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The Buggles

From Alfawiki
The Buggles
Company typeDuo
IndustryMusic
PredecessorBruce Woolley (member 1977–1979)
Founded1977 in London, England
FounderTrevor Horn, Geoff Downes
Headquarters
London
,
England
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsMusic albums, singles

The Buggles emerged as an English new wave duo originating in London in 1977, primarily recognized for the collaboration between vocalist and bassist Trevor Horn and keyboardist Geoff Downes. Bruce Woolley was also briefly associated with the group from 1977 until 1979. Their inaugural single released in 1979, "Video Killed the Radio Star", achieved number one status on the UK Singles Chart and topped the charts in 15 countries worldwide; notably, it was the first video broadcast on the American music channel MTV when it launched in 1981.

Their first album, The Age of Plastic, came out on 10 January 1980, spearheaded by the hit "Video Killed the Radio Star". Additional singles from this period included "Living in the Plastic Age", "Clean, Clean", and "Elstree". During this time, they also produced the successful track "Back of My Hand" for The Jags and contributed to Dan-I's single "Monkey Chop".

Soon after, Horn and Downes joined forces with progressive rock band Yes, releasing the album Drama in 1980. Following their tour, The Buggles dissolved in 1981. On 1 August of that year, "Video Killed the Radio Star" became the inaugural video aired on MTV in the United States. They went on to release a second album titled Adventures in Modern Recording, but due to disappointing sales, they disbanded permanently in 1982.

From 1998 onwards, Horn and Downes have sporadically performed Buggles songs live. The band embarked on their first tour in 2023 featuring Horn without Downes; as of 2025, their reunion remains ongoing. A musical project named The Robot Sings, planned for 2017, has an unclear status. The Buggles’ legacy has influenced artists such as Justice, Phoenix, and Daft Punk, with covers recorded by acts like Erasure, Robbie Williams, and Ben Folds Five.

1977–1979: Formation

Geoff Downes explained that the band's name was a playful twist on the legendary rock group The Beatles. Initially called the Bugs—referring to studio pests causing disruption—the name evolved into The Buggles as a humorous nod to never reaching The Beatles’ level of fame. Trevor Horn described their choice as a deliberate departure from punk band conventions at the time, opting for a deliberately "unappealing" name without much marketing consideration, focusing instead on producing quality records.

Horn's early career involved producing jingles and working with various punk rock bands. Meanwhile, Downes, a keyboardist who had played with She's French and graduated from Leeds College of Music in 1975, relocated to London to pursue work opportunities. The two crossed paths in 1976 during auditions for backing musicians for Tina Charles, collaborating closely with her producer, Biddu. Biddu’s backing tracks significantly influenced their initial sound as The Buggles. Horn encountered Bruce Woolley while performing bass duties in the house band at London's Hammersmith Odeon. Sharing mutual admiration for artists like Kraftwerk and producer Daniel Miller, they envisioned futuristic ideas such as a record label operated by computers that would create artists like The Buggles.

In 1977, Horn, Downes, and Woolley recorded demo tracks including "Video Killed the Radio Star", "Clean, Clean", and "On TV" at a studio located in Wimbledon, London. Although uncertain about their musical direction initially, they later re-recorded these songs at a 16-track facility in north London. Early attempts to secure a recording contract were unsuccessful; however, Horn’s connection with Jill Sinclair of Sarm East Studios opened doors to potential opportunities. Eventually, producer Chris Blackwell from Island Records, impressed by the demo of "Video Killed the Radio Star", offered a more attractive deal. Despite prior refusals from Island Records, they ultimately finalized an agreement to move forward.

1979–1980: The Age of Plastic

After securing a recording deal with Island Records, The Buggles entered the studio in 1979 to produce their first album, The Age of Plastic. The initial demo for "Video Killed the Radio Star" included lead vocals by Tina Charles, who also contributed financially to the project. Although the song was mainly composed by Woolley, he parted ways with Horn and Downes before the single was released to form the Camera Club. Crafting The Age of Plastic demanded several months of rigorous studio experimentation aimed at preserving the essence of the original demos. Vocal contributions on "Video Killed the Radio Star" by Debi Doss and Linda Jardim-Allan extended to other tracks on the album.

