Ultravox - Brian J Robb

Ultravox made an indelible mark on the popular music of the 1980s despite never reaching number one at any point: famously, 'Vienna' stalled at number two, while their only other top five single was the zeitgeist-capturing 'Dancing With Tears in My Eyes', reaching number three in May 1984. Between 1981's 'Vienna' and 1984's 'Love's Great Adventure', Ultravox scored 12 Top 30 hit singles (17 reached the Top 40), and seven top ten album releases. Fronted first by John Foxx, then Midge Ure, Ultravox went from being an acclaimed but hitless art rock outfit to a Blitz-era chart-storming quartet. They also proved to be a formidable live band, mixing in-vogue electronic synthesisers with drums and guitar and Billy Currie's trademark classical violin. The band became one of the most successful acts of the era, capped by their 1985 appearance at the Live Aid concert. They also made their mark with arty, distinctive, and influential music videos. Having split following 1986's controversial U-Vox album, the 1980s Ultravox line-up regrouped in 2009, celebrating the 30th anniversary of 'Vienna' with a series of UK, US, and European tours. That led to a new, belated album, 2012's Brilliant. Every album, every song - this is Ultravox.