Ultravox: Pioneers of British Synth-Pop

Ultravox is a British band that became a defining force in the synth-pop and new wave movements of the late 1970s and 1980s. The group achieved major commercial success with a series of sleek, atmospheric albums that blended electronic soundscapes with rock energy, most notably with their 1980 album "Vienna".

Early career

Ultravox formed in London in 1974, initially under the name Tiger Lily. The original lineup, featuring vocalist and guitarist John Foxx, keyboardist Billy Currie, guitarist Stevie Shears, bassist Chris Cross, and drummer Warren Cann, forged a raw, punk-influenced art-rock sound. Their first two albums, 1977's "Ultravox!" and 1978's "Ha!-Ha!-Ha!", released on Island Records, were critically noted but saw limited commercial impact.

Breakthrough

The band's trajectory changed dramatically in 1979 with the departure of John Foxx and the arrival of Midge Ure as frontman. Signed to Chrysalis Records, the revamped Ultravox released the album "Vienna" in 1980. Its haunting, cinematic title track became a cultural phenomenon, spending four weeks at number two on the UK Singles Chart and driving the album to platinum certification.

Key tracks

Vienna — The band's signature song, its epic synth-driven drama and iconic video cemented Ultravox's place in music history.

Dancing with Tears in My Eyes — This urgent, melodic single from 1984's "Lament" became another major UK hit, reaching number three.

Hymn — A powerful anthem from the 1982 album "Quartet", it showcased the band's ability to craft grand, emotionally resonant pop.

Reap the Wild Wind — The lead single from 1983's "Rage in Eden", it continued their run of sophisticated, chart-topping synth-pop.

All Stood Still — Another top ten single from the "Vienna" album, it highlighted the band's driving, rhythmic electronic rock.

Following the success of "Vienna", Ultravox released a string of successful albums including "Rage in Eden", "Quartet" (produced by George Martin), and "Lament". The band's classic period culminated in a headline performance at Live Aid in 1985 before they disbanded in 1987. Reunions have occurred in various forms, with the Ure-led lineup releasing new material like 2012's "Brilliant" and touring extensively to celebrate their legacy.

For fans of Ultravox's brand of dramatic, keyboard-led rock, several other British artists explored similar territory. Gary Numan pioneered a colder, more robotic form of electronic pop around the same era. The Human League mastered the art of sleek, accessible synth-pop with massive pop hooks. Japan shared Ultravox's sense of art-rock sophistication and atmospheric sound design. Simple Minds evolved from post-punk into anthemic, keyboard-rich rock in the 1980s.

The music of Ultravox remains a staple on classic rock FM stations and dedicated 80s alternative rock radio stations. Their influential synth-pop sound is regularly featured on online rock radio streams that celebrate the new wave era, ensuring their anthems reach both nostalgic and new audiences.

You can hear the iconic music of Ultravox on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their classic tracks and deep cuts through the variety of independent music radio stations available on onairium.com.