Michael Aston

Michael Aston (vocals) is the poetic, goth-leaning side of the twin brothers who formed the songwriting core of Gene Loves Jezebel in the '80s. Originally called Slav Aryan, Gene Loves Jezebel was basically a collaboration between Michael Aston and his sibling Jay Aston. Both of the brothers wrote lyrics, often harmonizing with one another in the songs. Gene Loves Jezebel became one of the most popular gothic acts of the decade; however, by 1987's The House of Dolls LP, Michael Aston became disillusioned by his brother's more pop-oriented direction. During the recording of the album, his role in the group was shrunk, a prelude to his subsequent departure. He eventually moved to Los Angeles. In 1993, after his twin had already recorded two Gene Loves Jezebel albums without him, Aston released his first solo effort, Edith Grove, for Avalanche Records. Aston then recorded a mostly acoustic album, Why Me, Why This, Why Now on Triple X Records in 1995, and his son was born just after it was completed. The LP's introspective tone displayed Aston's artistic growth; it also rebuilt his self-confidence. In 1997, Aston reunited with his brother in a new Gene Loves Jezebel lineup and toured America. However, the siblings' tastes clashed again, and they split up. In 1998, Jay Aston released his own Gene Loves Jezebel album, VII, while Michael Aston countered with a separate Gene Loves Jezebel CD himself, Love Lies Bleeding, in 1999, followed by Giving up the Ghost in 2001. Michael Aston also sang on Gene Loves Jezebel's cover of "All the Young Dudes" on Goth Oddity: A Tribute to David Bowie.