Ultravox a closer look.

Ultravox and John foxx and midge ure. Playing dangerous rhythm. Quite man. John foxx background.

[@undergroundwarrior70]

It was in March of 1979 (I was 23) that I saw Ultravox (with John Foxx and guitarist Robin Simon) in concert at the Whiskey A-Go-Go Nightclub in West Hollywood, California, (Island Records had dropped them so they financed that tour themselves here in the US), and I was in the middle of the stage. I held my right hand as high as I could and while John Foxx was singing, and he bended down and gave me a five with his left hand. The only song I remember that he sang was "Touch and Go" which it was never recorded on the 'Systems of Romance' album, but he recoded it on his first debut solo 1980 album 'Metamatic.' When I bought Ultravox's 1980 'Vienna' album, even though it is the best one with Midge Ure, I was disappointed that John Foxx was no longer with the group which he himself put together. What I found out some years ago, John Foxx quit and left Ultravox in late March of 1979 because there were creative differences between him and the group members, except with Robin Simon which he left shorty afterwards. In an interview with John Foxx he said "I just did not wanted to be with or in a gang anymore." referring to the remaining members of Ultravox. Sadly, bassist, keyboard musician and backup vocals Chris Cross passed away in March of 2024 at the young age of 71. He became a therapist counselor after Ultravox disbanded before returning to play concerts with Midge Ure, Billy Currie and Warren Cann a few years back.

[@spotontheroad1]

When this came out it was just too far ahead of its time. Still one of my favourite albums. Fab.❤

[@scottspinner1]

For sure a classic

[@stevecarlsonvinylcommunity9147]

Vienna is such a beautiful album but I really loved their first two albums a lot. They were o,along some very interesting music that pushed the envelope. Vienna is something I can listen to over and over again. After that they kind of disappeared in the US. I did see their Greatest Hits album. Wonderful overview George

[@scottspinner1]

Cheers Steve yip quite big here. But got less and less popular each lp. Probably like most bands.

[@Ticoboeren]

Their first album is my favourite debut album of all time.

[@scottspinner1]

Yip one of the best.

[@kennybrown1315]

Nice summation. Always a Ure fan of Ultravox but Systems of Romance is a bridge between the two bands. Your albums are in remarkably good nick! Enjoyed this. Have subscribed

[@scottspinner1]

Thanks my friend. Systems of romance was definitely a milestone.

[@marcdewolf7334]

Fantastic album, bought the red vinyl release in 2016. Well ahead of their time.

[@scottspinner1]

Yip I got it back in the day. Some great music on it.

[@RandallWeaver]

This was perfect for me George. Ultravox is a band I've heard of a lot but have never listened to their music. This video is a great introduction. Thanks for the overview!

[@scottspinner1]

No problem randy.

[@hubtunes9607]

Such a wonderful band

[@scottspinner1]

Cheers Mike thought you would like my mention of Gary Numan lol

[@Fibonacci64]

I saw them in Stockholm in ´77, just 12 years old. Their debut was produced by Brian Eno, whitch is clearly heard in for example ”My sex”. I also saw them with Midge Ure in 1981, I must say Foxx was way more charismatic than Ure. The live photograph with the drums is ”The Voice”.

[@scottspinner1]

Love dangerous rhythm. See midge era three times. Great times.

[@jamesgriffithsmusic]

Good work George. I didn't know about these reissues. I was going to feature Ultravox in my 'incomplete collections' at some point as there have been some persistent gaps for a long time. It's nice to hear someone praising the Midge Ure era at least in part, as the standard line is usually 'they went crap after Foxx left'.

[@scottspinner1]

Hi James no midge ure was a great musician problem with most bands is once you’ve made a classic lp it’s down hill from there. They still made good lps.

[@sejautie]

They got better when foxx left charts say it all check out live aid midge ure vocals were one of the best there with Freddie Mercury

[@sejautie]

@@scottspinner1 may be so midge ure with ultravox had more charts history than jf era charts say it all I meet midge ure at his concert had his autograph and shook his hand very nice man

[@barrymccann8746]

They didn't go crap after Foxx left, the Vienna album is a classic but very different from what went before. After its commercial success, they seemed to drop a ball and went increasingly pop. I guess the pressure to keep the commercial success up was on them.

