Jake Shears, the charismatic frontman of the Scissor Sisters, is stepping into a new role as a producer for the upcoming film 'Tinderbox'. This project aims to shed light on a dark chapter in LGBTQ history, the 1973 Up Stairs Lounge fire, which resulted in the tragic loss of 32 lives. The film's narrative is based on the book 'Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation' by Robert Fieseler, published in 2018.
Shears' involvement in this project is a significant step towards bringing this important story to a wider audience. His musical contributions, including songs from his albums 'Jake Shears' and 'B-Sides', will undoubtedly add a unique and powerful layer to the film's narrative. The collaboration between Shears and the book's author, Fieseler, both being New Orleanians, adds a special touch to the project, as they share a connection to the city and the historical context.
Colby Holt and Sam Probst, the film's writers and directors, discovered the synergy between Shears' music and Fieseler's book while listening to the albums. They found a remarkable alignment between the songs and the various characters and scenes in the book, which further solidified their decision to collaborate with Shears. This collaboration is a testament to the power of art in telling stories and bringing historical events to life.
The film 'Tinderbox' is a much-needed adaptation of a significant historical event, and Shears' involvement as a producer and musician is a crucial part of its success. His contribution will help ensure that the story of the Up Stairs Lounge fire and the LGBTQ community's resilience is told in a meaningful and impactful way. As the project moves forward, it is expected to attract even more attention and support from the Hollywood community, further emphasizing the importance of this story and its impact on LGBTQ history.
