Secret Separation

"Secret Separation" by The Fixx, from their 1986 album Walkabout, carries a mystical narrative woven by lyricist Jeannette Obstoj, who was dating the band’s producer, Rupert Hine, at the time. According to lead singer Cy Curnin in an interview with Songfacts, the song explores the theme of reincarnation, depicting soulmates who reconnect across different lifetimes but sometimes cannot unite as lovers in their current existence. This ethereal concept resonated with fans, propelling the single to #1 on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and #19 on the Hot 100. The music video, featuring an actor at a control panel watching the band perform in an abandoned building filled with eclectic objects, adds a layer of surreal intrigue, reflecting the song’s otherworldly vibe. Fans on Reddit have shared nostalgic memories of the track, with some recalling its prominence during their college years, cementing its status as a new wave classic.

The song’s production, helmed by Rupert Hine, showcases The Fixx’s signature synth-driven sound, complemented by Jamie West-Oram’s guitar riffs. A fan on Burning the Ground praised the 12-inch promo vinyl for its extended version, noting its pristine quality and rarity, as the long version remains unavailable digitally. The Facebook group for The Fixx fans, known as “Fixxtures,” often highlights “Secret Separation” as a live performance favorite, with posts describing how Curnin’s ad-libbed lyrics about emerging from darkness into light struck a hopeful chord post-2020. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in fan stories, like one from Stacey Carmody on her blog, where she recounts meeting guitarist Jamie West-Oram, who recognized her from social media, a testament to the band’s close connection with their audience.

The Fixx began in London in 1979, born from the vision of college friends Cy Curnin (vocals) and Adam Woods (drums). Initially named Portraits, they placed an ad in the music press, recruiting keyboardist Rupert Greenall, guitarist Jamie West-Oram, and bassist Charlie Barrett. Their early singles, “Little Women” and “Hazards in the Home,” released under Ariola Records, gained little traction. After switching their name to The Fixx—altering the spelling to avoid drug-related connotations at MCA Records’ insistence—they released their debut album, Shuttered Room, in 1982. Barrett left post-recording, replaced by Dan K. Brown, who became a mainstay. Their breakthrough came with 1983’s Reach the Beach, featuring the hit “One Thing Leads to Another,” which hit #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100, establishing them as a new wave force in America despite limited UK success.

Stay connected with The Fixx through their official website, where you can sign up for newsletters about new music and tour dates. Follow them on Facebook (63,000+ likes), Instagram (@thefixxmusic), and X (@the_fixx) for updates and fan interactions. Fans gather at the Fixx Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community sharing concert photos and memories. For deeper dives, check out fan sites like Stacey Carmody’s blog, which chronicles personal experiences with the band, or explore Discogs for detailed discography and vinyl collecting tips.