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{{Short description|British new wave band}}
{{Other uses}} {{Other uses}}
{{Use British English|date= September 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians --> {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name = Ultravox | name = Ultravox
| image = Ultravox Brilliant Tour London 2012.jpg | image = Ultravox Brilliant Tour Berlin 2012 (4).jpg
| alt =
| caption = Ultravox in 2012, playing a date from their "Brill!ant" tour at the ] in London
| caption = Ultravox at the end of a concert in ] in 2012 (l-r): ], ], ], ]
| image_size = <!-- Only for images narrower than 220 pixels -->
| image_size = <!-- Only for images narrower than 220 pixels -->
| landscape = yes
| background = group_or_band | landscape = yes
| background = group_or_band
| alias = Tiger Lily (1973–1975)<br/>various other names (1975–1976)<br/>Ultravox! (1976–1978)
| alias = {{ubl|Tiger Lily {{small|(1974–1975)}}|Ultravox! {{small|(1976–1978)}}}}
| origin = ], England
| origin = ], England
| genre = ], ], ], ], ]
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|{{nowrap|]}}|] (early)}}
| years_active = 1974–1987, 1992–1996, {{nowrap|2008–present}}
| years_active = {{hlist|1974–1987|1992–1996|2008–2013}}
| label = ], ], ], ]
| label = {{hlist|]|]|]|]}}
| associated_acts = ]
| website = {{url|www.ultravox.org.uk}} | spinoffs = ]
| associated_acts =
| current_members = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]
| website = {{URL|www.ultravox.org.uk}}
| past_members = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />Gerry Laffy<br />Neal Wilkinson<br />Jackie Williams<br />]<br />]<br />Tony Holmes<br />Gary Williams
| spinoff_of =
| past_members = *]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*Tony Holmes
*Gary Williams
}} }}


'''Ultravox''' (formerly known as '''Ultravox!''') are an English ] band, formed in London in 1974 as '''Tiger Lilly'''. Between 1980—86, they scored seven Top Ten albums and seventeen Top 40 singles in the UK, the most successful of which was their 1981 hit "]". '''Ultravox''' (earlier styled as '''Ultravox!''') were a British ] band, formed in London in April 1974 as ]. Between 1980 and 1986, they scored seven Top Ten albums and seventeen Top 40 singles in the UK, the most successful of which was their 1981 hit "]".


The band has been led by two different frontmen who never played together in the band at the same time. From 1974 until 1979, singer ] was frontman and the main driving force behind Ultravox. Foxx left the band to embark on a solo career and, following his departure, with the three remaining members in hiatus, ] took over as lead singer, guitarist and frontman in 1980 after he and keyboardist ] worked in the band ]. Ure revitalised the band and steered it to commercial success lasting until the mid-1980s. Ure left the band in 1987 after establishing his own solo career and the group disbanded for a while. A new line-up, led by Currie, was formed in 1992, but achieved little success. From 1974 until 1979, singer ] was frontman and the main driving force behind Ultravox. Foxx left the band in March 1979 to embark on a solo career. ] officially took over as lead singer, guitarist and frontman on 1 November 1979 (despite writing and rehearsing with the band from April of that year) after he and keyboardist ] worked on the studio project ]. Ure revitalised the band and steered it to commercial chart success lasting until 1987, at which time the group disbanded.


The band's best-known line-up of Currie, Ure, bassist Chris Cross and drummer Warren Cann reformed in 2008 and performed a series of reunion shows in 2009 and 2010 before releasing a new studio album, '']'', in May 2012. In November 2013, Ultravox performed as special guests on a four date UK arena tour with ]. A new line-up, led by Currie, was formed in 1992, but achieved limited success with two albums failing to chart and one solitary single reaching 90 in the UK chart. The band's best-known line-up of Currie, Ure, bassist Chris Cross and drummer Warren Cann re-formed in 2008 and performed a series of shows in 2009 and 2010 before releasing a new studio album, '']'', in May 2012 which reached 21 in the British Album Charts. In November 2013, Ultravox performed as special guests on a four-date UK arena tour with ]. These shows proved to be Ultravox's last, as in 2017 both Currie and Ure indicated that Ultravox had run its course.


== History == == History ==
=== Early years – Tiger Lily: 1974–1976 ===


The band was formed in April 1974 on the initiative of vocalist and songwriter ], a then ] student, and was originally known as ]. An initial but incomplete line-up comprised Leigh plus ] who was then billed as Chris St. John (bass guitar) and ] (guitar),<ref>{{cite journal |date=September 2006 |title=John Foxx and Ultravox! |journal=] |url=http://www.astradyne.org/e/ultravox_music_magazine.htm |access-date=25 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015100826/http://www.astradyne.org/e/ultravox_music_magazine.htm |archive-date=15 October 2014 }}</ref> with ] (drums) and ] (violin) joining in May and October 1974 respectively.<ref name="Discog">{{cite web |url=http://www.discog.info/ultravox-interview.html |title=Warren Cann/Ultravox Interview |date=10 December 1997 |website=Discog.info |access-date=25 December 2014}}</ref> The group released one single in 1975, "]", a cover of the ] song, which featured in a soft porn film. Later, the band went through a series of name changes including The Zips, Fire of London, London Soundtrack, and The Damned, using this last name for a few weeks before discovering that ] had already taken it.<ref name="Discog"/>
=== Early years – Tiger Lily: 1974–1975 ===
{{Main|Tiger Lily (UK band)}}

The band was formed in 1974 on the initiative of vocalist and songwriter ], a then ] student, and was originally known as ]. An initial but incomplete line-up comprised Leigh plus ] (bass guitar) and ] (guitar),<ref>{{cite journal |date=September 2006 |title=John Foxx and Ultravox! |magazine=] |url=http://www.astradyne.org/e/ultravox_music_magazine.htm |accessdate=25 December 2014}}</ref> with ] (drums) and ] (violin) joining in May and October 1974 respectively.<ref name="Discog">{{cite web |url=http://www.discog.info/ultravox-interview.html |title=Warren Cann/Ultravox Interview |date=10 December 1997 |website=Discog.info |accessdate=25 December 2014}}</ref> The group released one single in 1975, "]", a cover of the ] song. Later, the band went through a series of name changes including The Zips, Fire of London, London Soundtrack, and The Damned, using this last name for a few weeks before discovering that ] had already taken it.<ref name="Discog"/>


=== Experimental years: 1976–1979 === === Experimental years: 1976–1979 ===
==== Ultravox! ==== ==== ''Ultravox!'' ====
On the strength of their live act, the band signed to ] in 1976. The group had still not finalised their band name, wanting to make a good and lasting choice. In October 1976, while working on the late stages of their debut album, the band conceived the name ''Ultravox!'' (the exclamation mark was a reference to ] band ], produced by ], who later produced three Ultravox albums). At the same time, Leigh chose ] and Allen chose ] as their respective stage names.<ref name="Discog"/> In February 1977, Island released their eponymous debut album, '']''.


Like many other bands that formed Britain's ] and ] movements, ''Ultravox!'' drew inspiration from the art-school side of ]. Musically, Ultravox were heavily influenced by ], the ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ultravox-mn0000809266 |title=Ultravox <nowiki>| Music Biography, Streaming Radio and Discography |</nowiki> AllMusic |last=Ankeny |first=Jason |publisher=] |access-date=25 December 2014}}</ref> Their debut was co-produced by ] and ] (who next co-wrote and performed with Bowie on '']''). '']''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sales were disappointing, and neither the album nor the associated single "Dangerous Rhythm" managed to enter the UK charts. Relations within the band were on an occasionally tenuous footing during this time as Foxx declared that he intended to live without emotions, a sentiment he wrote into the début album track "I Want to Be a Machine".
On the strength of their live act, the band signed to ] in 1976. The group had still not finalised their band name, wanting to make a good and lasting choice. In July 1976, while working on the late stages of their debut album, the band conceived the name Ultravox! (the exclamation mark was a reference to ] band ], produced by ], who later produced three Ultravox albums). At the same time, the singer chose ] and the bassist chose ] to be their respective stage names.<ref name="Discog"/> In February 1977, Island released their eponymous debut album, '']''.


Ultravox returned later in 1977 with the punkier '']''. Sales of both the album and its lead single, "]", were poor, both failing to register on the UK charts. "ROckWrok" had a punk-lyric chorus, with the words "Come on, let's tangle in the dark/Fuck like a dog, bite like a shark". (Despite this, it got airplay on ].) Although ''Ha!-Ha!-Ha!'' was dominated by guitars and ], the final track, "Hiroshima Mon Amour", was a prototypical ] song. One of the first tracks by a British band to feature a drum machine (a ] with preset patterns) and a tenor ] solo played by "cc" of the band Gloria Mundi. Hiroshima Mon Amour signalled a new direction for Ultravox. The energy, anger and popular appeal of punk was fading in 1978,<ref>{{cite book |last=Reynolds |first=Simon |author-link=Simon Reynolds |date=2004 |title=]}}</ref> and the more creative UK punk genre talent sought new directions—calling themselves ] instead of ] artists. "Hiroshima Mon Amour" remains a critics' and fans' favourite from the group's initial period. Ultravox! also performed it on '']'' later in 1978.
Like many other bands that formed Britain's ] and ] movements, Ultravox! drew inspiration from the art-school side of ]. Musically, Ultravox were heavily influenced by ], the ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ultravox-mn0000809266 |title=Ultravox <nowiki>| Music Biography, Streaming Radio and Discography |</nowiki> AllMusic |last=Ankeny |first=Jason |website=] |accessdate=25 December 2014}}</ref> Their debut was co-produced by ] and ] (who next co-wrote and performed with Bowie on '']''). '']''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sales were disappointing, and neither the album nor the associated single "Dangerous Rhythm" managed to enter the UK charts. Relations within the band were on an occasionally tenuous footing during this time as Foxx declared that he intended to live without emotions, a sentiment he wrote into the début album track "I Want to Be a Machine".


