible nature of this pressing.

Index of FGTH Frankie Goes to Hollywood Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information

FGTH Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Power Of Love

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “The Power of Love” 7" vinyl single captures the band at their most dramatic and heartfelt. Released in 1984, this emotional anthem blends soaring vocals from Holly Johnson with Trevor Horn’s lush production. A song of devotion and intensity, it stood apart from their provocative hits, becoming a timeless ballad and a cherished collectible on vinyl.

Visit: Power Of Love 7" Vinyl Single
FGTH Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax Uncensored Sex Mix

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Relax” Uncensored Sex Mix 12" vinyl maxi single is a bold and provocative statement from 1984. Pushing boundaries with extended grooves and daring themes, it transformed the original hit into a pulsating dancefloor experience. With Trevor Horn’s groundbreaking production, this release became a controversial yet iconic collectible in vinyl culture.

Visit: Relax Uncensored Sex Mix 12" Vinyl Maxi
FGTH Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Two Tribes

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Two Tribes” 12" vinyl maxi single from 1984 is a fierce anthem of Cold War tension and dancefloor power. Featuring extended mixes driven by Trevor Horn’s production, it fuses pounding basslines with urgent political imagery. A definitive New Wave statement, this record remains both a cultural flashpoint and a prized collector’s item on vinyl.

Visit: Two Tribes 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single