Captain Hollywood Project
The Captain Hollywood Project is a German eurodance music project founded in 1990 in Nuremberg, Germany, by American rapper, singer, dancer, and producer Tony Dawson-Harrison, who performs under the stage name Captain Hollywood.[1] Born on August 9, 1962, in Newark, New Jersey, United States, Harrison relocated to Germany in 1983 after serving in the U.S. Army, where fellow soldiers nicknamed him "Captain Hollywood" in 1982 due to his charismatic personality and interest in entertainment.[2][3] Prior to launching his own project, Harrison gained early experience in the music industry as a backing vocalist and dancer for the Dutch eurodance group Twenty 4 Seven from 1989 to 1991, contributing to their hits like "I Can't Stop the Rain."[2] The project debuted with the single "More and More" in 1992, which became an international chart-topper, reaching number one in Germany and the Netherlands, and top five in several other European countries including Austria and France, earning platinum certification in Germany and gold in others.[1][2] This was followed by further successes such as "Only with You" (1993), which peaked at number two in Germany and charted highly in several European markets, and "Flying High" (1994), another top-ten hit that showcased the project's signature blend of rap verses, uplifting synth melodies, and female backing vocals.[1][2] The debut album Love Is Not Sex (1993) and the sophomore release Animals or Human (1995) solidified their status, with the project achieving 10 Top 20 hits on European charts and selling over 20 million records worldwide during the 1990s peak.[1][4] Throughout its run, Captain Hollywood Project operated as a studio project rather than a fixed band, featuring collaborations with various producers like Frank Schlingloff and female vocalists including Nosie Katzmann, Nina Gerhard, and later Kim Sanders on tracks like "Impossible" (1993).[1][2] By the late 1990s, Harrison shifted focus to solo work, releasing albums such as The Afterparty (1996) under the Captain Hollywood moniker, but revived the project in 2008 for live performances as a duo with German singer Shirin von Gehlen.[1][2] The act has received numerous gold and platinum certifications across Europe and the Lifetime Frankie Award in 2019 for contributions to dance music.[2] As of 2025, it continues to tour globally, performing classic hits and new material that pays homage to the eurodance genre's energetic, party-oriented roots.[1]Background and Early Career
Dancer and Choreographer Beginnings
Tony Dawson-Harrison was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1962.[5] After serving in the U.S. Army, he relocated to Germany in 1983, where he quickly immersed himself in the emerging European dance scene.[6] His military nickname, "Captain Hollywood," originated from his time stationed abroad and would later define his stage persona.[7] Upon arriving in Germany, Dawson-Harrison pioneered breakdancing as Europe's first prominent artist in the genre, introducing electrifying street dance elements to a continent where the style was still novel.[6] In 1983, he made a landmark television appearance on the popular music show Formel Eins, performing a dynamic three-minute body-popping routine to the Jonzun Crew's "Pack Jam."[7] This performance catapulted him to overnight fame, establishing him as a trailblazer in European pop culture and inspiring a wave of interest in breakdancing.[6] He also represented Germany at the Cannes Film Festival to promote the breakdance film Beat Street, further solidifying his role in globalizing the art form.[6] By the mid-1980s, Dawson-Harrison transitioned into choreography, serving as the lead choreographer for Formel Eins and collaborating with international stars to craft high-energy performances.[6] Notable commissions included dance routines for C.C. Catch, whose synth-pop shows benefited from his precise, rhythmic staging, and LaToya Jackson, for whom he designed sequences that blended pop flair with urban edge during her European tours.[6] These works honed his expertise in synchronizing movement with music, emphasizing athletic precision and crowd engagement that would later shape the visual dynamics of Eurodance.[8] Through these experiences, Dawson-Harrison developed innovative routines integrating breakdance flair with mainstream pop, laying the groundwork for the performative intensity seen in his subsequent music projects.[5]Initial Music Involvement in Germany