==== ''Systems of Romance'' and split with John Foxx ====
Ultravox returned later in 1977 with the punkier '']''. Sales of both the album and its lead single, "]", were poor, both failing to register on the UK charts. "ROckWrok" had a punk-lyric chorus, with the words "Come on, let's tangle in the dark/Fuck like a dog, bite like a shark". (Despite this, it got airplay on ].) Although ''Ha!-Ha!-Ha!'' was dominated by guitars and ], the final track, "Hiroshima Mon Amour", was a prototypical ] song. One of the first tracks by a British band to feature a drum machine (a ] with preset patterns), the song signalled a new direction for Ultravox. The energy, anger and popular appeal of punk was fading in 1978,<ref>{{cite book |last=Reynolds |first=Simon |authorlink=Simon Reynolds |date=2004 |title=]}}</ref> and the more creative UK punk genre talent sought new directions—calling themselves ] instead of ] artists. "Hiroshima Mon Amour" remains a critic's and fan's favourite from the group's initial period. Ultravox! also performed it on '']'' later in 1978.
In early March 1978, Stevie Shears, whose style of guitar playing was considered a limiting factor, was sacked from the band after they toured England<ref name="Cann">{{cite web |url=http://www.discog.info/ultravox-interview2.html |title=Warren Cann/Ultravox Interview |last=Wårstad |first=Jonas |date=27 November 1998 |website=Discog.info |access-date=29 December 2014}}</ref> and joined ] in 1980. He was replaced by ] (ex-member of ]'s ]), who during his first days with the band changed his performance-name to Robin Simon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.punk77.co.uk/groups/neo.htm |title=Neo – A Punk History with Pictures. |website=Punk77.co.uk |access-date=29 December 2014}}</ref> Some time in 1978, the group also dropped the exclamation mark, becoming simply "Ultravox". The new line-up performed live at the ] along with ], ], ], ] and ], playing early versions of "Slow Motion" and "Quiet Men" on 27 August 1978.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ukrockfestivals.com/reading-78.html |title=Reading Rock Festival.Reading 1978 |website=Ukrockfestivals.com |access-date=29 December 2014}}</ref>


Their third album, 1978's '']'', was recorded with producer ] (the producer of the first four albums by German electronic outfit ]) and engineer Dave Hutchins at Plank's Studio in rural Germany. Musically, the album was markedly different from Ultravox's earlier work, bringing synthesisers to the forefront of the group's sound. Frustrated by too many opinions of how the band should sound,<ref name="smash hits" /> Foxx decided to leave the band and pursue a purer electronic style already at the initial rehearsals for ''Systems of Romance'', but had to await the band's commitments for that album.<ref name="vice">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/64dedd/speaking-to-the-quiet-man-john-foxx-interviewed |title=Speaking to the Quiet Man: John Foxx interviewed |author=Doran, John |date=24 May 2013 |publisher=vice.com }}</ref>
==== Becoming Ultravox ====


Despite some positive reviews<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hall |first=Philip |title=Ultravox: Systems of Romance |magazine=] |date=30 September 1978 |page=19}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Gill |first=John |title='Vox continental |magazine=] |date=2 September 1978 |page=29}}</ref> and initial sales of over 25&nbsp;000 copies, Island dropped the band on 31 December 1978. Ultravox embarked on a self-financed US tour in early 1979 and, to their amazement, received an enthusiastic response by the American audience at several sold out venues.<ref name="smash hits">{{cite magazine |author=Peter Gilbert, Francis Drake |title=Ultravox: A Dangerous Rhythm |magazine=] |volume=2 |issue=14 |page=31 |date=10–23 July 1980}}</ref> But after their final gig near San Francisco in March 1979, Foxx declared his intention to leave the band and pursue a solo career. He gave the remaining members the band name and returned to London.<ref name="vice" /> According to Warren Cann it was a mutual decision between the band and Foxx to part ways after repeated quarrels.<ref name="Cann" /> Simon remained in the US and briefly joined The Futants, a punk band from New York. He later returned to England and teamed up with ] to replace guitarist ] in the band ]. The remaining members made their way back to a Britain in the midst of the ]. ] dropped the three Ultravox albums from its catalogue, and released a compilation of highlights from the group's first three albums in 1980, called '']''.
In early March 1978, Stevie Shears, whose style of guitar playing was considered a limiting factor, was sacked from the band after they toured England<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discog.info/ultravox-interview2.html |title=Warren Cann/Ultravox Interview |last=Wårstad |first=Jonas |date=27 November 1998 |website=Discog.info |accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref> and joined ] in 1980. He was replaced by ] (ex-member of ]'s ]), who during his first days with the band changed his performance-name to Robin Simon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.punk77.co.uk/groups/neo.htm |title=Neo – A Punk History with Pictures. |website=punk77.co.uk |accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref> Some time in 1978, the group also dropped the exclamation mark, becoming simply "Ultravox". The new line-up performed live at the ] along with ], ], ], The Pirates and ], playing early versions of "Slow Motion" and "Quiet Men" on 25 August 1978.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ukrockfestivals.com/reading-78.html |title=Reading Rock Festival.Reading 1978 |website=ukrockfestivals.com |accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref>


Foxx subsequently signed to Virgin Records and released his album '']'' in January 1980. By this time, Billy Currie had been recruited by the rising star ] in 1979 to do a performance at '']'' show with his band ]. Numan had been a fan of Ultravox and Currie was also asked to play on Numan's début solo album, '']'', and its subsequent tour. Warren Cann went to work for ], while Chris Cross did some shows with ] (of ]) and Barrie Masters (from ]).{{cn|date=May 2024}}
Their third album, 1978's '']'', was recorded with producer ] (the producer of German electronic outfit ]) and engineer Dave Hutchins at Plank's Studio in rural Germany. Musically, the album was markedly different from Ultravox's earlier work, bringing synthesisers to the forefront of the group's sound. Despite praise from some critics, the album was a commercial failure. Since none of the albums to date had generated much income, tensions within the band—particularly between Currie and Foxx—threatened the band's viability.


=== Midge Ure years: 1979–1987 ===
Island dropped the band after an attempt to market the album in the United States failed to generate sales. That appeared to be the final nail in their coffin, but Ultravox undertook a self-financed US tour at the beginning of 1979. Splitting after their final gig, near San Francisco, Foxx declared his intention to go solo. Simon remained in the US and briefly joined The Futants, an American punk band from New York. He later returned to England and teamed up with ] to replace guitarist ] in the band ]. The remaining members made their way back to a Britain in the midst of a "winter of discontent". ] dropped the three Ultravox albums from its catalogue, and released a compilation of highlights from the group's first three albums in 1980, called '']''.
{{more sources|section|date=May 2024}}
]
]
With the band seemingly over, Ultravox were then revitalised by ], who joined the band as vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist. He had already achieved minor success with semi-glam outfit ] and ]'s ], and in 1979, he was temporarily playing with hard rock band ] on their American tour, replacing ].


Ure and Billy Currie had met while collaborating on ], a studio-based band fronted by ] icon and nightclub impresario ]. Ure and Currie were part of the ] ensemble on a part-time basis while simultaneously being in Ultravox. During Ure and Currie's tenure, Visage had released two successful albums and had a string of hit singles (the most notable being "]"), but Ure decided to leave in 1982 to concentrate solely on Ultravox. Currie remained with Visage for a while longer, but he too had left them by 1984.
Foxx subsequently signed to Virgin Records and released his album '']'' in 1980. By this time, Billy Currie had been recruited by the rising star ] in 1979 to do a presentation at the ''Old Grey Whistle Test'' show with his band ]. Numan had been a fan of Ultravox and Currie was also asked to play on Numan's début solo album, '']'', and its subsequent tour. Warren Cann went to work for Zaine Griff, while Chris Cross did some shows with ] (of ]) and Barrie Masters (from ]).


Encouraged by Visage drummer and mutual friend ], Currie asked Ure to join Ultravox. The first material for a prospective new Ultravox record came together quickly and the group decided to tour the US again at the end of 1979. They did so in the hope of being picked up by an American label. Ure knew of Ultravox's past, being a fan of ''Systems'' to the point where the new four-piece outfit (Ultravox mk. III) played songs from that album with Ure singing Foxx's lyrics.
=== The Midge Ure years: 1979–1988 ===


Most of the album that would become ''Vienna'' was ready to record by the time Ultravox signed a new record deal with ]. '']'', heralded a major change of direction and would become their most successful to date, far surpassing any of the previous Ultravox (or Foxx) albums. As with ''Systems of Romance'', it was produced by Conny Plank.
With the band seemingly over, Ultravox were then revitalised by ], who joined the band as vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist. He had already achieved minor success with semi-glam outfit ] and ]'s ], and in 1979 he was temporarily playing with hard rock band ]. Ure and Billy Currie had met while collaborating on ], a studio-based band fronted by ] icon and nightclub impresario ]. Encouraged by Visage drummer and mutual friend ], Currie asked Ure to join Ultravox. Ure filled both John Foxx's and Robin Simon's posts for Ultravox's next album, '']'', which heralded a major change of direction and would become their most successful to date, far surpassing any of the previous Ultravox (or Foxx's) albums. As with ''Systems of Romance'', it was produced in Germany by Conny Plank. Ure knew of Ultravox's past, being a fan of ''Systems'' to the point where the new four-piece outfit (Ultravox mk. III, often called "the classic line-up") played songs from that album on tours with Ure singing Foxx's lyrics. Released on ] in June 1980, the ''Vienna'' album produced the band's first UK Top 40 hit with "]", while the album itself peaked at No.&nbsp; 14. A second single, "]", failed to reach the Top 40, but the band achieved a substantial hit with the third single, the album's ] (inspired by ]'s 1949 film '']''). Accompanied by a highly distinctive video, the single became Ultravox's biggest ever hit, peaking at No.&nbsp; 2 in early 1981 (kept off the top spot by ] with "]"). On the strength of the single, the album then re-entered the chart and reached No.&nbsp; 3 in early 1981. A fourth single from the album, "]", peaked at No.&nbsp; 8.


