The Communards The Communards were an influential British synth-pop duo formed in London in 1985, consisting of former Bronski Beat frontman Jimmy Somerville and multi-instrumentalist Richard Coles. Fusing high-energy dance beats with politically conscious themes, they achieved massive international fame with their iconic, falsetto-driven cover versions. Their energetic rendition of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” topped the UK charts for four weeks, becoming the country’s best-selling single of 1986. After releasing two successful albums, the duo disbanded in 1988; Somerville pursued a solo career, while Coles famously transitioned into an Anglican priest and prominent media personality.