Eighties pop legends look completely unrecognisable as they perform at a Tramlines Festival in Sheffield – 43 years after their iconic number one hit

An iconic 1980s pop band looked completely unrecognisable as they performed at a festival in Sheffield, 43 years after they released their worldwide hit
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An iconic 1980s pop band were completely unrecognisable when they performed at a festival in Sheffield, 43 years after they released their worldwide hit.

The Human League, made up of Phil Oakey, Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley, look very different from when they were younger, with Phillip, 68, now sporting a shaved head.

The group, who released the number 1 hit Don’t You Want Me in 1981, proved they still have what it takes by performing for their fans.

Joanne and Susan, both 61, turned heads in their glamorous all-black outfits, complete with updo and sunglasses.

The group was originally formed in the 1970s and consisted of Phillip, Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh.

An iconic 1980s pop band looked completely unrecognisable as they performed at a festival in Sheffield, 43 years after they released their worldwide hit

But after Martyn and Phillip fell out, he and Ian left the band in 1980.

Phillip later discovered Joanne and Susan on a night out at Crazy Daisy nightclub in Sheffield and asked them to join The Human League.

The new line-up won a Brit Award for British breakthrough act in 1982.

Susan previously told the Belfast Telegraph about the process of joining the group: ‘Philip saw Joanne and I together in the club but he hadn’t heard us sing yet.

‘We were clearly friends and cared for each other. We went in for an audition and Joanne and I got the job.

‘I was 17 and Joanne was 18 and our parents had said no to us joining a band – it was something they wouldn’t consider.

“We finally got them to meet Philip and they realized he was very professional. It was just work, nothing strange or dark.”

This weekend the Human League will once again take to the stage at Colchester Castle for their 80’s Calling! festival.

The group looked worlds different from when they were younger, as Phil, 68, (pictured) now sports a shaved head

Phil appeared on The Tube during his heyday in the 80s

The group looked worlds different than when they were younger, as Phil now sports a shaved head

Later this year, The Human League will play eight major arena shows in the run-up to Christmas on their Generations 2024 European tour (photo Susan)

Later this year, The Human League will play eight major arena shows in the run-up to Christmas on their Generations 2024 European tour (photo Susan)

The Human League in 1981 with former band member Philip Adrian Wright (top left)

The Human League in 1981 with former band member Philip Adrian Wright (top left)

The trio will then perform at Deva Fest at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire in August to round off the festival season.

Later this year, The Human League will play eight major arena shows in the run-up to Christmas on their Generations 2024 European tour.

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Last year it was announced that they would have two huge support acts joining them in venues including Cardiff, Manchester, London, Glasgow and Birmingham.

Special guests at all shows include hitmaker Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Human League’s fellow 80s icons T’Pau.

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