[@scottspinner1]

Your right they never went crap. For me steadily got worse. Vienna was a brilliant lp. Seen them three times during the midge ure period.

[@Dolores5000]

Great insight on pre Midge UV well done!

[@scottspinner1]

Thanks my friend. Dennis Leigh rools

[@Dolores5000]

What did I miss ? What happened to Lament?

[@franko2886]

Yep, he left it out as well as U- Vox

[@MarcioSilva-ssiillvvaa]

The missing link between Roxy Music and the Sex Pistols.

[@scottspinner1]

@@MarcioSilva-ssiillvvaa probably

[@CookieMusic43]

A really enjoyable video, George. I know nothing of pre-Midge Ure Ultravox and this makes me want to check out their first couple of albums. Cheers - Richard

[@scottspinner1]

Cheers Richard their first and third lps are great if you like new wave electronic music.

[@TONEScott]

I think Midge was working with Thin Lizzy at the time Ultravox launched Vienna, correct me if I'm wrong. Nice expository on your Utlravox and related collection. Impressive. - TONE

[@scottspinner1]

Yes forgot to mention midge went on a us tour with thin lizzy

[@FlipSideCT]

Their 1st 2 are just amazingly fantastic and captures such an original sound and delivery. One of the better punk bands. They then got to synthy for me. Love the Foxx background, Cathedral Oceans. Do not own this, but will soon. love it! would love the vinyl, but a bit to pricey. thanks for the turn on. I have his trilogy box set those early 2000 albums. I normally do not buy these, but this was a must have possession.

[@scottspinner1]

Cheers yip the early ultravox lps were important for the time sometimes it’s in a bands name ultravox maybe didn’t go do too well with punks. Similar in a way to be bop deluxe. John foxx had a talent think he’s still going.

[@scottspinner1]

Systems of romance is a classic an all time favourite.

[@herryhubert2706]

Funny you say (Ha!)³ is not your favourite album. It definitely is mine. Bought it in 1977 with the free 7-inch modern love/quircks. Though I like the first and third as well. When they regrouped with Ure I gave up. They became just some standard new wave synthesizer outfit. In hindsight Vienna is quite a nice song, but doesn't come close to their earlier stuff The most punk like song was on Systems, called Some if Them

[@scottspinner1]

Yip I never had quirks always wanted it. I think systems of romance is a seminal lp. Love dangerous rhythm also. The first midge lp was good seen them three times.

[@gatefold33]

Great video George, I only know some of the hits but will consider picking up Ultravox or Foxx early albums if I stumble across them. Cheers Dale

[@scottspinner1]

Well worth it dale.

[@markreville6917]

"Lament" was the last album released featuring the line up of Ure, Currie, Cross and Cann. It had a few great tracks - Heart Of The Country, A Friend I Call Desire And When The Time Comes - none of which were singles but should have been. Then Warren Cann departed in acrimonious circumstances and there followed the album "Uvox" which was influenced by celtic and traditional Irish music - The Chieftans even played on a couple of tracks - but the record was very weak and flopped commercially. So, that was the end of the group for the time being. Midge, Billy and Warren did low key solo projects and Chris left the music business and qualified as a Psychotherapist and Counsellor. In 2009 a reunion was announced with the full post Foxx line up. A tour and live album "Return To Eden" followed ,both successful. Encouraged by that the band decided to return to the studio and record a brand new album "Brilliant !" produced by Steve Lipson. It is indeed an impressive work and could be described as a typical Ultravox album. All of the songs are strong and commercial sounding and are resonant of both iterations of the band i.e. the John Foxx softer less commercial guitar based stuff and the Ure based more electronic synth based material. And that, as far as I know, is that. Midge Ure has stated that there are no plans to regroup and that Ultravox has run it's course.

[@scottspinner1]

@@markreville6917 thanks for that mark. Yes was aware of some of that. They were a great band of those times. Cheers.

