London's 'Naked Boys Reading' to Honor Patrick Cowley Thursday

London's 'Naked Boys Reading' to Honor Patrick Cowley Thursday

LONDON — The Naked Boys Reading (NBR) literary salon will pay tribute to Patrick Cowley Thursday night with readings from the late, pioneering composer’s newly published journals.

Cowley’s early 1980s gay porn soundtracks, dubbed “pornophonics,” set an indelible, influential tone for all-male adult.

Often credited as a pioneer of electronic and Hi-NRG dance music, Cowley achieved fame in the late 1970s for his synthesizer work, including with Sylvester on such hits as “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” as well as an influential 15-minute remix of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” and a number of club play chart-toppers.

Shortly before his death from AIDS in late 1982, at age 32, Cowley also provided the soundtrack to a number of gay adult films produced by John Coletti’s Fox Studio.

There has been a resurgence of interest in his work in recent years. Indie label Dark Entries has led the charge, partnering with Honey Soundsystem on a series of reissues of Cowley’s soundtracks, including Dazed” (2013), “Muscle Up” (2015) and “Afternooners” (2017).

Earlier this year, more than 40 reels of previously unknown music by Cowley were unearthed.

Last month, on what would have been his 69th birthday, Dark Entries issued “Mechanical Fantasy Box,” a collection of 13 unreleased songs and Cowley’s “homoerotic journal of the same title,” described as “a collection of Cowley's work from the years preceding his meteoric rise as a pioneer of Hi-NRG dance music. This was before drum machines. Before programmable, polyphonic digital synthesis, this is experimental music in every sense.”

The journal contains “vivid descriptions of cruising in ‘70s SoMA sex venues to primal highs in Buena Vista Park and composing pornophonics in his Castro apartment. The entries are introspective and show a very out-front, alive person going through the throes of gay liberation post-Stonewall.”

The NBR literary salon event will feature nude men sharing excerpts from Cowley’s journal.

“Cowley chronicled his sexploits in the Bay in the most delicious of manners,” said an NBR rep. “Beginning in 1974, the journal ends on Cowley's 30th birthday; we follow him as he rises to fame as a disco recording artist legend. Our boys will bring you some juicy extracts. The event is curated by Dark Entries founder and DJ-dreamboat Josh Cheon. 'Cum' get some ‘Menergy,’ babes! Bring poppers. You'll need them.

For additional details about “Naked Boys Reading: Patrick Cowley’s Sex Journals,” click here.

Click here for details about the Dark Entries release of “Mechanical Fantasy Box,” including deluxe versions with additional features.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Romi Rain Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Romi Rain and Codey Steele star in the latest release from New Sensations.

JD Directs New Grazyeli Silva Showcase

Evil Angel has released JD’s Grazyeli Silva showcase, titled "Grazyeli Silva Sexcapades."

Heidi Jo Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Heidi Jo stars with her husband Jerri, Isiah Maxwell, and Hollywood Cash in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Anna Claire Clouds Leads Elegant Angel's 'Shared: A Hotwife Origin Story'

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds stars in Elegant Angel's new feature thriller "Shared: A Hotwife Origin Story," part of the site's annual "Superstar September" initiative.

Gender X Drops 'Vampirella' Parody

Gender X Films has released its latest feature, "Transpirella," a parody of the 1970s sci-fi horror comic book "Vampirella," directed by Jim Powers.

Jonni Darkko Directs New Chloe Amour Showcase

Evil Angel has released Jonni Darrko’s Chloe Amour showcase, titled "Mon Amour."

Bella Reid Named Penthouse's 'Pet of the Month' for September

Penthouse Magazine has named Bella Reid as Pet of the Month for September.

Andi Avalon Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Andi Avalon and Ken Feels star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Ricky's Room Drops Final Installment of Baby Gemini Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the final installment of its Baby Gemini showcase, titled "Six Bodies In Motion."

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

Show More