/>
Having made his name from doorman to the extrovert host of one of the coolest clubs in London. Steve Strange was involved with clubs Billy's, Blitz and Club for Heroes. From these surroundings two of the biggest bands of the eighties emerged Culture Club and Spandau Ballet. He now needed a band to explore his pop star quality. Steve Strange Born Steven Harrington in Wales was the very icon of a New Romantic.
The Latin meaning of Visage is a look, a vision and the old Anglo norm meaning is face. This encapsulated the whole ethos of a new romantic. He set about forming a super group and this consisted of Rusty Egan a DJ and ex Rich Kids Drummer, Midge Ure and Billie Currie From Ultravox and finally three members of Howard Devotos Magazine - John Mckeogh, Barry Adamson and Dave Formula. The band was very strictly a studio band as members took time out to perform. With That Steve Strange became the singular face of the band. With the advent of the pop promo and pop magazines Visage did not need to perform live to secure there success.
Steve Strange was now the modern day David Bowie Ziggy Stardust. The concept of wearing make up and outlandish costumes (many designed by Bryan Ferry's tailor, Anthony Price) from this it paved the ways for the likes of Boy George and Marilyn to build on this acceptance. The bowie theme continued as he appeared in the iconic video for Ashes to Ashes like the passing of the old romantic to the new romantic. Following this Visage released Fade to Grey which mixed English and French Lyrics with a hint of Kraftwerk and Bowie. This record encapsulated the whole New Romantic period. The first album also included Mind of a Toy and Visage and this reached number 13 on the charts. Strange and Egan continued to host there successful club nights creating the first Superclub in Camden Palace in London.
Guitarist John McKeogh left to join Siouxsie and the Banshees and Visages next album The Anvil Reached number 6 in April 1982. The damned don't cry was released to mixed reviews and Night train was possibly there last notable achievement. The magic began to wear off as the eighties progressed. Midge and Billie left as Ultravox success took off, which left Strange and Egan working with session musicians. The Last album Beat Boy sadly limped its way into oblivion. The Innovation that previously worked was now being taken over by the likes off Frankie goes to Hollywood and Wham. As a result what started as a project ended with Egan returning to DJ'ing and production and Strange carried on his fronting club nights and a brief foray into pop with the short lived band Strange Cruise.
Egan and Strange did get together for a one off performance for Living TV series Pop Goes The Band Where they preformed Fade to Grey.
Recommended Purchasing
No comments:
Post a Comment