After moving to Germany in 1983 following his U.S. Army service, Tony Dawson-Harrison transitioned from his background as a dancer and choreographer to music production and performance, settling in Nuremberg where he established Captain Hollywood Studios as a base for his creative endeavors. This period marked his entry into the European dance music scene, influenced by emerging Eurodisco and house styles that blended funky rhythms with electronic elements, drawing from both American hip-hop roots and German club culture. He began forming early production teams with local collaborators, including rapper T.T. Fresh, to develop tracks that gained traction in underground clubs and among DJs.[7][3] Dawson-Harrison's debut single, released under the name Tony Dawson (later associated with his Captain Hollywood alias), was "Deborah" (with T.T. Fresh) in 1985, an upbeat Eurodisco track that showcased his production skills and vocal delivery, achieving moderate success with a top 40 position on German charts and building his reputation in the local scene.[5] Independent of major label support, he collaborated with smaller German imprints like Magic Cube Records for distribution, allowing creative control over his sound which emphasized infectious grooves and piano-driven hooks typical of mid-1980s Eurodisco. The single's release bridged his dance expertise with music, as he handled writing, production, and mixing, often incorporating live instrumentation to appeal to club audiences.[6][7] In 1989, Dawson-Harrison expanded his output with the full-length album Do That Thang, released independently through Bellaphon Records, featuring a mix of self-produced tracks that explored house and disco fusion. The album included follow-up singles such as "Soulsister," with production credits largely attributed to Dawson-Harrison himself alongside his Nuremberg-based team, highlighting his growing role as a multifaceted artist. These releases charted modestly in Germany, earning DJ endorsements and club play that solidified his presence in the Eurodisco landscape, though commercial breakthrough remained elusive without broader promotion. Tracks like "Grand Piano" (under the alias The Mixmaster) from this era underscored his influence on the genre's evolution toward more energetic, sample-heavy productions.[9][6][7]Pre-Captain Hollywood Projects
1987–1989: Early Solo Releases
In the late 1980s, Tony Dawson-Harrison began releasing music in Germany under the alias Captain Hollywood, transitioning from dancing and choreography to recording and producing. His releases included the singles "Deborah," "Soulsister," and involvement in the track "Grand Piano" (initially contributed but uncredited on the final release by The Mixmaster in 1989), along with the album Do That Thang (1989). These independently produced tracks on small labels like Magic Cube featured rap vocals and upbeat dance rhythms, gaining play in local clubs and on European radio among dance enthusiasts.[3][9] The album Do That Thang compiled these efforts and added original tracks like "Hey Girl" and "Check the Beat," reflecting a Eurodisco sound with synthesized beats and hip-hop elements. Accompanying music videos showcased Harrison's choreography background and aired on German TV, increasing his visibility. "Grand Piano" achieved modest international chart success, peaking at number 9 in the UK and number 12 in Germany.[10][11] Despite this, Harrison encountered challenges with limited distribution and sales from independent labels, confining impact to niche markets. These efforts established him in Germany's dance scene, paving the way for collaborations.[12]1989–1990: Twenty 4 Seven Formation
In 1989, Tony Dawson-Harrison, an American rapper and producer based in Germany, co-founded the Dutch Eurodance project Twenty 4 Seven with producer Ruud van Rijen. The initial lineup featured Dawson-Harrison as lead rapper (as Captain Hollywood) and backing vocalists Veronica and Desiree, marking his shift to group production and choreography with hip-house rap over dance beats.[13] The group entered the studio with Dawson-Harrison as co-producer and creative lead. Their debut single, "I Can't Stand It!", released in late 1989, peaked at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart, number 9 in Belgium (Flanders), number 8 in Finland, and number 10 in Sweden, while reaching number 16 in the Netherlands and number 20 in Germany. Its hip-house rhythm and rap-chorus format helped define the project amid late-1980s club trends.[14] In 1990, Twenty 4 Seven released their debut album Street Moves under Dawson-Harrison and van Rijen's production, including the follow-up single "Are You Dreaming?" which peaked at number 17 in the UK. During this period, lineup adjustments refined the project, with Dawson-Harrison overseeing songwriting and arrangements to fit emerging Eurodance styles. He departed after the album due to creative differences. The release boosted visibility in markets like Germany and the Netherlands.[15][16][17]Mainstream Breakthrough: 1992–1996
Love Is Not Sex Era