The lead single, "Video Killed the Radio Star," launched in September 1979, achieved significant commercial acclaim, reaching number one in 16 countries. Its accompanying music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, holds the distinction of being the first ever broadcast on MTV in the United States on 1 August 1981. Notably, film composer Hans Zimmer made a cameo appearance. Released in January 1980, the album climbed to No. 27 on the UK Albums Chart. Additionally, three other singles—"[Living in the Plastic Age]", "[Clean, Clean]", and "[Elstree (song)|Elstree]]"—all secured positions on UK charts.

1980–1981: Collaboration with Yes

At the beginning of 1980, Horn and Downes commenced work on The Buggles’ sophomore album in London, situated adjacent to the studio of progressive rock group Yes, who were then without vocalist Jon Anderson and keyboardist Rick Wakeman. As an admirer of Yes, Horn alongside Downes offered them a track titled "We Can Fly from Here". Encouraged by Brian Lane, who managed both bands, Yes bassist Chris Squire invited Horn and Downes to join as replacements for Anderson and Wakeman. They accepted and joined forces with Squire, Steve Howe, and Alan White to record the album Drama.

Reception to The Buggles joining Yes was mixed; although they experienced chart success, UK audiences occasionally responded with boos, whereas US fans were more welcoming. Horn admitted he did not possess Anderson’s vocal range or style, which some fans lamented; however, many were willing to embrace this new lineup. Critical and fan responses were more critical in the UK than in other regions. The US leg of their tour failed to meet financial expectations, leading to Yes disbanding in December 1980 following completion of the Drama tour.

1981–1982: Adventures in Modern Recording

Following Yes’s dissolution in early 1981, Downes and Horn reunited at Sarm East Studios to begin work on The Buggles’ second album, Adventures in Modern Recording. On the very day recording started, Downes departed to establish Asia alongside Howe due to creative differences.[1] Horn expressed frustration that Island Records renegotiated publishing rights for Downes’ involvement with Asia but not for himself, leaving him feeling professionally sidelined.[2] To address this challenge, Jill Sinclair secured financial backing from Claude Carrere of French label Carrere.[2] Horn proceeded to complete much of the album with support from additional collaborators.[2]

Released in November 1981, this album showcased Horn’s pioneering use of sampling technology through the Fairlight CMI, incorporating computer-generated drum patterns on "Inner City" and big band jazz elements on "Vermillion Sands".[2] These innovations influenced subsequent productions such as Slave to the Rhythm by Grace Jones, 90125 by Yes, and Welcome to the Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. While it garnered limited attention within the UK market, Horn noted it achieved commercial success in France,[2] and it reached number 161 on the US Billboard 200. Concurrently working on ABC's The Lexicon of Love, Horn chose to prioritize production over performing, effectively marking The Buggles’ conclusion after a Dutch television appearance performing "Lenny" backed by ABC.

1998–present: Reunion appearances

Initially established as a studio-focused endeavor, The Buggles did not embark on tours at the outset, limiting their exposure to a handful of promotional events. Their inaugural live show as the original pair took place on 3 December 1998 during a ZTT Records showcase in London, where they performed "Video Killed the Radio Star" accompanied by vocalist Tessa Niles.

On 11 November 2004, The Buggles reunited with Doss, Jardim-Allan, and Woolley at Wembley Arena for a charity event organized by The Prince's Trust, honoring Horn's achievements in music production.

Their first complete concert was held on 28 September 2010 at London's Supperclub in Notting Hill, serving as a fundraiser for the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability. The performance featured the entire The Age of Plastic album and included guest appearances from artists such as Lol Creme, Alison Moyet, and Gary Barlow.

On 25 October 2011, The Buggles appeared at the British Music Experience inside the O2 Arena, where they premiered a live rendition of "I Am a Camera" alongside covers of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and Nicki Minaj's "Check It Out," creatively integrating samples from "Video Killed the Radio Star."

In 2013, Downes indicated an openness to collaborating again with Horn but highlighted difficulties coordinating schedules. By March 2015, Downes joined the Trevor Horn Band onstage to perform Buggles tracks, and early in 2016, Horn and Downes reconvened in the studio to pursue additional Buggles-related projects.

