ULTRAVOX "White China (Live)

Rejecting the abrasive guitars of their punk-era contemporaries in favor of lushly romantic synthesizers, Ultravox emerged as one of the primary influences on the British electro-pop movement of the early '80s. Formed in London in 1974, the group -- originally dubbed Ultravox! -- was led by vocalist and keyboardist John Foxx (born Dennis Leigh), whose interest in synths and cutting-edge technology began during his school years; with an initial line-up consisting of bassist Chris Cross, keyboardist/violinist Billy Currie, guitarist Steve Shears and drummer Warren Cann, their obvious affection for the glam rock sound of David Bowie and Roxy Music brought them little respect from audiences caught up in the growing fervor of punk, but in 1977 Island Records signed the quintet anyway, with Brian Eno agreeing to produce their self-titled debut LP.

After scoring a minor UK hit with the single "My Sex," Ultravox returned later that year with Ha! Ha! Ha!; sales were minimal, however, and Shears soon exited, replaced by guitarist Robin Simon. A third LP, 1978's Systems of Romance, was recorded in Germany with renowned producer Conrad Plank, but it too failed commercially; Island soon dropped the band, at which time both Foxx and Simon quit, the former mounting a solo career and the latter joining Magazine. At that point the remaining members of Ultravox tapped singer/guitarist Midge Ure, an alumnus of Silk as well as Glen Matlock's Rich Kids; upon signing to Chrysalis, the new line-up recorded Vienna, scoring a surprise smash hit with the single "Sleepwalk," which reached the number two spot on the UK pop charts in 1981 and pushed the LP into the Top Five.

After 1981's Rage in Eden, Ultravox teamed with legendary producer George Martin for 1983's Quartet; their most successful LP in the otherwise impenetrable American market, it launched the minor hit "Reap the Wild Wind." Upon completing 1984's Lament, Warren Cann left Ultravox to forge a solo career. The remaining members, adding Big Country's Mark Brzezicki, resurfaced with U-Vox in 1986 before going their separate ways. Currie and Simon reformed the band as U-Vox in 1993, adding vocalist Marcus O'Higgins; three years later, they released the lackluster Ingenuity. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

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Music

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• 80s

[renzphotography]

I feel shivers down my spine each time I hear this song. Reminds me so much of my younger years.Thanks for posting.

[KristineHatesSyrians]

I can email you the live version as well, just give me your email address!

[KristineHatesSyrians]

Thanks a lot, just subscribe...dude.you will be seeing more and more good songs...!

[Beadbud5000]

not live

[TheSandsie13]

love this song. love ultravox. loved em after it wasn't trendy or cool to love them. still do. even after 27 years. wouldn't give up our friendship (or more with warren) for anything. love you guys forever.

[tronzapinos]

Socorro!!!

Soy un adoslescente de 17 años atrapado en un cuerpo de 40 años !!

Los recuredos evocan juventud,ultravox fueron para mi casi el 100% de mi musica.

[chrisnoaro1]

don't like the lyrics, they seem to be anti-left, but I still love the Ure era. Heart Of The Country has much better lyrics. Excellent track musically and Midge still sounds great on this album IMO. Cheers

[TriumVirateABAP]

Speak for yourself if you dare. When you live in freedom you have your liberty, keeping the shadow BEHIND action. This should be everyone's duty. The fight for Freedom's STAY is like a beating pulse, when something is a living reality it is ALIVE and one needs to nurture, cultivate it. If no one sees those will never see when they are blind. It is everyone's duty and privilege to mentor others about one's perimeters & boundaries ~in all matters.

Know yourself & don't leave it up to others.

[spyros186]

when your freedom sllips away, WoW map by raodaozao uses this music for the story .. I actually started this songg because of the map

[davidsan01]

Love the tune but midge ure sounds like he comes in at the wrong cue

[thinwall81]

WC Live is the B side of Loves great adventure(12")..Wembly 1984 Set Movements Tour

[renzphotography]

ABAP? are you an SAP ABAP programmer? Where are you based?