The Captain Hollywood Project was formed between 1990 and 1992 in Nuremberg, Germany, by American-born rapper, singer, dancer, and producer Tony Dawson-Harrison, who adopted the stage name Captain Hollywood after his time as a dancer and frontman in the early Eurodance group Twenty 4 Seven. Drawing from his prior experience in the German music scene, Dawson-Harrison established the project as a vehicle for his vision of high-energy Eurodance blending rap verses with melodic female vocals. The initial lineup featured Dawson-Harrison as the lead rapper and producer, alongside German singer Nina Gerhard, who provided the prominent female vocals on breakthrough tracks, with additional contributions from producers at Dance Music Production (DMP) studios.[1][6][13] The project's debut single, "More and More," released in July 1992, marked its explosive entry into the music scene, topping the German singles chart for four weeks and achieving top-five positions across Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland. Produced by DMP with writing credits to Dawson-Harrison, Giora Schein, and Nosie Katzmann, the track's infectious Eurodance rhythm and call-and-response structure propelled it to international success, selling over 7 million copies worldwide and later peaking at number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100. This momentum led to the release of the debut album Love Is Not Sex on March 8, 1993, via Blow Up Records and Intercord, featuring 12 tracks recorded at DMP Studios in Germany. The album, helmed by producers Tony Garcia, Guido Osorio, and the DMP team, explored themes of love and rhythm in upbeat electronic arrangements, reaching number 9 on the German Albums Chart and selling over 400,000 units in Germany.[18][19][20][13][21] Follow-up singles from the album further solidified the project's breakthrough. "Only with You," released in December 1992 with vocals by Nina Gerhard, peaked at number 4 in Germany and entered the top 10 in 12 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, and Sweden; its production emphasized soaring synth hooks and danceable beats. Other singles from the album, such as "All I Want" and "Impossible," also achieved significant chart success in Europe. "Rhythm of Life," issued in 1993, continued the album's energetic vibe with contributions from Nosie Katzmann on lyrics, achieving moderate success on European dance charts. Music videos for "More and More" and "Only with You," directed in a vibrant, futuristic style, received heavy rotation on MTV Europe, earning the project the Most Played Video award at the 1993 MTV London ceremony and boosting visibility through live TV performances on shows like Top of the Pops. To promote the album, Captain Hollywood Project embarked on early international tours across Europe and the United States in 1993–1994, performing at major venues and festivals to capitalize on the growing Eurodance wave.[19][6][22][23][6]Animals or Human Album
The second studio album by Captain Hollywood Project, Animals or Human, was released on March 30, 1995, by Blow Up Records (Intercord), marking a continuation of the group's Eurodance sound with a more upbeat, club-oriented edge influenced by emerging European electronic trends.[24][25] The album featured production by Tony Dawson-Harrison alongside collaborators like Attack II, Thorsten Adler, and Tom Jacques G. Coin, but faced challenges from internal lineup shifts, as original vocalist Nina Gerhard departed for a solo career. The second album featured contributions from Petra Speigl on tracks like "The Way Love Is" and others, alongside Lori Glori on "Flying High," adding variety to the sound.[25][26] Preceding the album's launch, the lead single "Flying High" was issued in November 1994, peaking at number 18 on the German singles chart and helping build anticipation amid the Eurodance scene's shift toward harder trance elements.[12] Follow-up singles "Find Another Way" (March 1995, peaking at number 22 in Germany) and "The Way Love Is" (September 1995, reaching number 71) further promoted the record, though they achieved more modest placements compared to the project's earlier hits, reflecting a cooling Eurodance market as tastes moved toward speed garage and big beat influences.[19] The album itself entered the German Albums Chart at number 87 in May 1995, climbing to a peak of number 42 and spending nine weeks in the top 100, ultimately selling over 200,000 copies worldwide.[20][25] Critically, Animals or Human received mixed attention for its exploration of philosophical lyrical themes, particularly in the title track, which questions human behavior versus primal instincts with lines like "Are we really human or we are, we're acting like animals," drawing on contrasts between civilized humanity and base nature rather than overt technological motifs.[27] While some reviewers noted the album's energetic production and dancefloor appeal, others observed it struggled to recapture the debut's commercial spark amid genre saturation.[28] Promotional activities emphasized club accessibility, with extended remixes of key singles like "Flying High" (Perplexer Remix), "Find Another Way" (various club edits), and "The Way Love Is" released on 12-inch vinyl to target European DJs and raves.[29] The project supported the album through appearances at European club tours and festivals in 1995, focusing on Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia to sustain momentum in the dance circuit.[25]The Afterparty and Decline