Released in July 1980, the ''Vienna'' album produced the band's first UK Top 40 hit with "]" reaching No. 29, while the album itself initially peaked at No.&nbsp;14. A second single, "]", failed to reach the Top 40, only reaching No. 57, but the band achieved a substantial hit with the third single, the album's ]. Accompanied by a highly distinctive video (inspired by ]'s 1949 film '']''), the single became Ultravox's biggest ever hit, released in January 1981 and peaking at Number 2 (kept off the top spot by John Lennon's "Woman" and then ]'s "]"). On the strength of the single, the album then re-entered the chart and reached No. 3 in early 1981. A fourth single from the album, "]", peaked at No. 8. in 1981, and "]" from ''Systems of Romance'' was also re-issued, reaching No. 33 the same year.
This was soon followed by '']'' (1981), with the band returning to Conny Plank's studio for what turned out to be a difficult recording session. Whereas the ''Vienna'' material had been performed live a great deal prior to a three-week recording process, ''Rage in Eden'' took over three months. The album featured a long track in three parts on the second side. The album peaked at No.&nbsp; 4 in the UK, while two singles from the album, "]" and "]", both reached the UK Top 20.


This was soon followed by '']'' (1981), with the band returning to Plank's studio in Cologne for what turned out to be a difficult recording session. Whereas the ''Vienna'' material had been performed live a great deal prior to a three-week recording process, ''Rage in Eden'' took over three months. The album featured a long track in three parts on the second side. The album peaked at No.&nbsp;4 in the UK, while two singles from the album, "]" and "]", both made the UK Top 20, reaching No.&nbsp;14 and No.&nbsp;16 respectively.
Ultravox teamed up with producer ] for 1982's '']'', which peaked at No.&nbsp; 6 in the UK and contained four Top 20 hit singles. It was their most successful album in the U.S., peaking at No.&nbsp; 61. The band undertook a major world tour known as the Monument Tour, which was recorded and released as ] in 1983, which also reached the UK top ten.


Ultravox teamed up with producer ] for 1982's '']'', which peaked at No.&nbsp;6 in the UK and contained four Top 20 hit singles; "]" reaching No.&nbsp;12 and "]" No.&nbsp;11 both in 1982, and "]" and in 1983 "]" charting at No. 15 and No.&nbsp;18 respectively. It was their most successful album in the US, peaking at No.&nbsp;61.
1984's '']'' continued the band's run of top ten albums and produced three top 40 hit singles, including the international hit "]" (UK No.&nbsp; 3). This album was the last to feature the "classic" line-up of the band. Towards the end of 1984, a "greatest hits" compilation spanning the band's 1980s output was released entitled '']''. It was preceded by a new single, "]", which enjoyed massive radio airplay that autumn and eventually peaked at No.&nbsp; 12 in the UK, accompanied by a popular ]-style spoof video. ''The Collection'' went triple Platinum and reached No.&nbsp; 2 in the UK album chart, the band's highest ever peak.


The band undertook a major world tour, the Monument Tour, which was recorded and released as ] in 1983, which also reached the UK top ten.
At this time, Ure also co-wrote and helped produce the 1984 ] single "]". The group also appeared at ] the following year and played four of their hit singles ("Vienna", "Reap the Wild Wind", "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes" and "]"). Later in 1985, Ure scored a No.&nbsp; 1 solo hit with "If I Was" and his solo album ''The Gift'' reached No.&nbsp; 2 in the UK.


Ultravox then decided to produce their next album themselves. 1984's '']'' continued the band's run of top ten albums and produced three top 40 hit singles, including the international hit "]" (UK No.&nbsp;3), "]" (No.&nbsp;22) and "]" peaking at No.&nbsp;27.
Ultravox reconvened in 1986, but ] was sacked from the band at the beginning of sessions for their '']'' album. Cann emigrated to the US and retired from music to become an actor. ]'s ] took his place. ''U-Vox'' was later described by Currie and Ure as "unfocused". Although it continued their string of top ten albums in the UK, the declining performance of its singles prompted both Ure and Cross to leave the band. In 1987 Ultravox decided not to continue, after the ''U-Vox'' tour early that year, and split up in 1988.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Sinews of the Soul |last=Currie |first=Billy |authorlink=Billy Currie |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20061201211827/http://www.billycurrie.com/linernotes.html |accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref> Ure subsequently concentrated on his solo career with varying levels of success, and Cross retired from music altogether and returned to his former career as a psychotherapist. Billy Currie and Robin Simon reunited in 1989 as the short-lived Humania, performing live shows but never making a release until 2006, the album ''Sinews of the Soul''.


After the "Set Movements Tour" in 1984, a "greatest hits" compilation spanning the band's 1980s output was released entitled '']''. It was preceded by a new single, "]", which enjoyed massive radio airplay that autumn and eventually peaked at No.&nbsp;12 in the UK, accompanied by a popular ]-style spoof video. ''The Collection'' went triple Platinum and reached No.&nbsp;2 in the UK album chart, the band's highest ever peak.
Since 1979, Ure and Currie had also been part of the ] ensemble on a part-time basis while simultaneously being in Ultravox. During Ure and Currie's tenure, Visage had released two successful albums and had a string of hit singles (the most notable being "]"), but Ure decided to leave in 1982 in order to concentrate solely on Ultravox. Currie remained with Visage for a while longer, but he too had left them by 1984.


In November 1984, Ure also co-wrote and produced the ] single "]". The four Ultravox-members took a long break from each other, but appeared at ] the following year and played four of their hit singles ("Reap the Wild Wind", "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes", "]" and "Vienna"). Last time they were touring in 1984 they had twenty-two keyboards on stage, and the sound checks alone took five hours, so Ultravox actually chose the songs that they could perform with the least equipment, with no rehearsal and no sound check.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-18|title=Interview|url=https://pennyblackmusic.co.uk/Home/Details?id=26636|website=Pennyblackmusic.co.uk}}</ref> With Ultravox being switched in the running order so that ] could see ] before leaving ], the start of the Ultravox set was lost to a poor hand-over from an over-running foreign link up. As the concert was never officially archived, this could not be restored to the partial record of the event available on the official DVD.<ref>Record Collector, 2012</ref> Later in 1985, Ure scored a No.&nbsp;1 solo hit with "If I Was" and his solo album '']'' reached No. 2 in the UK.
]


During the time Midge was away working with his solo album and tour, Cann, Currie and Cross recorded demos to a forthcoming album. They recorded the track "Ukraine" which is available on Currie's 1991 solo album ''Stand up and Walk''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Billy Currie|url=https://www.billycurrie.com/music.html|website=Billycurrie.com}}</ref>
=== First re-formation: 1992–1996 ===


Ure later said that when he came back they were all working in different directions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Extreme Voice magazine|url=http://www.ultravox.org.uk/cgi-bin/ImageFolio43/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Fanzines/Extreme_Voice|website=Ultravox.org.uk}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite book|last=Ure|first=Midge|title=If I Was The Autobiography|publisher=Virgin Books Ltd.|year=2004}}</ref> In a band meeting before the new recording began in 1986, ] was sacked from the band due to musical differences. Ure said 1986: "After the two year break the differences that might have been very small two years ago, had magnified during that time, we had grown apart. It seemed like we could not work with him."<ref>U-Vox Tour Program, 1986</ref>
Without any other original members, Currie reformed Ultravox again in 1992 with vocalist ] to record '']'', and later ] replaced Fenelle in a new five-piece Ultravox line-up, lending his voice to their final release, '']'' (1994).


Ultravox recorded the '']'' album with ]'s ] on drums in Plank's studio in Germany. The ''U-Vox'' album, released in October 1986, was later described by Ure as "unfocused". Although it continued their string of top ten albums in the UK, its singles showed declining chart results: "]" peaking at No.&nbsp;31, and "]" at No.&nbsp;30 in 1986, with "]" reaching only No. 88 in 1987. In 1987, Ultravox decided not to continue after the ''U-Vox'' tour and split up.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Sinews of the Soul |last=Currie |first=Billy |author-link=Billy Currie |url=http://www.billycurrie.com/linernotes.html |access-date=29 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201211827/http://www.billycurrie.com/linernotes.html |archive-date=1 December 2006 }}</ref><ref name="auto"/>
=== Current re-formation: 2009–present ===


Currie signed a deal with ] and recorded a solo album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gforcesoftware.com/blog/billy-currie/|title=GForce Software|website=Gforcesoftware.com|access-date=16 October 2021}}</ref> Cross retired from the music business to become a psychotherapist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.electricityclub.co.uk/tag/chris-cross/|title=Chris Cross Archives|website=Electricityclub.co.uk|access-date=16 October 2021}}</ref> Cann later moved to ] to work in the movie business. Currie and Robin Simon reunited in 1989 as the short-lived Humania, performing live shows, but never making a release until 2006, the album ''Sinews of the Soul''.
Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie and Midge Ure reformed Ultravox again for a UK tour in April 2009, entitled "Return to Eden".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultravox.org.uk/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/evnews/20081106200935/ |title=Ultravox.org.uk – News |website=Ultravox.org.uk |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20081225215018/http://www.ultravox.org.uk/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/evnews/20081106200935/ |accessdate=25 December 2008 |accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref> This would be the first time the classic line up of the band have performed together since ] in 1985. The tour played at venues across the UK. Since success from touring the UK they have extended the tour to Germany and Belgium.


