Biography

Rex Fontaine is an English singer-songwriter who rose to prominence during the mid-1980s with his distinctive blend of yacht rock, sophisti-pop and adult contemporary music. Known for his smooth vocals, immaculate suits and unconventional lyrics celebrating romance with older women, Fontaine became one of British pop’s most unusual cult figures before disappearing from the music industry in 1990.

Career timeline

• 1985 – Signs with Bingo Finger Records.
• 1985 – Releases debut singles Blue Rinse Bitch and Fingered At Bingo, attracting national attention for his unconventional lyrical themes.
• 1986 – Embarks on his first national UK tour following the release of Werther’s & A Wank and I’ll Change Your Nappy Baby.
• 1987 – Career reaches its commercial peak, performing to sell-out audiences across the UK and establishing himself as one of Britain’s most distinctive cult performers.
• 1988 – Begins recording his long-awaited debut album while releasing the successful singles Cardigan Party, Wrinkly Beaver and Your Grandma’s Gettin’ My Length Tonight.
• 1989 – Releases several controversial singles before recording sessions for his debut album are abruptly halted following an incident that remains the subject of speculation.
• 1990 – Debut album is indefinitely shelved. Fontaine withdraws from public life and has made no confirmed public appearances since.

press archive

There has been much speculation as to what the “incident” was that led to Rex’s spectacular fall from grace. Let us know in the comments below your theories…