The third and final album of Captain Hollywood Project's original run, The Afterparty, was released on November 18, 1996, by the Mighty label, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Produced by Tony Dawson-Harrison in collaboration with P. Force and Alex Belcher, the record marked a continuation of the group's Eurodance sound but with evolving themes of love and introspection, building on the rhythmic explorations of the prior Animals or Human release. The album featured 11 tracks, including an intro and upbeat house-influenced numbers that aimed to capture club energy amid shifting genre trends.[30][6] Three singles were extracted from The Afterparty: "Over & Over," "Love and Pain," and "The Afterparty." "Over & Over," released first in summer 1996 with vocals by Petra Spiegl, achieved modest chart success, peaking at number 45 in Germany, number 35 in Austria, and number 13 in Finland, reflecting a summer hit status in select European markets but failing to match earlier breakthroughs. "Love and Pain" followed, reaching number 50 in Germany and number 9 in Finland, while "The Afterparty" entered the German charts at number 66. These releases underperformed commercially compared to prior hits, hampered by internal label distribution challenges at Universal and the broader saturation of the Eurodance market, where oversupply of similar acts led to listener fatigue and declining radio play by the mid-1990s.[2][6][31] The original lineup, featuring Dawson-Harrison and Spiegl, undertook final promotional tours across Europe in late 1996 and early 1997 to support the album, performing at clubs and festivals amid waning genre popularity. By mid-1997, facing stagnant sales estimated below 200,000 units worldwide and the project's inability to sustain momentum, Dawson-Harrison decided to pause Captain Hollywood Project as a performing act, shifting focus to behind-the-scenes production work. This hiatus, lasting until a reformation in 2008, effectively ended the group's 1990s era as Eurodance gave way to emerging styles like trance and big beat.[1][6][31]Production Phase: 2000–2007
Shift to Producing
Following the decline of Captain Hollywood Project's mainstream popularity in the late 1990s, Tony Dawson-Harrison took a creative break starting in 2000 to step away from performing and touring. He relocated from Germany back to the United States in 2000, where he met singer Shirin Amour at a German music festival before settling in St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he shifted his focus to behind-the-scenes studio work as a producer. This transition allowed him to channel his experience from the Eurodance era into new projects, emphasizing production over stage presence.[6] During the early 2000s, Dawson-Harrison immersed himself in producing for various pop acts, including boy bands and emerging Euro-pop artists, while splitting time between studios in the US and occasional collaborations in Germany. He also managed and produced the boy band 3rd Wish, whose album Reflections Of The South reached the top 10 and the single "Obsession" sold 1.5 million copies. His work catered to the vibrant pop landscape of the era, helping shape tracks that blended catchy hooks with danceable rhythms. This phase marked a deliberate pivot from frontman duties to a more collaborative, studio-centric role, leveraging his established reputation from the 1990s to mentor and refine emerging talents.[6][13] Drawing from his Eurodance foundations, Dawson-Harrison developed key production techniques such as innovative sampling of classic motifs and multi-layered vocal arrangements to create depth and energy in recordings. These methods, honed during his performer days, enabled him to infuse pop productions with rhythmic complexity and harmonic richness, maintaining a connection to his dance music heritage while adapting to contemporary pop demands.[13] A notable personal milestone during this period was Dawson-Harrison's marriage to singer Shirin Amour (Ginette-Shirin von Gehlen) in 2006 in Orlando, Florida, which provided personal stability amid his evolving professional focus.[13]Notable Collaborations
In 2000, Dawson-Harrison collaborated with music impresario Lou Pearlman to co-found the American boy band O-Town, which was formed through the MTV reality show Making the Band. During the early 2000s, he expanded his production work beyond Eurodance by co-writing and co-producing "Liquid Dreams" for O-Town, released in 2000 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album.[32][6] The track, featuring Dawson-Harrison's contributions alongside producers Warryn Campbell and Wayne Williams, peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, helping propel the album to multi-platinum status in the United States.[33][34] Dawson-Harrison also collaborated with Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter on his 2002 solo debut album Now or Never, providing production support that aligned with his shift toward mainstream pop acts during this period.[12][6] In the Eurodance revival scene, Dawson-Harrison contributed mixes to tracks by Swiss artist DJ Bobo, including remixes that supported Bobo's ongoing live performances and album releases, while also working with other acts like Haddaway on choreography and staging for their shows.[5] These partnerships highlighted his versatility, with production credits on songs achieving international airplay and contributing to chart success in European markets, such as DJ Bobo's albums maintaining top positions in Germany and Switzerland.[12] By 2007, Dawson-Harrison concluded this production-centric phase, driven by a renewed interest in returning to live performances and fronting acts, paving the way for his subsequent revival efforts.[12]Revival and Ongoing Activities: 2008–Present
