Ultravox is not a movie or television show but a British new wave and synth-pop band. Formed in London in 1974, the band achieved great success during the 1980s. Ultravox is known for their innovative use of synthesizers, which helped define their unique sound.
The original lineup of Ultravox consisted of vocalist and keyboardist Dennis Leigh, known by his stage name John Foxx, guitarist Stevie Shears, bassist Chris Cross, drummer Warren Cann, and keyboardist Billy Currie. Together, they released three albums between 1977 and 1978: "Ultravox!" (1977), "Ha!-Ha!-Ha!" (1977), and "Systems of Romance" (1978). These albums showcased the band's early post-punk sound, characterized by Foxx's distinct vocals and Currie's soaring synthesizers.
In 1979, John Foxx left the band to pursue a solo career, and he was replaced by Midge Ure as the lead vocalist. With Ure at the helm, Ultravox ventured into a more commercial and synth-pop direction, achieving unprecedented success. The lineup for the band's most popular era included Midge Ure, Billy Currie, Chris Cross, and Warren Cann.
Their 1980 album "Vienna," produced by renowned German producer Conny Plank, became Ultravox's breakthrough record. The album's title track, "Vienna," reached number two on the UK singles chart and became their signature song. The album also spawned other hits like "Passing Strangers" and "Sleepwalk." "Vienna" is regarded as one of their best and most influential works.
The success of "Vienna" was followed by the release of "Rage in Eden" (1981) and "Quartet" (1982). These albums solidified Ultravox's status as one of the leading synth-pop bands of the era. Their memorable singles from this period include "The Voice," "Reap the Wild Wind," and "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes."
After the release of "Lament" (1984) and "U-Vox" (1986), the band disbanded in 1987. Ultravox would reunite in 2008, with the classic lineup of Ure, Currie, Cross, and Cann, and released their final studio album, "Brilliant," in 2012. The band performed numerous successful live shows until their official disbandment in 2017.
Ultravox left an indelible mark on the synth-pop genre and influenced many subsequent bands. Their use of synthesizers in a rock context added depth and texture to their music, paving the way for future acts. If you're interested in experiencing the sounds of Ultravox, you can easily play and download their music from various platforms, allowing you to fully appreciate their contribution to the world of music.