Between April and June 2023, The Buggles supported Seal during his 30th anniversary tour. Horn took on roles as musical director and bassist, marking their first extensive touring experience. Geoff Downes did not participate; the ensemble mirrored Seal's regular backing band. Their setlist comprised selections from both Buggles albums alongside songs by Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Yes.

Artistry and reception

Trevor Horn's lyrical themes often drew upon science fiction literature, with influences from writers like J. G. Ballard. Geoff Downes elaborated on this inspiration:

Downes also incorporated George Shearing’s method of doubling melodic lines in block chords extensively across several Buggles recordings.

Critical response to both Buggles albums was favorable. Trouser Press described the works as "technically impressive, moderately catchy yet somewhat hollow," while AllMusic's Jeri Montesano observed that their sound remains "fresh" when compared to pop music of the 1990s.

Legacy

Following his departure from The Buggles, Downes co-founded the supergroup Asia alongside Steve Howe, John Wetton, and Carl Palmer, achieving commercial acclaim with their 1982 single "Heat of the Moment." He continues to be an active member and has pursued solo ventures and production roles, including work with GTR. In 2011, Downes rejoined Yes as keyboardist alongside Horn for the album Fly from Here and its subsequent tour.

Horn developed a distinguished career as a producer, collaborating with artists such as ABC, Dollar, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Art of Noise, and a reformed Yes featuring Jon Anderson. He earned the Best Producer BRIT Award in 1985 and remains active producing for notable names including Seal, Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, Cher, Pet Shop Boys, and Robbie Williams. Horn currently leads The Producers, who released Made in Basing Street in 2012. Both Asia and The Producers have incorporated "Video Killed the Radio Star" into their live shows as an homage to their origins with The Buggles.

In 2009, Horn produced Robbie Williams' album Reality Killed the Video Star, titled as a tribute to The Buggles’ iconic song. Horn also performed this track with Williams during the BBC Electric Proms.

After discussions with Chris Squire in 2010, Horn produced Yes's Fly from Here (2011), which heavily utilized previously unreleased Buggles compositions from the early 1980s. Downes contributed keyboard parts on this album in place of Oliver Wakeman; Horn additionally provided instrumental performances and backing vocals. The album cover prominently features Horn centrally positioned, highlighting his key involvement. Although Horn did not participate in the following tour, Yes later issued Fly from Here – Return Trip, featuring new lead vocals by Horn replacing those of Benoit David.

In February 2017, Bruce Woolley and his ensemble the Radio Science Orchestra released an atmospheric dark ambient version of "Video Killed the Radio Star," featuring vocals by Polly Scattergood. This single was accompanied by a music video starring musician-producer Thomas Dolby alongside Wolfgang Wild of Retronaut fame.

The Robot Sings

On 8 March 2017, Horn revealed via his official Facebook account that he, Downes, and Woolley were working together on a musical production titled The Robot Sings. Drawing inspiration from The Tempest and science fiction writers such as J. G. Ballard, Brian Aldiss, and Isaac Asimov, the narrative follows a boy named Jay who strives to rescue his robotic friend. The project was planned to include the track "Video Killed the Radio Star" alongside original pieces composed by Downes, with a script crafted by Jack Woolley.

Current members

  • Trevor Horn – lead vocals, bass guitar, guitar, sound effects (1977–1982, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2011, 2023–present)

Former members

  • Geoff Downes – piano, keyboards, synthesizers, drums, percussion, backing vocals (1977–1981, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2011)
  • Bruce Woolley – lead and backing vocals, guitar (1977–1979, 2004, 2010)

Touring members

  • Debi Doss – backing vocals (1979, 2004)
  • Linda Jardim-Allen – backing vocals (1979, 2004; deceased 2015)
  • Earl Harvin – drums (2023)
  • Mat Dauzat – guitar (2023)
  • Jamie Muhoberac – keyboards (2023)
  • La Tanya Hall – backing vocals (2023)
  • Everett Bradley – backing vocals, percussion (2023)

Studio albums

See also

Further reading

  • Gregory, Andy (2002). International Who's Who in Popular Music 2002. Routledge. .

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Geoff Downes Biography
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AMR
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