Reformation as a Duo
In 2008, Tony Dawson-Harrison revived Captain Hollywood Project as a duo following his 2006 marriage to Shirin von Gehlen (professionally known as Shirin Amour), enlisting her as co-vocalist and frontwoman to update the project's format after a phase centered on production work for others.[6][13] The duo handled co-production duties, collaborating with DJ Base on two new singles—"More & More Recall" and "It Hurts With You"—released exclusively for the UAE market, where both tracks achieved commercial success and signaled the act's renewed focus on original material.[6] This reformation marked a deliberate shift from the project's original sample-heavy Eurodance production style, rooted in 1990s studio techniques, to a live-oriented setup emphasizing a full band experience. The duo incorporated live musicians and dancers into their performances, with von Gehlen also serving as choreographer to enhance the visual and energetic elements of shows, allowing for more dynamic interpretations of classic hits.[1][13] Throughout the early 2010s, Captain Hollywood Project issued select singles and focused on revitalizing their catalog through digital re-releases, making tracks like "More and More" and "Flying High" available on streaming platforms for broader accessibility. A key output was the 2010 compilation 20 Years Greatest Hits, featuring remastered originals and updated mixes to celebrate the project's legacy while introducing it to younger listeners.[35][36]Tours and Live Performances
Following their reformation as a duo in 2008, Captain Hollywood Project resumed live performances, initially focusing on high-energy shows that revived their 1990s Eurodance hits for nostalgic audiences across Europe and the United States.[6] The duo, consisting of Tony Harrison and Shirin von Gehlen, collaborated with live musicians and dancers to deliver dynamic sets, emphasizing fan interaction through crowd sing-alongs and synchronized routines that captured the original project's energetic spirit.[6] A pivotal early milestone was their participation in DJ Bobo's Fantasy Tour in 2010, where they served as special guests across multiple European dates, including a notable appearance in Cologne on June 5.[37] This tour marked a significant return, with the duo spending three months in Switzerland prior to prepare choreography and staging elements, helping to reintroduce their music to live crowds and boosting their visibility in the Eurodance revival scene.[6] From there, they established a pattern of annual appearances at Eurodance festivals, performing at events in countries such as Germany, Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway, the UK, Ireland, Poland, and the US, fostering strong fan engagement through consistent delivery of upbeat, interactive shows.[6][38] Key performances highlighted their enduring appeal, including a high-profile slot at the Die 90er Live on Stage event in Mannheim's Maimarkthalle on November 29, 2014, alongside acts like Haddaway and 2 Unlimited, which drew thousands for a celebration of 1990s dance music.[39] Their live setlists typically centered on signature tracks such as "More and More" and "Flying High," often featuring updated choreography that blended original high-energy moves with modern flair to keep performances fresh and visually compelling for diverse audiences.[38] In 2024, they delivered a milestone performance at the 90s Explosion Open-Air Festival in Prague's Výstaviště Praha Holešovice on May 18, showcasing their global draw amid a resurgence of 1990s nostalgia events.[38] The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted their touring schedule from 2020 to 2022, leading to widespread pauses in live events across Europe and the US due to lockdowns and venue closures, with only isolated pre-lockdown shows like one in Gorinchem, Netherlands, on March 28, 2020.[38] Post-pandemic recovery saw a gradual return, exemplified by a 2021 appearance at Die 90er Live in Gelsenkirchen's Veltins-Arena on September 4, where they adapted by prioritizing health protocols and shorter sets to rebuild fan connections safely.[38] The duo performed at international events in 2025, including the It's My Life festival at Vienna's Donauinsel on May 24 and the RetroBest Festival in Vana-Vigala, Estonia, on June 28, and is scheduled for the 90s Super Show at Cologne's Lanxess Arena on September 26, 2026, signaling continued expansion of their live footprint.[38]Recent Releases and Ventures