[@marcbergeron8690]

@@markreville6917 Most Midge Ure albums are very good. Not as good as Ultravox but still pretty decent for the most part. Midge Ure released an album name Orchestrated in 2017 with as the title implies, features some classic Ultravox tracks and Midge Ure "famous" played with an orchestra. Excellent, but, it surprises somewhat. You do not improve perfection.

[@scottspinner1]

Great artist

[@philipmatthews7128]

There is a podcast just put out this week called "I Never Thought It Would Happen" where Chris Difford ( Squeeze ) interviews Midge Ure. They chat about how he started in a teen pop band then onto working with Glenn Matlock ( Sex Pistols ) Visage, Ultravox. You should enjoy it.

[@scottspinner1]

Thanks for that Philip will have a listen.

[@chrisbinckes2732]

the two LP releases... ultravox #1 & 'never mind the bollocks' truly shattered the '77 zeitgeist.... others followed...

[@scottspinner1]

For sure.

[@chrisbinckes2732]

@@scottspinner1 it was groundbreaking...its release date (25 February 1977) predated the pistols release (28 October 1977) and incorporated that japanese sci fi aesthetic ambience genre with the burroughs/j g ballard dystopian horror... something bowie had only touched on with diamond dogs and NEU! had outlined earlier... greetings from von demonzz lande.... happy HALLOGALLOween....

[@scottspinner1]

@@chrisbinckes2732 yes still a favourite in my collection as is system’s of romance.

[@chrisbinckes2732]

@@scottspinner1 now youre speaking.... yes systems of romance sure is timeless... ive had it on endless repeat on a long drive from cairns qld australia all the way down to melbourne vic.... its perfect and very 'conny plank'

[@scottspinner1]

Yip in my top twenty. Plus magazine

[@georgealanlpsandcds9311]

Love that sound George - what phono cartridge are you using on your turntable ? I am going to check Ultravox out on Spotify, really dig their sound :)

[@scottspinner1]

Hi george I use a dynavector te kaitora rue.

[@georgealanlpsandcds9311]

@@scottspinner1 Alrighty!

[@johnnyocvinylrecords1079]

Great review G. Not a fan really, but like the thin wall, it was on the tape in my dads car - taped off the radio - great upbeat tune and that C60 tape was on auto repeat. Dancing with Tears in my eyes Was a great single too. Did Midge Ure play guitar for Thin Lizzy for a few US shows? Shame about that "piss poor cover" on that compilation but ill search that one out for a spin. Best!

[@scottspinner1]

Hi Iain yip midge played with tin lizzy. On a usa tour. John foxx done some good stuff. Great stuff at the time.

[@franko2886]

The album 'Lament' came before 'The Collection' ... then came 'U-Vox' ... Warren Cann had left and Ultravox dropped the synth sound although 'Same Old Story' is a good song as well as 'All Fall Down' .... however they don't sound like Ultravox ..... and the band broke up after.

[@scottspinner1]

Fab band

[@babylonsburning1]

The first three Ultravox! albums are fantastic. Each musically different and each with final tracks pointing the way the next album would be. Midge Ure was always and bandwagon jumper, from Rollers lite, Slik to Punk lite, Rich kids, he really couldn't make it on his own. So joining a band with a following, at a time where electronic pop was just getting going was a winner for him. The later Ultravox were a singles band rather than an albums band. Their albums weren't really cohestive IMO.

[@scottspinner1]

Yip I’m with you on that. Shame foxx went solo.

[@skolex33]

I wooed my wife to this album. Not that she was really interested to be fair.

[@scottspinner1]

Lol. Some get it. Was it my sex

[@barrymccann8746]

I far prefer Ultra-Foxx to Ure-Vox, though Vienna is a classic album. I have to agree it was downhill from there, I guess the pressure being on to keep the commercial success up steering them into more K Tel pop.

[@scottspinner1]

Very difficult for a band to better Vienna. They were good though.

