This week in 1981 saw the classic synth ballad 'Vienna' by Ultravox peak at number 2 for an incredible 4 weeks and one of those tunes that was never destined to be number 1.
The single was released of there self titled album and the previous 2 offerings had made an imprint on the charts but these release was to take the charts by storm and bad luck prevented the band enjoying a chart topping hit in the UK.
Released by Chrysalis records in January 1981, the song written by the band and produced by the legendary German electrical pioneer Conny Plank had a mixture of synth fused with orchestral grand piano sound and backed by a thumping bass sound.
The song was inspired and based on the 1940s film 'The Third Man' which was based around the Austrian capital Vienna.
The song rose steadily but was kept of the top spot by firstly John Lennon 'Woman' (Released following the untimely death of John Lennon) and then the novelty hit 'Shaddap your face' by Joe Dolce for a further 3 weeks.
A small consolation was that the single sold more than the number ones and also won the 1981 BRIT award.
The official Charts Company granted the song an honorary number one after a poll in 2012 saw it voted the best song never to get to number one!
The video shot by Russell Mulcahy was based mainly in London's Covent Garden and a few stills in Vienna. A classic song that sadly didn't get the top spot it deserved.
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