Ultravox
| Company type | Group or band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1974 in London, England |
| Founder | Dennis Leigh (John Foxx), Chris Allen (Chris Cross), Stevie Shears, Warren Cann, Billy Currie |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Ultravox (originally known as Ultravox!) was a British new wave group that originated in London in April 1974 under the name Tiger Lily. From 1980 to 1986, they secured seven albums within the UK Top Ten and seventeen singles in the Top 40, highlighted by their biggest hit, 1981's "Vienna".
Between 1974 and 1979, the band was fronted by vocalist John Foxx, who departed to pursue a solo career. Following this, Midge Ure took over as lead vocalist and guitarist after working alongside keyboardist Billy Currie on the studio-based project Visage. Ure’s involvement revitalized Ultravox, propelling them to commercial prominence until their split in 1987.
In 1992, a lineup led by Currie reassembled but achieved minimal impact, with two albums failing to enter the charts and a single peaking at number 90 on the UK Singles Chart. The classic formation—Currie, Ure, bassist Chris Cross, and drummer Warren Cann—reunited in 2008, performing live through 2010 and releasing Brill!ant in May 2012. This album reached number 21 on the UK Albums Chart. Their final tour occurred in November 2013 when they supported Simple Minds as special guests. By 2017, both Currie and Ure acknowledged that the band had concluded its journey.
Formation and early phase – Tiger Lily: 1974–1976
Established in April 1974 by vocalist and songwriter Dennis Leigh, then a student at the Royal College of Art, the band initially performed as Tiger Lily. The original lineup featured Leigh, bassist Chris Allen (then known as Chris St. John), and guitarist Stevie Shears. Later that same year, drummer Warren Cann and violinist/keyboardist Billy Currie joined the group. In 1975, they released a single—a cover of Fats Waller’s "Ain't Misbehavin'"—which was featured in a softcore adult film. Throughout this period, they experimented with several names such as The Zips, Fire of London, London Soundtrack, and The Damned before settling on Ultravox upon discovering that another band had already claimed The Damned.
Ultravox!
Leveraging their dynamic live shows, the band secured a contract with Island Records in 1976. Still deciding on a permanent name, they adopted “Ultravox!” in October of that year, drawing inspiration from krautrock pioneers Neu!, whose producer Conny Plank would later collaborate on three Ultravox albums. Dennis Leigh took on the stage name John Foxx, while Chris Allen became known as Chris Cross. Their debut album Ultravox! was released by Island Records in February 1977.
Rooted in the art-school facet of glam rock, Ultravox! drew influence from acts such as Roxy Music, New York Dolls, David Bowie, and Kraftwerk. Co-produced by Steve Lillywhite and Brian Eno, their first album failed to achieve commercial success; neither it nor its single "Dangerous Rhythm" entered the UK charts. Tensions within the band surfaced as Foxx expressed an aspiration to detach emotionally—a theme reflected in "I Want to Be a Machine".
Later that year, Ultravox! issued Ha! Ha! Ha!, featuring a more punk-oriented sound; however, both this album and its lead single "ROckWrok" did not chart. Despite its edgy punk lyrics, "ROckWrok" gained some exposure on BBC Radio 1. While guitars and electric violin dominated Ha! Ha! Ha!, its closing track "Hiroshima Mon Amour" signaled a transition toward synthpop. Notably one of the earliest British songs to incorporate a drum machine (Roland Rhythm 77), it also included a tenor saxophone solo by "c.c." from Gloria Mundi. This track marked Ultravox’s stylistic shift during punk’s decline in 1978 as UK musicians embraced the emerging British new wave movement. "Hiroshima Mon Amour" remains highly regarded by critics and fans alike and was performed on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1978.
Systems of Romance and John Foxx's Departure
In March 1978, guitarist Stevie Shears was dismissed as his playing style was considered restrictive, leading to his replacement by Robin Simon, previously of Neo. Concurrently, the band eliminated the exclamation mark from their name, becoming simply "Ultravox." This configuration performed at the 1978 Reading Festival, showcasing early renditions of "Slow Motion" and "Quiet Men."
Their third studio effort, Systems of Romance (1978), produced by Conny Plank, represented a transition toward a sound dominated by synthesizers. Amidst creative disagreements, John Foxx chose to exit during rehearsals but completed the album's obligations. Although the record received favorable critiques and sold over 25,000 copies, Island Records terminated their contract by the close of 1978.
Ultravox independently funded a tour across the United States in early 1979, garnering enthusiastic receptions at sold-out shows. Following their final performance near San Francisco in March 1979, Foxx departed to embark on a solo path, relinquishing the band's name to the remaining members. Warren Cann described the split as amicable after persistent disputes. Simon briefly remained in America before returning to England to join Magazine. Island Records subsequently withdrew Ultravox’s albums from its catalogue but issued a 1980 compilation titled Three into One, featuring standout tracks from their initial three releases.