In 2024, Italian artists Dino Brown and Nathalie Aarts, in collaboration with producer Raf Marchesini, released a contemporary cover of the Captain Hollywood Project's 1992 hit "More and More," reinterpreting the Eurodance classic for modern audiences.[40] This release, issued on Gas Records, paid homage to the original while incorporating fresh production elements.[41] The project embraced its legacy through several remixes in 2025, including the "More and More [New Eurodance exclusive remix]" and a collaboration with TMC on "More and More remix," both highlighting updated Eurodance beats.[42][43] Additionally, a vinyl reissue of "More and More" and the "Garsi Remix" from late 2024 extended the track's availability across digital and physical formats. These efforts reflect ongoing efforts to refresh the project's catalog for streaming and club play. Beyond music, the duo expanded into film production with the 2024 sci-fi thriller "Ai-Me," where Tony Dawson-Harrison served as an executive producer; the movie explores themes of artificial intelligence and its perils, becoming available on platforms like Tubi.[2] This venture marked a diversification into visual media, aligning with broader creative pursuits. The project's digital footprint has strengthened, achieving nearly 990,000 monthly listeners on Spotify as of November 2025 amid renewed interest in 90s Eurodance.[36] Social media engagement has similarly expanded, with active Instagram updates fostering fan interaction and promoting recent outputs.[44]Musical Style and Legacy
Eurodance Characteristics
Captain Hollywood Project's music exemplifies core Eurodance elements, characterized by upbeat tempos typically ranging from 120 to 140 BPM, as exemplified by the hit "More and More" at 126 BPM.[45][46] The signature structure features energetic male rap verses delivered by Tony Dawson-Harrison, contrasted with soaring female vocals in the choruses, creating a dynamic call-and-response dynamic that drives the genre's dancefloor appeal.[46][1] Production techniques emphasize synthesizer-driven melodies and hooks, layered over four-on-the-floor beats with prominent house influences, resulting in a polished, high-energy sound designed for clubs and radio.[1] Early releases like the 1993 album Love Is Not Sex relied heavily on sampling and electronic sequencing to build infectious rhythms, while later works incorporated harder trance elements, as seen in tracks from Animals or Human (1995).[47][48] In the project's revival phase post-2008, the sound evolved toward a more organic, live-band arrangement during tours, blending original electronic foundations with instrumental performances for enhanced stage energy.[1] Lyrically, the project explores themes of love, partying, and occasional social commentary, with romantic and uplifting narratives dominating tracks like "Only with You," while the 1995 album Animals or Human delves into existential and societal reflections through its conceptual title and songs such as "Animals Or Human."[49][48] Vocal hooks are a hallmark, featuring repetitive, anthemic phrases that reinforce the music's euphoric and communal vibe.[46]Cultural Impact and Recognition
Captain Hollywood Project achieved significant commercial success, selling over 20 million records worldwide during the 1990s, which played a pivotal role in popularizing the Eurodance genre across Europe and beyond.[6][8] Their breakthrough single "More and More" alone sold seven million copies, topping charts in multiple countries and exemplifying the high-energy rap-dance fusion that defined early Eurodance.[6] This success helped establish Eurodance as a dominant force in international pop music, influencing production styles and encouraging similar acts to emerge in the genre's golden era.[8] The project's innovative sound left a lasting mark on subsequent Eurodance artists.[8] In the 2010s, the group experienced a revival through nostalgia-driven tours, such as the 2010 Fantasy Tour with DJ Bobo across 20 major German cities and ongoing international performances in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.[6] These efforts capitalized on renewed interest in 1990s dance music, sustaining the project's relevance amid broader retro trends, including 2024 performances at the 90s-Super-Show in Munich and the 90s Explosion open-air event in Prague, with tours scheduled for 2025 and 2026.[38] Recognition for their contributions includes MTV London Awards for the most played music video of the year from 1992 to 1994, highlighting their visual and musical impact on global audiences.[6] The enduring fanbase is evident in continued appearances at dedicated 1990s festivals, such as the 90s Explosion open-air event in Prague and the 90s-Super-Show in Germany, where they perform alongside contemporaries like 2 Unlimited and Vengaboys, drawing crowds eager to relive the era's anthems.[38]Discography
