Ultravox
Biography
**Ultravox**
When Ultravox finally called it quits in 2017 after a farewell tour, it marked the end of one of Britain's most innovative and influential electronic rock bands. The group had experienced multiple incarnations over four decades, but their legacy as pioneers of the synth-pop movement remained unshakeable. Their final bow came after a series of reunion tours that reminded audiences why they had been such a vital force in shaping the sound of the 1980s.
The band's golden era revival began in 2008 when the classic lineup of Midge Ure, Chris Cross, Warren Cann, and Billy Currie reunited for a series of highly successful tours. These performances rekindled appreciation for their sophisticated brand of electronic rock, leading to the 2012 album "Brilliant," their first studio release in 28 years. While it didn't match the commercial heights of their 1980s output, it demonstrated that their creative chemistry remained intact.
Ultravox's commercial peak occurred during the early to mid-1980s, when they became one of the defining acts of the New Romantic movement. Their 1981 album "Rage in Eden" and 1982's "Quartet" spawned hits like "The Thin Wall" and "Reap the Wild Wind," showcasing their ability to blend Ure's emotive vocals with increasingly sophisticated electronic arrangements. The band's visual presentation, often featuring dramatic lighting and sleek aesthetics, made them MTV favorites and style icons.
The transformation that made Ultravox superstars began with Midge Ure's arrival in 1979. Ure, fresh from his stint with Rich Kids and a brief collaboration with Thin Lizzy, brought both commercial sensibility and technical expertise to the group. His first album with the band, 1980's "Vienna," became their masterpiece and one of the most celebrated albums of the decade. The title track, with its haunting melody, cinematic video, and lush orchestration, reached number two in the UK charts and became a defining song of the era. The album's success established Ultravox as major players in the emerging synth-pop scene alongside acts like Depeche Mode and Human League.
However, Ultravox's story began much earlier, in a very different musical landscape. The band was formed in 1974 by vocalist John Foxx, guitarist Stevie Shears, bassist Chris Cross, drummer Warren Cann, and keyboardist Billy Currie. Initially, they were part of the punk and new wave explosion, with a sound that was more aggressive and experimental than their later incarnation. Their early albums, including their 1977 self-titled debut and 1978's "Ha!-Ha!-Ha!," showcased a raw, angular approach that incorporated elements of glam rock, punk, and early electronic music.
The band's original lineup was notable for their willingness to experiment with synthesizers and electronic textures at a time when such instruments were still relatively uncommon in rock music. Billy Currie's use of the violin and various keyboards gave them a distinctive sound that set them apart from their contemporaries. Their 1978 album "Systems of Romance" hinted at the more polished direction they would later pursue, featuring more sophisticated production and melodic sensibilities.
John Foxx's departure in 1979 could have ended the band, but instead, it led to their greatest success. The remaining members' decision to recruit Midge Ure proved inspired, as his songwriting abilities and commercial instincts helped them achieve the breakthrough that had eluded them during their earlier incarnation.
Ultravox's influence on popular music extends far beyond their chart success. They were instrumental in establishing the template for synth-pop, demonstrating how electronic instruments could be used to create emotionally resonant, commercially viable music. Their sophisticated approach to production and arrangement influenced countless artists, from Duran Duran to modern electronic acts. The band's integration of classical elements, particularly through Billy Currie's violin work, showed how traditional instruments could coexist with synthesizers.
Their cultural impact was equally significant, as they helped define the visual and aesthetic language of 1980s pop culture. The "Vienna" video, with its dramatic black-and-white cinematography and theatrical staging, became a template for the music video era. Today, Ultravox is remembered as one of the most important bands of the electronic music revolution, artists who successfully bridged the gap between punk's energy and pop's accessibility while creating some of the most enduring