=== Currie's own Ultravox in the Nineties: 1992–1996 ===
In September 2008, both '']'' and '']'' were released in digitally remastered two-disc format with the second disc containing previously unreleased material. '']'' and '']'' were released in February 2009, also in two-disc editions. The second disc in the ''Monument'' package is a DVD containing the concert video that was previously only available on VHS tape. The other Chrysalis-era releases are planned for similar future releases. A live CD and DVD of Ultravox sell-out Roundhouse show was released on 5 April 2010. The DVD features a documentary filmed on the buildup to and during the reunion tour, much of it filmed by Midge Ure.
Without any other original members, Currie reformed Ultravox again in 1992 with vocalist ] to record '']'', and later ] replaced Fenelle in a new five-piece Ultravox line-up, lending his voice to another release, '']'' released November 1994. This line-up also released the live album ''Future Picture'' recorded in Italy 1993.


These albums had little commercial success and the band dissolved again in 1996. Currie said 2006 about the attempt to continue Ultravox: "It wasn't a good idea but, in retrospect, it's always easy to say that."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ultravox.hpage.com/billy-currie.html|title=The Unofficial German ULTRAVOX Fanpage|website=Ultravox.hpage.com|access-date=16 October 2021}}</ref>
An anthology of unreleased Ultravox material was planned in mid-2008, but has not been scheduled for release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultravox.org.uk/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?flavor=archive;list=evnews;id=20080720233908 |title=Ultravox.org.uk – News |website=Ultravox.org.uk |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090129195517/http://www.ultravox.org.uk/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?flavor=archive;list=evnews;id=20080720233908 |accessdate=January 29, 2009}}</ref> The track-listing is currently being compiled.


=== Reunion: 2008–2013 ===
Speaking to the ''Sunday Mail'', Midge Ure stated that the reunion was only a one-off, and there would be no new material from the group. He said: "We're not trying to recapture our youth and won't be writing new songs or recording another album. This is about celebrating our music and our anniversary."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/opinion/columnists/billy-sloan/2009/01/18/the-big-ticket-ure-dead-brilliant-78057-21050773/ |title=The Big Ticket: Ure Dead Brilliant – The Sunday Mail |last=Sloan |first=Billy |date=18 January 2009 |website=] |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090131070620/http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/opinion/columnists/billy-sloan/2009/01/18/the-big-ticket-ure-dead-brilliant-78057-21050773/ |archivedate=31 January 2009 |accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref>
] in London, 2013]]


In September 2008, both ''Vienna'' and ''Rage in Eden'' were released in digitally remastered two-disc format with the second disc containing previously unreleased material.
On ]'s show on BBC's Radio 2 on 21 February 2009, Ure discussed the tour, with all four members of the most successful incarnation of the band on board. He mentioned that this reunion was not planned in light of the previously mentioned events, but rather was spontaneous and happened very quickly with the band members talking and communicating online (using email and Skype). The interview did not reveal whether or not new material would be recorded as a result of the reunion tour. Ultravox returned to performing live with their Return to Eden II tour during 2010.


On 2 October 2008 Midge Ure and Billy Currie met again and played an acoustic "Vienna" together, on Geoff Lloyd Show on ] in ]. After this they got an offer from ], who their former manager Chris O’Donnell was now working for.
On 20 January 2011, via their official website, Ultravox.org.uk, the band announced that a new studio album was nearing completion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=017e8bf3ce11a136b4e3e6abb&id=55e445e4a5 |title=Ultravox News |website=Ultravox.org.uk |accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref> The band were to release a fan store exclusive superdeluxe EP on CD and 7&nbsp;inch single via Townsend Records on 14 March. The EP ,called ''Moments from Eden'', features four new live tracks and was finally released in May 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=017e8bf3ce11a136b4e3e6abb&id=55e445e4a5 |title=Ultravox News |website=Ultravox.org.uk |accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref>


On 6 November 2008 the official announcement came: Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie and Midge Ure reformed Ultravox again, for a 15-date UK tour in April 2009, entitled "Return to Eden".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultravox.org.uk/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/evnews/20081106200935/ |title= News |website=Ultravox.org.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225215018/http://www.ultravox.org.uk/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/evnews/20081106200935/ |archive-date=25 December 2008 |access-date=29 December 2014}}</ref> This would be the first time the classic line-up of the band had performed together since ] in 1985. The first show was played at ] 10 April 2009.
Ultravox's 11th studio album, '']'', was released on 28 May 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a384644/ultravox-release-first-new-album-with-midge-ure-in-26-years.html#~oZPUoXWQR4qllB |title=Ultravox Release First New Album with Midge Ure in 26 Years – Music News – Digital Spy |last=Eames |first=Tom |date=31 May 2012 |website=] |accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref> Following this release the band embarked on the 'Brilliant Tour' performing shows across the UK and Europe in late 2012. In November 2013 Ultravox performed as special guests on a four date UK arena tour with ].


On ]'s show on BBC's Radio 2 on 21 February 2009, Ure discussed the tour, with all four members of the most successful incarnation of the band on board. He mentioned that this reunion was not planned in light of the previously mentioned events, but rather was spontaneous and happened very quickly with the band members talking and communicating online (using email and Skype). The interview did not reveal whether or not new material would be recorded as a result of the reunion tour. Speaking to the ''Sunday Mail'', Ure stated that the reunion was only a one-off, and there would be no new material from the group. He said: "We're not trying to recapture our youth and won't be writing new songs or recording another album. This is about celebrating our music and our anniversary."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sloan|first=Billy|date=18 January 2009|title=The Big Ticket: Ure Dead Brilliant – The Sunday Mail|url=http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/opinion/columnists/billy-sloan/2009/01/18/the-big-ticket-ure-dead-brilliant-78057-21050773/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131070620/http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/opinion/columnists/billy-sloan/2009/01/18/the-big-ticket-ure-dead-brilliant-78057-21050773/|archive-date=31 January 2009|access-date=29 December 2014|website=]}}</ref>
=== Legacy ===


''Quartet'' and ''Monument'' were released in February 2009, also in two-disc editions. The second disc in the ''Monument'' package is a DVD containing the concert video that was previously only available on VHS tape. The other Chrysalis-era releases were planned for similar future releases.
Along with acts like ] and ], Ultravox was one of the early influences on ]. In his book ''Energy Flash'', ] quotes Adam Lee Miller of ]: "I always get a kick when people say the first 'techno' record was ]'s 'Alleys of Your Mind'... To me, it was just a ] record. It sounds particularly close to 'Mr X' by Ultravox."<ref>{{cite book |last=Reynolds |first=Simon |year=2011 |title=Energy Flash |publisher=Picador |isbn=593764073 |page=481}}</ref>


Since success from touring the UK they have extended the tour to Germany and Belgium. A live CD and DVD of Ultravox's sell-out ] show was released on 5 April 2010. The DVD features a documentary filmed on the build-up to and during the reunion tour, parts of it filmed by Midge Ure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultravox.org.uk/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?flavor=archive;list=evnews;id=20080720233908 |title= News |website=Ultravox.org.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129195517/http://www.ultravox.org.uk/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?flavor=archive;list=evnews;id=20080720233908 |archive-date=29 January 2009 |access-date=30 December 2014}}</ref>
== Discography ==
{{Main|Ultravox discography}}


Ultravox returned to performing live with their Return to Eden II tour in Europe during 2010. In August they played four shows in Sweden together with ] and ] It was on this tour the band members decided that they should record some new material again.
; Studio albums


On 20 January 2011, via their official website, Ultravox.org.uk, the band announced that a new studio album was nearing completion.<ref name="Ultravox News">{{cite web |url=http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=017e8bf3ce11a136b4e3e6abb&id=55e445e4a5 |title=Ultravox News |website=Ultravox.org.uk |access-date=29 December 2014}}</ref> In 2011 Ultravox released a fan store exclusive EP called ''Moments from Eden'', featured four new live tracks recorded 23 April 2010 at Grosse Freiheit, Hamburg, and 24 April 2010 at Admiralspalast, Berlin.<ref name="Ultravox News"/>
* '']'' (1977) (as Ultravox!)
* '']'' (1977) (as Ultravox!)
* '']'' (1978)
* '']'' (1980)
* '']'' (1981)
* '']'' (1982)
* '']'' (1984)
* '']'' (1986)
* '']'' (1993)
* '']'' (1994)
* '']'' (2012)


Ultravox's 11th studio album, '']'', was released on 28 May 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a384644/ultravox-release-first-new-album-with-midge-ure-in-26-years.html#~oZPUoXWQR4qllB |title=Ultravox Release First New Album with Midge Ure in 26 Years – Music News – Digital Spy |last=Eames |first=Tom |date=31 May 2012 |publisher=] |access-date=29 December 2014}}</ref> Following this release the band embarked on the 'Brilliant Tour' performing shows across the UK and Europe in late 2012.
== Personnel ==