John Foxx signed with Virgin Records and launched Metamatic in January 1980. Meanwhile, Billy Currie collaborated with Gary Numan in 1979 on The Old Grey Whistle Test and Numan’s debut solo album The Pleasure Principle, including its supporting tour. Warren Cann worked alongside Zaine Griff, while Chris Cross performed with James Honeyman-Scott of The Pretenders and Barrie Masters from Eddie and the Hot Rods.
Midge Ure Era: 1979–1987
Ultravox experienced a resurgence with the addition of Midge Ure as vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist. Ure had previously achieved recognition with semi-glam group Slik and The Rich Kids, additionally touring briefly with Thin Lizzy in 1979.
Ure and Billy Currie collaborated within Visage, a studio-based project led by New Romantic figurehead Steve Strange. Both balanced their roles in Visage alongside Ultravox until Ure departed Visage in 1982 to concentrate on Ultravox; Currie exited Visage by 1984.
Prompted by Visage’s drummer Rusty Egan, Currie invited Ure into Ultravox. Together they swiftly crafted new material and embarked on a US tour in late 1979 seeking American label interest. A fan of Systems, Ure performed songs from that album with his own vocals.
The release of Vienna marked a significant stylistic evolution and became their most commercially successful album under Chrysalis Records. Produced once again by Conny Plank, it debuted in July 1980 featuring their first UK Top 40 single "Sleepwalk" which reached No. 29. The title track, accompanied by an iconic video, climbed to No. 2 in January 1981, propelling the album to No. 3 on the charts. Other singles included "All Stood Still" (No. 8) and a reissued "Slow Motion" that peaked at No. 33.
Following this success, Rage in Eden (1981) underwent an extended recording period but achieved a peak position of No. 4 in the UK Albums Chart. Singles such as "The Thin Wall" and "The Voice" reached Nos. 14 and 16 respectively.
In 1982, Ultravox teamed up with producer George Martin for Quartet, which attained No. 6 in the UK and yielded four Top 20 singles including "Reap the Wild Wind" (No.12) and "Hymn" (No.11). This album was also their highest-charting release in the US, reaching No. 61.
The Monument Tour supported a live album and video release in 1983 that entered the UK top ten.
Ultravox self-produced Lament in 1984, maintaining top ten chart status with three singles entering the top 40 including international hit "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes" which peaked at UK No.3. A greatest hits collection titled The Collection followed shortly after, reaching No.2 on UK charts and achieving triple Platinum certification; this success was bolstered by the single "Love's Great Adventure" which climbed to No.12.
In November 1984, Ure co-wrote and produced the charity anthem "Do They Know It's Christmas?" for Band Aid. The band then took a break but reunited for Live Aid in 1985 where they performed four hits using minimal equipment due to logistical challenges.
Ure's solo endeavors peaked with his No.1 hit "If I Was" and his album The Gift, which reached No.2 on UK charts.
While Ure concentrated on his solo work, Cann, Currie, and Cross recorded demos including "Ukraine," which later appeared on Currie's solo project Stand up and Walk. By this point, divergent musical directions had become apparent among members.
In a meeting held in 1986, drummer Warren Cann was dismissed due to creative conflicts. The band recorded U-Vox with drummer Mark Brzezicki from Big Country, working at Plank’s studio. Released in October 1986, Ure described this album as "unfocused." Although it reached the UK top ten albums chart, singles experienced diminishing returns: "Same Old Story" reached No.31; "All Fall Down" peaked at No.30; while "All in One Day" stalled at No.88. After completing the U-Vox tour in 1987, Ultravox disbanded.
Following the breakup, Currie signed with IRS Records for a solo release; Cross retired from music to pursue psychotherapy; Cann relocated to Los Angeles to work within film production. Currie briefly reunited with Robin Simon as Humania in 1989; they released Sinews of the Soul in 2006.
Currie's Version of Ultravox: 1992–1996
In 1992, Billy Currie revived Ultravox without any original members, recruiting singer Tony Fenelle to produce the album Revelation. Subsequently, Sam Blue took over vocal duties in a five-member formation, resulting in the November 1994 release of Ingenuity and the live recording Future Picture, captured during a 1993 performance in Italy.
These releases achieved modest commercial impact, ultimately leading to the group's disbandment in 1996. Reflecting on this period, Currie admitted, "It wasn't a good idea but, in retrospect, it's always easy to say that."
Reunion Period: 2008–2013
September 2008 saw the digital remastering and re-release of Vienna and Rage in Eden, both supplemented with previously unreleased tracks. On 2 October 2008, Midge Ure and Billy Currie reunited for an acoustic rendition of "Vienna" on Absolute Radio's Geoff Lloyd Show, which subsequently prompted an invitation from Live Nation.
By 6 November 2008, the classic Ultravox lineup—Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie, and Midge Ure—officially reassembled for a UK tour entitled "Return to Eden," consisting of 15 dates commencing at Edinburgh Playhouse on 10 April 2009. This marked their first joint appearance since their 1985 Live Aid performance.