Studio Albums
The Captain Hollywood Project released three studio albums during the 1990s, each showcasing the group's evolution within the Eurodance genre, from high-energy rap-infused tracks to more mature house-influenced productions. These albums collectively sold millions of copies worldwide, driven by hit singles that topped European charts, though commercial success diminished with later releases. No new studio albums have been issued since 1996, with activity limited to reissues and compilations. The debut album, Love Is Not Sex, was released in March 1993 by Blow Up in association with EMI Electrola. Produced primarily by Tony Dawson-Harrison (aka Captain Hollywood) alongside Lothar Kosse and Michael Kersten, it features 12 tracks blending upbeat Eurodance rhythms with rap verses and female vocals by Nosie Katzmann, with guest vocals by Nina Gerhard. The album peaked at number 9 on the German Albums Chart and achieved sales of over 7 million copies worldwide, including 400,000 in Germany alone.[50][6][12]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | More and More (Single Version) | 3:59 |
| 2 | All I Want | 5:22 |
| 3 | It's Raining | 4:15 |
| 4 | Impossible | 5:09 |
| 5 | Only with You (Video Mix) | 3:51 |
| 6 | Rhythm of Life | 5:03 |
| 7 | Love 4 U Love 4 Me | 4:38 |
| 8 | Rhythm Takes Control | 4:38 |
| 9 | Nothing's Gonna Stop Me | 5:04 |
| 10 | Only with You (Magic Remix) | 6:07 |
| 11 | More and More (Underground Mix) | 5:59 |
| 12 | Only with You (Faze 2 Edit) | 7:19 |
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flying High (Single Mix) | 3:44 |
| 2 | The Way Love Is | 5:39 |
| 3 | One Love | 5:55 |
| 4 | I Need a Lover | 5:48 |
| 5 | Animals or Human | 5:22 |
| 6 | Find Another Way (Single Mix) | 3:56 |
| 7 | Odyssey of Emotions | 6:06 |
| 8 | Relax Your Mind | 6:01 |
| 9 | Sea of Dreams | 5:37 |
| 10 | Lost in Gravity | 6:19 |
| 11 | Get Hypnotized | 5:51 |
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intro | 1:32 |
| 2 | Far Away | 4:59 |
| 3 | Over and Over | 3:43 |
| 4 | A Little Bit | 4:21 |
| 5 | Waiting So Long | 4:13 |
| 6 | Love and Pain | 4:19 |
| 7 | All the Tears | 4:49 |
| 8 | I Can't Stand It | 3:37 |
| 9 | Up 'N' Down | 4:20 |
| 10 | Afterparty | 3:38 |
| 11 | Tell Me That I'm Dreaming | 3:52 |
Singles
The Captain Hollywood Project's singles were pivotal to their success in the Eurodance genre, with early releases achieving strong chart performance across Europe and North America. These tracks were initially distributed on vinyl and CD formats, including maxi-singles with remixes, and later reissued digitally for international markets such as Germany, the UK, and the US. Non-album singles and remixes also contributed to their catalog, particularly during revival periods. The breakthrough single "More and More," released in 1992, became a global hit, topping the German Singles Chart for several weeks and reaching number 23 on the UK Singles Chart. In the US, it peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of the project's highest placements there. Available on vinyl 12-inch, CD maxi-single, and later digital platforms, it featured international versions tailored for European and American audiences, including extended mixes and radio edits.[54] Following this, "Only with You" arrived in 1993 as the lead single from their debut album Love Is Not Sex, peaking at number 4 on the German Singles Chart. The release included vinyl and CD formats with multiple remixes, such as the radio mix and extended versions, and saw moderate success in other European territories through localized pressings.[49][19] "Flying High," issued in 1994 from the album Animals or Human, reached number 18 in Germany and performed well on club charts internationally. Distributed on vinyl, CD, and early digital formats, it featured spaceship and radio mixes, with versions adapted for markets like Belgium (peaking at number 13) and Finland.[18][55][56] Later singles included "Love and Pain" in 1996 from The Afterparty, released on CD and vinyl with club remixes, though it received limited chart attention compared to earlier hits. In 2010, during a revival phase tied to the Fantasy Tour, the project reissued tracks like "The Way Love Is" digitally, emphasizing their enduring appeal in Eurodance compilations.[57][58][6] In the revival era, 2024 saw remixes such as "More and More (Garsi Remix)," available on streaming platforms and aimed at contemporary dance audiences.[36]| Single | Year | Formats | Key Chart Peaks |
|---|---|---|---|
| More and More | 1992 | Vinyl 12", CD maxi, Digital | GER #1, UK #23, US #17 |
| Only with You | 1993 | Vinyl 12", CD maxi | GER #4 |
| All I Want | 1993 | Vinyl 12", CD maxi | GER #11 |
| Impossible | 1993 | Vinyl 12", CD maxi | GER #20 |
| Flying High | 1994 | Vinyl, CD, Digital | GER #18, BE #13 |
| Love and Pain | 1996 | CD, Vinyl | Limited charting |
| The Way Love Is (reissue) | 2010 | Digital | N/A |
| More and More (Garsi Remix) | 2024 | Digital | N/A |