On 30 November 2013, Ultravox performed their last show at ] in London, as special guests on a four date UK arena tour with ].
=== Members ===
{{col-begin}}


On 4 January 2017, Billy Currie announced on his official website that he had decided that his time as a member of Ultravox had come to an end after 43 years. In December 2017 Midge Ure revealed in an interview with the '']'' that a further reformation by the band was unlikely.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/891307/Midge-Ure-new-album-Orchestrated-Ultravox-reunion|title=Midge Ure SPEAKS OUT on Ultravox's future and new album Orchestrated (EXCLUSIVE)|first=George|last=Simpson|date=12 December 2017|website=Express.co.uk|access-date=2 September 2018}}</ref>
{{col-2}}


Bassist Chris Cross died on 25 March 2024; His death was confirmed by Midge Ure on 1 April.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rigotti |first1=Alex |title=Midge Ure pays tribute to Ultravox bassist Chris Cross, who has died aged 71 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/midge-ure-pays-tribute-to-ultravox-bassist-chris-cross-who-has-died-aged-71-3612067 |website=NME |access-date=2 April 2024 |date=2 April 2024}}</ref>
; Current members
* ] - bass, synthesisers, vocals <small>(1973-1987, 2008–present)</small>
* ] - drums, electronic percussion, vocals <small>(1974-1986, 2008–present)</small>
* ] - keyboards, synthesisers, violin, viola <small>(1974-1987, 1992-1996, 2008-present)</small>
* ] - lead vocals, guitar, keyboards <small>(1979-1987, 2008–present)</small>


=== Legacy ===
] has stated that the original 1970s-era Ultravox was the most important influence on his music.<ref> Youtube</ref> Ultravox was also a major influence on early ]<ref>Bourne, Dianne Manchester Evening News 24 November 2013</ref> and ].<ref>Wright, Jonathan Classic Pop 9 January 2020</ref>

Along with acts like ] and Gary Numan, Ultravox was one of the early influences on ]. In his book ''Energy Flash'', ] quotes Adam Lee Miller of ]: "I always get a kick when people say the first 'techno' record was ]'s 'Alleys of Your Mind'... To me, it was just a ] record. It sounds particularly close to 'Mr X' by Ultravox."<ref>{{cite book |last=Reynolds |first=Simon |year=2011 |title=Energy Flash |publisher=Picador |page=481}}</ref>

== Band members ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}} {{col-2}}
; Classic line-up
* ] – bass, synthesisers, backing vocals <small>(1974–1987, 2008–2013; died 2024)</small>
* ] – drums, electronic percussion, drum programming, synthesizers, backing and occasional lead vocals <small>(1974–1986, 2008–2013)</small>
* ] – synthesisers, keyboards, violin, viola <small>(1974–1987, 1992–1996, 2008–2013)</small>
* ] – lead vocals, guitars, synthesisers <small>(1979–1987, 2008–2013)</small>


{{col-2}}
; Former members ; Former members
* ] - lead vocals <small>(1973-1979)</small> * ] – lead vocals <small>(1974–1979)</small>
* ] - guitar <small>(1973-1978)</small> * ] – guitar <small>(1974–1978)</small>
* ] - guitar, vocals <small>(1978-1979)</small> * ] – guitar, backing vocals <small>(1978–1979)</small>
* ] - drums <small>(1986-1987)</small> * ] – lead vocals, guitar <small>(1992–1993)</small>
* ] - lead vocals, guitar <small>(1992-1994)</small> * ] – lead vocals <small>(1994–1996)</small>
* Gerry Laffy - guitar <small>(1992-1994)</small> * ] – guitar <small>(1994–1996)</small>
* Neal Wilkinson - drums <small>(1992-1994)</small> * Tony Holmes – drums, percussion <small>(1994–1996)</small>
* Jackie Williams - vocals <small>(1992-1994)</small> * Gary Williams – bass <small>(1994–1996)</small>
* ] - lead vocals <small>(1994-1996)</small>
* ] - guitar <small>(1994-1996)</small>
* Tony Holmes - drums <small>(1994-1996)</small>
* Gary Williams - bass <small>(1994-1996)</small>


{{col-end}} {{col-end}}


===Lineups=== === Lineups ===
{| class="toccolours" border=1 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="float: width: 375px; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2;" width=99% {| class="toccolours" border=1 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="float: width: 375px; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2;" width=99%
|- |-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1973-1974
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1974 ! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1974
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1974-1978 ! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1975–1978
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1978-1979 ! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1978–1979
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1979–1986<br>Classic line-up
|- |-
| valign=top | | valign=top |
* ''']''' – bass * ''']''' – bass, backing vocals
* ''']''' – lead vocals * ''']''' – lead vocals
* ''']''' – guitar * ''']''' – guitar
* ''']''' – drums, backing vocals
* ''']''' – violin
| valign=top | | valign=top |
* '''Chris Cross''' – bass * '''Chris Cross''' – bass, backing vocals
* '''John Foxx''' – lead vocals * '''John Foxx''' – lead vocals
* '''Stevie Shears''' – guitar * '''Stevie Shears''' – guitar
* ''']''' – drums * '''Warren Cann''' – drums, electronic percussion, backing vocals
* '''Billy Currie''' – violin, keyboards, synthesiser
| valign=top | | valign=top |
* '''Chris Cross''' – bass * '''Chris Cross''' – bass, synthesiser, backing vocals
* '''John Foxx''' – lead vocals * '''John Foxx''' – lead vocals
* '''Warren Cann''' – drums, electronic percussion, backing vocals
* '''Stevie Shears''' – guitar
* '''Warren Cann''' – drums * '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, violin
* ''']''' – keyboards, synthesisers violin * ''']''' – guitar, backing vocals
| valign=top | | valign=top |
* '''Chris Cross''' – bass, synthesiser, vocals * '''Chris Cross''' – bass, synthesisers, backing vocals
* '''John Foxx''' – lead vocals * '''Warren Cann''' – drums, electronic percussion, backing vocals
* '''Warren Cann''' – drums, electronic percussion, vocals * '''Billy Currie''' – synthesisers, piano, violin, viola
* '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, synthesisers, violin * ''']''' – lead vocals, guitars, synthesisers
* ''']''' – guitar, vocals
|- |-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1979-1986<br>Classic lineup ! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1986–1987
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1986-1987 ! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1987–1992
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1987-1992 ! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1992–1993
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1992-1994 ! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1993–1996
|- |-
| valign=top | | valign=top |
* '''Chris Cross''' – bass, synthesisers, vocals * '''Chris Cross''' – bass, synthesisers, backing vocals
* '''Warren Cann''' – drums, electronic percussion, vocals * '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, violin, viola
* '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, synthesisers, violin, viola * '''Midge Ure''' – lead vocals, guitars, synthesisers
* ''']''' – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards
| valign=top |
* '''Chris Cross''' – bass, synthesisers, vocals
* '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, synthesisers, violin
* '''Midge Ure''' – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards
* ''']''' – drums
| valign=top | | valign=top |
'''Disbanded''' '''Disbanded'''
| valign=top | | valign=top |
* '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, synthesisers, violin, viola * '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, violin, viola
* ''']''' – lead vocals, guitar * ''']''' – lead vocals, guitar
|
* '''Gerry Laffy''' – guitar
* '''Neal Wilkinson''' – drums * '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, violin, viola
* '''Jackie Williams''' – vocals * ''']''' – lead vocals
* ''']''' – guitar
* '''Tony Holmes''' – drums, percussion
* '''Gary Williams''' – bass
|- |-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1994-1996 ! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1996–2008
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 1996-2008 ! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 2008–2013
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" valign=top width=25% | 2008–present<br>Classic lineup
|- |-
| valign=top |
* '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, synthesisers, viola
* ''']''' – lead vocals
* '''Vinny Burns''' – guitar
* '''Tony Holmes''' – drums
* '''Gary Williams''' – bass
| valign=top | | valign=top |
'''Disbanded''' '''Disbanded'''
| valign=top | | valign=top |
* '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, synthesisers, violin * '''Billy Currie''' – keyboards, violin, viola
* '''Warren Cann''' – drums, electronic percussion, vocals * '''Warren Cann''' – drums, electronic percussion, backing vocals
* '''Chris Cross''' – bass, synthesisers, vocals * '''Chris Cross''' – bass, synthesisers, backing vocals
* '''Midge Ure''' – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards * '''Midge Ure''' – lead vocals, guitars, synthesisers
|} |}


===Timeline=== === Timeline ===
<div class="left" > <div class="left" >
<timeline> {{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:950 height:450 ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:18
PlotArea = left:110 bottom:120 top:0 right:30 PlotArea = left:80 bottom:80 top:6 right:15
Alignbars = justify Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1973 till:01/01/2015 Period = from:01/01/1974 till:30/11/2013
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy


Colors = Colors =
id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals
id:viol value:drabgreen legend:Violin id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:guitars value:green legend:Guitars id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar
id:keyboards value:purple legend:Keyboards id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards,_violin,_viola
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums id:synth value:lightpurple legend:Synthesizer
id:lines value:black legend:Studio&nbsp;Albums id:drums value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion
id:lines value:black legend:Studio_album


Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3 Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4

ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1973
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1973


ScaleMajor = increment:5 start:1974
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1974