[@tipsy1973]

Rubellan remasters will be issuing Three into one soon :D remastered aswell

[@scottspinner1]

Ah cool hope it’s coloured and includes quirks and modern love

[@tipsy1973]

@@scottspinner1 I have the first pressing of Ha HA HA with quirks/modern love single. The LP comes in the usual sleeve & the inner bag is plain black with a separate card info sheet like the remastered LP.

[@scottspinner1]

@@tipsy1973 never did get the the first press. With the single have heard it though.

[@tipsy1973]

@@scottspinner1 I'ts something I am going to sell as I never play my vinyl

[@billvinyl-lists4572]

Hi George- a great information video- I didn’t realise that Midge Ure wasn’t a founding member- Cheers Bill

[@scottspinner1]

No drafted in after John foxx left.

[@marcbergeron8690]

Ultravox mach 2 is my all time preferred musical artist. The classic 4, starting with Vienna are outstanding and I have listened to these albums countless times. For some reason, the order of the songs on Vienna is not the same on the European version and the American version. I prefer the American order. Astradyne is a good track, but you don't begin an era with an instrumental. On my american vinyl it's Sleepwalk that is first, such a kickstart. They reunited in 2012 with Brilliant, a much longer album, as good as masterpieces like Rage In Eden. Quartet and Lament.

[@scottspinner1]

Seen them live three times

[@sejautie]

I saw midge ure on his solo tours he signed my cd and I shook his hand and a photo with a friend also went to 2012 Ultravox in Birmingham

[@scottspinner1]

@@sejautie early 80s I seen him. Used to go to a club where slik played quite often.

[@autumnmatthews3179]

I'm actually glad John left Ultravox because we got the Vienna album, my all time favourite, and the sublime Metamatic

[@scottspinner1]

True probably for best

[@RileyELFuk]

I tried to like UltraMidge, I really did. Sleepwalk was disappointing. Passing Strangers was best for it's 12" B-side (King's Lead Hat). Vienna was a highpoint for the album, but I've heard it too much. I bought it when it originally came out, but I didn't keep it. I've since bought a 2CD version of it, but I don't think that I've listened to it in its entirety. On the other hand, I bought all three of the original albums, all the singles, including the 12" Australian version of Retro, with the added tracks and 3 into 1. I then bought the 3 albums on CD, then the remastered version, then the latest re-remastered versions in the CD box and to top it off, the 3 re-mastered coloured vinyls (even though I never play vinyl). I can happily listen to them all. Metamatic comes close, with 4 copies (I didn't bother with the vinyl re-issues).

[@scottspinner1]

Yip got all early ultravox. And some later stuff. Got most of John foxx. There was an rsd ultravox lp a couple of years ago live from 77

[@RileyELFuk]

@@scottspinner1 I missed that. I can't be bothered scouring shops for hard to find RSD specials and I'm not really a fan of vinyl, or their prices . I made do with the digital release. I was disappointed with how they messed up the audio on the video they released of it though.

[@scottspinner1]

@@RileyELFuk sound quality wasn’t good

[@RileyELFuk]

@@scottspinner1 Prior to them posting that, they made me take down my versions, where I'd dubbed the Slipaway and Modern Love, from their official releases. At least I got to update the video when I redubbed them for my personal collection.

[@scottspinner1]

@@RileyELFuk I used to have tiger Lilly

[@sejautie]

With out midge there would be no ultravox they had better commercial midge vocals are much superior than jf why leave the band in the first place came back no record deal owned money midge ure made the band better even the other carnation ultravox Tony fennel and Sam blue weren't up to scratch?

[@marcbergeron8690]

The Billy Currie based Ultravox band with Sam Blue was absolutely no scratch. Ingenuity in my opinion is almost on a par with Rage In Eden and Quartet.

[@markstevenson1646]

Although I like the midge ure era the John foxx iteration is far superior imo

[@scottspinner1]

@markstevenson1646 it’s my favourite lps also.

[@sejautie]

@@marcbergeron8690 no did not have the vocals Tony fernelle was ok but shouldn't called it Ultravox people might done that will midge but that's why midge is the classic Ultravox

[@marcbergeron8690]

@@sejautie Tony Fenelle was not on album Ingenuity.