During a February 2009 interview on BBC Radio 2, Ure described the reunion as an impromptu celebration of their musical heritage rather than an initiative aimed at creating new compositions. He confirmed that no fresh material or albums were planned.
In February 2009, two-disc editions of Quartet and Monument were reissued; the latter included a DVD featuring concert footage previously only available on VHS. Similar reissues of other Chrysalis-era albums were also scheduled.
Following successful UK dates, the tour extended to Germany and Belgium. A live CD/DVD capturing their sold-out Roundhouse performance was released on 5 April 2010 and featured a documentary partially filmed by Ure himself.
Ultravox continued their European touring with "Return to Eden II" in 2010, performing in Sweden alongside Howard Jones and Alphaville. It was during this series of concerts that the band resolved to create new music.
On 20 January 2011, Ultravox announced that a new studio album was nearing completion. That year they issued Moments from Eden, an exclusive EP containing live recordings from shows in Hamburg and Berlin.
Their eleventh studio album, Brilliant, was released on 28 May 2012. Following this release, the band embarked on the 'Brilliant Tour' across the UK and Europe later that year.
Ultravox's final performance took place on 30 November 2013 at The O2 Arena in London, where they appeared as special guests during Simple Minds' UK arena tour.
On 4 January 2017, Billy Currie announced his departure from Ultravox after over four decades with the group. By December of that year, Midge Ure indicated that future reunions were improbable.
Bassist Chris Cross passed away on 25 March 2024; Midge Ure confirmed his death on 1 April.
Influence and Legacy
The original Ultravox lineup from the 1970s significantly influenced artists such as Gary Numan. The band’s sound also impacted early works by Simple Minds and Duran Duran. Alongside contemporaries like Visage and Numan himself, Ultravox played a role in shaping the development of techno music. Simon Reynolds cites Adam Lee Miller of Adult, who highlighted the resemblance between Ultravox’s track "Mr X" and early techno recordings.
Band members
- Definitive lineup
- Chris Cross – bass guitar, synthesizers, backing vocals (1974–1987, 2008–2013; deceased 2024)
- Warren Cann – drums, electronic percussion, drum programming, synthesizers, backing and occasional lead vocals (1974–1986, 2008–2013)
- Billy Currie – synthesizers, keyboards, violin, viola (1974–1987, 1992–1996, 2008–2013)
- Midge Ure – lead vocals, guitar, synthesizers (1979–1987, 2008–2013)
- Past members
- John Foxx – lead vocals (1974–1979)
- Stevie Shears – guitar (1974–1978)
- Robin Simon – guitar, backing vocals (1978–1979)
- Tony Fenelle – lead vocals, guitar (1992–1993)
- Sam Blue – lead vocals (1994–1996)
- Vinny Burns – guitar (1994–1996)
- Tony Holmes – drums, percussion (1994–1996)
- Gary Williams – bass guitar (1994–1996)
Lineups
| 1974 | 1975–1978 | 1978–1979 | 1979–1986 Definitive lineup |
|---|---|---|---|
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| 1986–1987 | 1987–1992 | 1992–1993 | 1993–1996 |
|
Band inactive |
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| 1996–2008 | 2008–2013 | ||
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Band inactive |
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Timeline
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id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar id:bass value:blue legend:Bass id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards,_violin,_viola id:synth value:lightpurple legend:Synthesizer id:drums value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion id:lines value:black legend:Studio_album
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bar:foxx text:"John Foxx" bar:ure text:"Midge Ure" bar:fenelle text:"Tony Fenelle" bar:blue text:"Sam Blue" bar:shears text:"Stevie Shears" bar:simon text:"Robin Simon" bar:burns text:"Vinny Burns" bar:cross text:"Chris Cross" bar:gwilliams text:"Gary Williams" bar:currie text:"Billy Currie" bar:cann text:"Warren Cann" bar:holmes text:"Tony Holmes"
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Studio albums
- Ultravox! (1977)
- Ha! Ha! Ha! (1977)
- Systems of Romance (1978)
- Vienna (1980)
- Rage in Eden (1981)
- Quartet (1982)
- Lament (1984)
- U-Vox (1986)
- Revelation (1993)
- Ingenuity (1994)
- Brill!ant (2012)
External links
- "The Story." An interview with Warren Cann conducted by Jonas Wårstad, offering an in-depth account of the band's background.
- Articles with short description
- Ultravox
- Musical groups established in 1973
- Musical groups disbanded in 1988
- Musical groups reunited in 1992
- Musical groups disbanded in 1996
- Musical groups reunited in 2008
- English art rock ensembles
- English electronic music acts
- English new wave bands
- English synth-pop acts
- Electronic music groups based in London
- English synth-pop and new wave bands
- Scottish Gaelic musical groups
- Second British Invasion performers
- Island Records artists
- Chrysalis Records artists
- Articles containing graphical timelines
- 1973 establishments in England
- 2013 disestablishments in England
- Musical groups disestablished in 1988