LineData = LineData =
Line 245: Line 252:
at:11/09/1981 color:black layer:back at:11/09/1981 color:black layer:back
at:15/10/1982 color:black layer:back at:15/10/1982 color:black layer:back
at:01/04/1984 color:black layer:back at:06/04/1984 color:black layer:back
at:01/06/1986 color:black layer:back at:01/10/1986 color:black layer:back
at:17/06/1993 color:black layer:back at:17/06/1993 color:black layer:back
at:01/04/1994 color:black layer:back at:10/11/1994 color:black layer:back
at:28/05/2012 color:black layer:back at:28/05/2012 color:black layer:back


BarData = BarData =
bar:foxx text:"John Foxx" bar:foxx text:"John Foxx"
bar:fenelle text:"Tony Fenelle" bar:ure text:"Midge Ure"
bar:jwilliams text:"Jackie Williams" bar:fenelle text:"Tony Fenelle"
bar:blue text:"Sam Blue" bar:blue text:"Sam Blue"
bar:shears text:"Stevie Shears" bar:shears text:"Stevie Shears"
bar:simon text:"Robin Simon" bar:simon text:"Robin Simon"
bar:ure text:"Midge Ure" bar:burns text:"Vinny Burns"
bar:laffy text:"Gerry Laffy" bar:cross text:"Chris Cross"
bar:burns text:"Vinny Burns"
bar:currie text:"Billy Currie"
bar:cross text:"Chris Cross"
bar:gwilliams text:"Gary Williams" bar:gwilliams text:"Gary Williams"
bar:cann text:"Warren Cann" bar:currie text:"Billy Currie"
bar:brzezicki text:"Mark Brzezicki" bar:cann text:"Warren Cann"
bar:wilkinson text:"Neal Wilkinson" bar:holmes text:"Tony Holmes"
bar:holmes text:"Tony Holmes"



PlotData= PlotData=
width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:cross from:start till:31/12/1987 color:bass bar:foxx from:start till:01/01/1979 color:vocals
bar:cross from:01/07/1978 till:31/12/1987 color:keyboards width:3 bar:ure from:01/01/1979 till:31/12/1987 color:vocals
bar:cross from:01/01/2008 till:end color:bass bar:ure from:01/01/1979 till:31/12/1987 color:guitar width:7
bar:cross from:01/01/2008 till:end color:keyboards width:3 bar:ure from:01/01/1979 till:31/12/1987 color:synth width:3
bar:foxx from:start till:01/06/1979 color:vocals bar:ure from:01/01/2008 till:end color:vocals
bar:foxx from:start till:01/06/1979 color:guitars width:3 bar:ure from:01/01/2008 till:end color:guitar width:7
bar:shears from:start till:01/03/1978 color:guitars bar:ure from:01/01/2008 till:end color:synth width:3
bar:cann from:01/01/1974 till:01/01/1986 color:drums bar:fenelle from:01/01/1992 till:01/07/1994 color:vocals
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bar:currie from:01/06/1992 till:31/12/1995 color:keyboards bar:simon from:01/01/1978 till:01/01/1979 color:guitar
bar:currie from:01/06/1992 till:31/12/1995 color:viol width:3 bar:simon from:01/01/1978 till:01/01/1979 color:bvocals width:3
bar:currie from:01/01/2008 till:end color:keyboards bar:burns from:01/07/1994 till:31/12/1996 color:guitar
bar:currie from:01/01/2008 till:end color:viol width:3 bar:currie from:start till:31/12/1987 color:keys
bar:simon from:01/04/1978 till:01/06/1979 color:guitars bar:currie from:01/01/1992 till:31/12/1996 color:keys
bar:ure from:01/06/1979 till:31/12/1987 color:guitars bar:currie from:01/01/2008 till:end color:keys
bar:ure from:01/06/1979 till:31/12/1987 color:vocals width:3 bar:cross from:start till:31/12/1987 color:bass
bar:ure from:01/01/2008 till:end color:guitars bar:cross from:start till:31/12/1987 color:bvocals width:3
bar:ure from:01/01/2008 till:end color:vocals width:3 bar:cross from:01/01/1978 till:31/12/1987 color:synth width:7
bar:brzezicki from:01/03/1986 till:31/12/1987 color:drums bar:cross from:01/01/2008 till:end color:bass
bar:fenelle from:01/06/1992 till:31/12/1993 color:vocals bar:cross from:01/01/2008 till:end color:synth width:7
bar:fenelle from:01/06/1992 till:31/12/1993 color:guitars width:3 bar:cross from:01/01/2008 till:end color:bvocals width:3
bar:laffy from:01/06/1992 till:31/12/1993 color:guitars bar:gwilliams from:01/07/1994 till:31/12/1996 color:bass
bar:wilkinson from:01/06/1992 till:31/12/1993 color:drums bar:cann from:start till:01/01/1986 color:drums
bar:jwilliams from:01/06/1992 till:31/12/1993 color:vocals bar:cann from:start till:01/01/1986 color:bvocals width:3
bar:blue from:01/01/1994 till:31/12/1995 color:vocals bar:cann from:01/01/2008 till:end color:drums
bar:burns from:01/01/1994 till:31/12/1995 color:guitars bar:cann from:01/01/2008 till:end color:bvocals width:3
bar:holmes from:01/01/1994 till:31/12/1995 color:drums bar:holmes from:01/07/1994 till:31/12/1996 color:drums
bar:gwilliams from:01/01/1994 till:31/12/1995 color:bass


}}
</timeline>
</div> </div>

==Discography==
{{Main|Ultravox discography}}

===Studio albums===
* '']'' (1977)
* '']'' (1977)
* '']'' (1978)
* '']'' (1980)
* '']'' (1981)
* '']'' (1982)
* '']'' (1984)
* '']'' (1986)
* '']'' (1993)
* '']'' (1994)
* '']'' (2012)


== References == == References ==


{{reflist|2}} {{reflist}}


== External links == == External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Misplaced Pages books|Ultravox}}
* {{Official website|http://www.ultravox.org.uk/}}

{{Commons category-inline}}

*
* ". " Warren Cann interviewed by Jonas Wårstad. Gives a detailed history of the band. () * ". " Warren Cann interviewed by Jonas Wårstad. Gives a detailed history of the band. ()
* {{discogs artist|Ultravox}}
* {{imdb name|1277757}}


{{Ultravox}} {{Ultravox}}
{{Midge Ure}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2012}}

{{Use British English|date=December 2012}}


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Latest revision as of 15:16, 16 November 2024

British new wave band For other uses, see Ultravox (disambiguation).

Ultravox
Ultravox at the end of a concert in Berlin in 2012 (l-r): Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Midge Ure, Billy Currie
Background information
Also known as
  • Tiger Lily (1974–1975)
  • Ultravox! (1976–1978)
OriginLondon, England
Genres
Years active
  • 1974–1987
  • 1992–1996
  • 2008–2013
Labels
SpinoffsVisage
Past members
Websitewww.ultravox.org.uk

Ultravox (earlier styled as Ultravox!) were a British new wave band, formed in London in April 1974 as Tiger Lily. Between 1980 and 1986, they scored seven Top Ten albums and seventeen Top 40 singles in the UK, the most successful of which was their 1981 hit "Vienna".

From 1974 until 1979, singer John Foxx was frontman and the main driving force behind Ultravox. Foxx left the band in March 1979 to embark on a solo career. Midge Ure officially took over as lead singer, guitarist and frontman on 1 November 1979 (despite writing and rehearsing with the band from April of that year) after he and keyboardist Billy Currie worked on the studio project Visage. Ure revitalised the band and steered it to commercial chart success lasting until 1987, at which time the group disbanded.

A new line-up, led by Currie, was formed in 1992, but achieved limited success with two albums failing to chart and one solitary single reaching 90 in the UK chart. The band's best-known line-up of Currie, Ure, bassist Chris Cross and drummer Warren Cann re-formed in 2008 and performed a series of shows in 2009 and 2010 before releasing a new studio album, Brill!ant, in May 2012 which reached 21 in the British Album Charts. In November 2013, Ultravox performed as special guests on a four-date UK arena tour with Simple Minds. These shows proved to be Ultravox's last, as in 2017 both Currie and Ure indicated that Ultravox had run its course.

History

Early years – Tiger Lily: 1974–1976

The band was formed in April 1974 on the initiative of vocalist and songwriter Dennis Leigh, a then Royal College of Art student, and was originally known as Tiger Lily. An initial but incomplete line-up comprised Leigh plus Chris Allen who was then billed as Chris St. John (bass guitar) and Stevie Shears (guitar), with Warren Cann (drums) and Billy Currie (violin) joining in May and October 1974 respectively. The group released one single in 1975, "Ain't Misbehavin'", a cover of the Fats Waller song, which featured in a soft porn film. Later, the band went through a series of name changes including The Zips, Fire of London, London Soundtrack, and The Damned, using this last name for a few weeks before discovering that the Damned had already taken it.

Experimental years: 1976–1979

Ultravox!

On the strength of their live act, the band signed to Island Records in 1976. The group had still not finalised their band name, wanting to make a good and lasting choice. In October 1976, while working on the late stages of their debut album, the band conceived the name Ultravox! (the exclamation mark was a reference to krautrock band Neu!, produced by Conny Plank, who later produced three Ultravox albums). At the same time, Leigh chose John Foxx and Allen chose Chris Cross as their respective stage names. In February 1977, Island released their eponymous debut album, Ultravox!.

Like many other bands that formed Britain's punk and new wave movements, Ultravox! drew inspiration from the art-school side of glam rock. Musically, Ultravox were heavily influenced by Roxy Music, the New York Dolls, David Bowie and Kraftwerk. Their debut was co-produced by Steve Lillywhite and Brian Eno (who next co-wrote and performed with Bowie on Low). Ultravox!'s sales were disappointing, and neither the album nor the associated single "Dangerous Rhythm" managed to enter the UK charts. Relations within the band were on an occasionally tenuous footing during this time as Foxx declared that he intended to live without emotions, a sentiment he wrote into the début album track "I Want to Be a Machine".

Ultravox returned later in 1977 with the punkier Ha!-Ha!-Ha!. Sales of both the album and its lead single, "ROckWrok", were poor, both failing to register on the UK charts. "ROckWrok" had a punk-lyric chorus, with the words "Come on, let's tangle in the dark/Fuck like a dog, bite like a shark". (Despite this, it got airplay on BBC Radio 1.) Although Ha!-Ha!-Ha! was dominated by guitars and electric violin, the final track, "Hiroshima Mon Amour", was a prototypical synthpop song. One of the first tracks by a British band to feature a drum machine (a Roland Rhythm 77 with preset patterns) and a tenor saxophone solo played by "cc" of the band Gloria Mundi. Hiroshima Mon Amour signalled a new direction for Ultravox. The energy, anger and popular appeal of punk was fading in 1978, and the more creative UK punk genre talent sought new directions—calling themselves British new wave instead of punk rock artists. "Hiroshima Mon Amour" remains a critics' and fans' favourite from the group's initial period. Ultravox! also performed it on The Old Grey Whistle Test later in 1978.

Systems of Romance and split with John Foxx

In early March 1978, Stevie Shears, whose style of guitar playing was considered a limiting factor, was sacked from the band after they toured England and joined Cowboys International in 1980. He was replaced by Robert Simon (ex-member of Ian North's Neo), who during his first days with the band changed his performance-name to Robin Simon. Some time in 1978, the group also dropped the exclamation mark, becoming simply "Ultravox". The new line-up performed live at the Reading Festival along with Radio Stars, Penetration, Sham 69, the Pirates and the Jam, playing early versions of "Slow Motion" and "Quiet Men" on 27 August 1978.

Their third album, 1978's Systems of Romance, was recorded with producer Conny Plank (the producer of the first four albums by German electronic outfit Kraftwerk) and engineer Dave Hutchins at Plank's Studio in rural Germany. Musically, the album was markedly different from Ultravox's earlier work, bringing synthesisers to the forefront of the group's sound. Frustrated by too many opinions of how the band should sound, Foxx decided to leave the band and pursue a purer electronic style already at the initial rehearsals for Systems of Romance, but had to await the band's commitments for that album.

Despite some positive reviews and initial sales of over 25 000 copies, Island dropped the band on 31 December 1978. Ultravox embarked on a self-financed US tour in early 1979 and, to their amazement, received an enthusiastic response by the American audience at several sold out venues. But after their final gig near San Francisco in March 1979, Foxx declared his intention to leave the band and pursue a solo career. He gave the remaining members the band name and returned to London. According to Warren Cann it was a mutual decision between the band and Foxx to part ways after repeated quarrels. Simon remained in the US and briefly joined The Futants, a punk band from New York. He later returned to England and teamed up with Howard Devoto to replace guitarist John McGeoch in the band Magazine. The remaining members made their way back to a Britain in the midst of the Winter of Discontent. Island dropped the three Ultravox albums from its catalogue, and released a compilation of highlights from the group's first three albums in 1980, called Three into One.

Foxx subsequently signed to Virgin Records and released his album Metamatic in January 1980. By this time, Billy Currie had been recruited by the rising star Gary Numan in 1979 to do a performance at The Old Grey Whistle Test show with his band Tubeway Army. Numan had been a fan of Ultravox and Currie was also asked to play on Numan's début solo album, The Pleasure Principle, and its subsequent tour. Warren Cann went to work for Zaine Griff, while Chris Cross did some shows with James Honeyman-Scott (of The Pretenders) and Barrie Masters (from Eddie and the Hot Rods).

Midge Ure years: 1979–1987

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Midge Ure in concert, Oslo November 1981
Ure in concert, April 1984

With the band seemingly over, Ultravox were then revitalised by Midge Ure, who joined the band as vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist. He had already achieved minor success with semi-glam outfit Slik and Glen Matlock's The Rich Kids, and in 1979, he was temporarily playing with hard rock band Thin Lizzy on their American tour, replacing Gary Moore.

Ure and Billy Currie had met while collaborating on Visage, a studio-based band fronted by New Romantic icon and nightclub impresario Steve Strange. Ure and Currie were part of the Visage ensemble on a part-time basis while simultaneously being in Ultravox. During Ure and Currie's tenure, Visage had released two successful albums and had a string of hit singles (the most notable being "Fade to Grey"), but Ure decided to leave in 1982 to concentrate solely on Ultravox. Currie remained with Visage for a while longer, but he too had left them by 1984.

Encouraged by Visage drummer and mutual friend Rusty Egan, Currie asked Ure to join Ultravox. The first material for a prospective new Ultravox record came together quickly and the group decided to tour the US again at the end of 1979. They did so in the hope of being picked up by an American label. Ure knew of Ultravox's past, being a fan of Systems to the point where the new four-piece outfit (Ultravox mk. III) played songs from that album with Ure singing Foxx's lyrics.

Most of the album that would become Vienna was ready to record by the time Ultravox signed a new record deal with Chrysalis Records. Vienna, heralded a major change of direction and would become their most successful to date, far surpassing any of the previous Ultravox (or Foxx) albums. As with Systems of Romance, it was produced by Conny Plank.

Released in July 1980, the Vienna album produced the band's first UK Top 40 hit with "Sleepwalk" reaching No. 29, while the album itself initially peaked at No. 14. A second single, "Passing Strangers", failed to reach the Top 40, only reaching No. 57, but the band achieved a substantial hit with the third single, the album's title track. Accompanied by a highly distinctive video (inspired by Carol Reed's 1949 film The Third Man), the single became Ultravox's biggest ever hit, released in January 1981 and peaking at Number 2 (kept off the top spot by John Lennon's "Woman" and then Joe Dolce's "Shaddap You Face"). On the strength of the single, the album then re-entered the chart and reached No. 3 in early 1981. A fourth single from the album, "All Stood Still", peaked at No. 8. in 1981, and "Slow Motion" from Systems of Romance was also re-issued, reaching No. 33 the same year.

This was soon followed by Rage in Eden (1981), with the band returning to Plank's studio in Cologne for what turned out to be a difficult recording session. Whereas the Vienna material had been performed live a great deal prior to a three-week recording process, Rage in Eden took over three months. The album featured a long track in three parts on the second side. The album peaked at No. 4 in the UK, while two singles from the album, "The Thin Wall" and "The Voice", both made the UK Top 20, reaching No. 14 and No. 16 respectively.

Ultravox teamed up with producer George Martin for 1982's Quartet, which peaked at No. 6 in the UK and contained four Top 20 hit singles; "Reap the Wild Wind" reaching No. 12 and "Hymn" No. 11 both in 1982, and "Visions in Blue" and in 1983 "We Came to Dance" charting at No. 15 and No. 18 respectively. It was their most successful album in the US, peaking at No. 61.

The band undertook a major world tour, the Monument Tour, which was recorded and released as a live LP and video in 1983, which also reached the UK top ten.

Ultravox then decided to produce their next album themselves. 1984's Lament continued the band's run of top ten albums and produced three top 40 hit singles, including the international hit "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes" (UK No. 3), "Lament" (No. 22) and "One Small Day" peaking at No. 27.

After the "Set Movements Tour" in 1984, a "greatest hits" compilation spanning the band's 1980s output was released entitled The Collection. It was preceded by a new single, "Love's Great Adventure", which enjoyed massive radio airplay that autumn and eventually peaked at No. 12 in the UK, accompanied by a popular Indiana Jones-style spoof video. The Collection went triple Platinum and reached No. 2 in the UK album chart, the band's highest ever peak.

In November 1984, Ure also co-wrote and produced the Band Aid single "Do They Know It's Christmas?". The four Ultravox-members took a long break from each other, but appeared at Live Aid the following year and played four of their hit singles ("Reap the Wild Wind", "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes", "One Small Day" and "Vienna"). Last time they were touring in 1984 they had twenty-two keyboards on stage, and the sound checks alone took five hours, so Ultravox actually chose the songs that they could perform with the least equipment, with no rehearsal and no sound check. With Ultravox being switched in the running order so that Princess Diana could see the Boomtown Rats before leaving Wembley, the start of the Ultravox set was lost to a poor hand-over from an over-running foreign link up. As the concert was never officially archived, this could not be restored to the partial record of the event available on the official DVD. Later in 1985, Ure scored a No. 1 solo hit with "If I Was" and his solo album The Gift reached No. 2 in the UK.

During the time Midge was away working with his solo album and tour, Cann, Currie and Cross recorded demos to a forthcoming album. They recorded the track "Ukraine" which is available on Currie's 1991 solo album Stand up and Walk.

Ure later said that when he came back they were all working in different directions. In a band meeting before the new recording began in 1986, Warren Cann was sacked from the band due to musical differences. Ure said 1986: "After the two year break the differences that might have been very small two years ago, had magnified during that time, we had grown apart. It seemed like we could not work with him."

Ultravox recorded the U-Vox album with Big Country's Mark Brzezicki on drums in Plank's studio in Germany. The U-Vox album, released in October 1986, was later described by Ure as "unfocused". Although it continued their string of top ten albums in the UK, its singles showed declining chart results: "Same Old Story" peaking at No. 31, and "All Fall Down" at No. 30 in 1986, with "All in One Day" reaching only No. 88 in 1987. In 1987, Ultravox decided not to continue after the U-Vox tour and split up.

Currie signed a deal with IRS Records and recorded a solo album. Cross retired from the music business to become a psychotherapist. Cann later moved to Los Angeles to work in the movie business. Currie and Robin Simon reunited in 1989 as the short-lived Humania, performing live shows, but never making a release until 2006, the album Sinews of the Soul.

Currie's own Ultravox in the Nineties: 1992–1996

Without any other original members, Currie reformed Ultravox again in 1992 with vocalist Tony Fenelle to record Revelation, and later Sam Blue replaced Fenelle in a new five-piece Ultravox line-up, lending his voice to another release, Ingenuity released November 1994. This line-up also released the live album Future Picture recorded in Italy 1993.

These albums had little commercial success and the band dissolved again in 1996. Currie said 2006 about the attempt to continue Ultravox: "It wasn't a good idea but, in retrospect, it's always easy to say that."

Reunion: 2008–2013

Ultravox performing at The O2 in London, 2013

In September 2008, both Vienna and Rage in Eden were released in digitally remastered two-disc format with the second disc containing previously unreleased material.

On 2 October 2008 Midge Ure and Billy Currie met again and played an acoustic "Vienna" together, on Geoff Lloyd Show on Absolute Radio in Abbey Road Studios. After this they got an offer from Live Nation, who their former manager Chris O’Donnell was now working for.

On 6 November 2008 the official announcement came: Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie and Midge Ure reformed Ultravox again, for a 15-date UK tour in April 2009, entitled "Return to Eden". This would be the first time the classic line-up of the band had performed together since Live Aid in 1985. The first show was played at Edinburgh Playhouse 10 April 2009.

On Jonathan Ross's show on BBC's Radio 2 on 21 February 2009, Ure discussed the tour, with all four members of the most successful incarnation of the band on board. He mentioned that this reunion was not planned in light of the previously mentioned events, but rather was spontaneous and happened very quickly with the band members talking and communicating online (using email and Skype). The interview did not reveal whether or not new material would be recorded as a result of the reunion tour. Speaking to the Sunday Mail, Ure stated that the reunion was only a one-off, and there would be no new material from the group. He said: "We're not trying to recapture our youth and won't be writing new songs or recording another album. This is about celebrating our music and our anniversary."

Quartet and Monument were released in February 2009, also in two-disc editions. The second disc in the Monument package is a DVD containing the concert video that was previously only available on VHS tape. The other Chrysalis-era releases were planned for similar future releases.

Since success from touring the UK they have extended the tour to Germany and Belgium. A live CD and DVD of Ultravox's sell-out Roundhouse show was released on 5 April 2010. The DVD features a documentary filmed on the build-up to and during the reunion tour, parts of it filmed by Midge Ure.

Ultravox returned to performing live with their Return to Eden II tour in Europe during 2010. In August they played four shows in Sweden together with Howard Jones and Alphaville. It was on this tour the band members decided that they should record some new material again.

On 20 January 2011, via their official website, Ultravox.org.uk, the band announced that a new studio album was nearing completion. In 2011 Ultravox released a fan store exclusive EP called Moments from Eden, featured four new live tracks recorded 23 April 2010 at Grosse Freiheit, Hamburg, and 24 April 2010 at Admiralspalast, Berlin.

Ultravox's 11th studio album, Brill!ant, was released on 28 May 2012. Following this release the band embarked on the 'Brilliant Tour' performing shows across the UK and Europe in late 2012.

On 30 November 2013, Ultravox performed their last show at The O2 Arena in London, as special guests on a four date UK arena tour with Simple Minds.

On 4 January 2017, Billy Currie announced on his official website that he had decided that his time as a member of Ultravox had come to an end after 43 years. In December 2017 Midge Ure revealed in an interview with the Daily Express that a further reformation by the band was unlikely.

Bassist Chris Cross died on 25 March 2024; His death was confirmed by Midge Ure on 1 April.

Legacy

Gary Numan has stated that the original 1970s-era Ultravox was the most important influence on his music. Ultravox was also a major influence on early Simple Minds and Duran Duran.

Along with acts like Visage and Gary Numan, Ultravox was one of the early influences on techno. In his book Energy Flash, Simon Reynolds quotes Adam Lee Miller of Adult: "I always get a kick when people say the first 'techno' record was Cybotron's 'Alleys of Your Mind'... To me, it was just a new wave record. It sounds particularly close to 'Mr X' by Ultravox."

Band members

Classic line-up
  • Chris Cross – bass, synthesisers, backing vocals (1974–1987, 2008–2013; died 2024)
  • Warren Cann – drums, electronic percussion, drum programming, synthesizers, backing and occasional lead vocals (1974–1986, 2008–2013)
  • Billy Currie – synthesisers, keyboards, violin, viola (1974–1987, 1992–1996, 2008–2013)
  • Midge Ure – lead vocals, guitars, synthesisers (1979–1987, 2008–2013)
Former 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 (1994–1996)

Lineups

1974 1975–1978 1978–1979 1979–1986
Classic line-up
  • Chris Cross – bass, backing vocals
  • John Foxx – lead vocals
  • Stevie Shears – guitar
  • Warren Cann – drums, electronic percussion, backing vocals
  • Billy Currie – violin, keyboards, synthesiser
  • Chris Cross – bass, synthesiser, backing vocals
  • John Foxx – lead vocals
  • Warren Cann – drums, electronic percussion, backing vocals
  • Billy Currie – keyboards, violin
  • Robin Simon – guitar, backing vocals
  • Chris Cross – bass, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Warren Cann – drums, electronic percussion, backing vocals
  • Billy Currie – synthesisers, piano, violin, viola
  • Midge Ure – lead vocals, guitars, synthesisers
1986–1987 1987–1992 1992–1993 1993–1996
  • Chris Cross – bass, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Billy Currie – keyboards, violin, viola
  • Midge Ure – lead vocals, guitars, synthesisers

Disbanded

  • Billy Currie – keyboards, violin, viola
  • Tony Fenelle – lead vocals, guitar
  • Billy Currie – keyboards, violin, viola
  • Sam Blue – lead vocals
  • Vinny Burns – guitar
  • Tony Holmes – drums, percussion
  • Gary Williams – bass
1996–2008 2008–2013

Disbanded

  • Billy Currie – keyboards, violin, viola
  • Warren Cann – drums, electronic percussion, backing vocals
  • Chris Cross – bass, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Midge Ure – lead vocals, guitars, synthesisers

Timeline

Discography

Main article: Ultravox discography

Studio albums

References

  1. "John Foxx and Ultravox!". Mojo. September 2006. Archived from the original on 15 October 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
  2. ^ "Warren Cann/Ultravox Interview". Discog.info. 10 December 1997. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
  3. Ankeny, Jason. "Ultravox | Music Biography, Streaming Radio and Discography | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
  4. Reynolds, Simon (2004). Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978–1984.
  5. ^ Wårstad, Jonas (27 November 1998). "Warren Cann/Ultravox Interview". Discog.info. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  6. "Neo – A Punk History with Pictures". Punk77.co.uk. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  7. "Reading Rock Festival.Reading 1978". Ukrockfestivals.com. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  8. ^ Peter Gilbert, Francis Drake (10–23 July 1980). "Ultravox: A Dangerous Rhythm". Smash Hits. Vol. 2, no. 14. p. 31.
  9. ^ Doran, John (24 May 2013). "Speaking to the Quiet Man: John Foxx interviewed". vice.com.
  10. Hall, Philip (30 September 1978). "Ultravox: Systems of Romance". Record Mirror. p. 19.
  11. Gill, John (2 September 1978). "'Vox continental". Sounds. p. 29.
  12. "Interview". Pennyblackmusic.co.uk. 18 April 2021.
  13. Record Collector, 2012
  14. "Billy Currie". Billycurrie.com.
  15. "Extreme Voice magazine". Ultravox.org.uk.
  16. ^ Ure, Midge (2004). If I Was The Autobiography. Virgin Books Ltd.
  17. U-Vox Tour Program, 1986
  18. Currie, Billy. Sinews of the Soul (Media notes). Archived from the original on 1 December 2006. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  19. "GForce Software". Gforcesoftware.com. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  20. "Chris Cross Archives". Electricityclub.co.uk. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  21. "The Unofficial German ULTRAVOX Fanpage". Ultravox.hpage.com. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  22. "News". Ultravox.org.uk. Archived from the original on 25 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  23. Sloan, Billy (18 January 2009). "The Big Ticket: Ure Dead Brilliant – The Sunday Mail". The Sunday Mail. Archived from the original on 31 January 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  24. "News". Ultravox.org.uk. Archived from the original on 29 January 2009. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  25. ^ "Ultravox News". Ultravox.org.uk. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  26. Eames, Tom (31 May 2012). "Ultravox Release First New Album with Midge Ure in 26 Years – Music News – Digital Spy". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  27. Simpson, George (12 December 2017). "Midge Ure SPEAKS OUT on Ultravox's future and new album Orchestrated (EXCLUSIVE)". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  28. Rigotti, Alex (2 April 2024). "Midge Ure pays tribute to Ultravox bassist Chris Cross, who has died aged 71". NME. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  29. Gary Numan Talks About Ultravox Youtube
  30. Bourne, Dianne 'We prefer cups of tea to hitting the clubs' Manchester Evening News 24 November 2013
  31. Wright, Jonathan Ultravox interview Classic Pop 9 January 2020
  32. Reynolds, Simon (2011). Energy Flash. Picador. p. 481.

External links

Ultravox
Studio albums
Live albums
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