Visage
Pioneers of the New Romantic movement, Visage emerged in 1978 from the London club Blitz, a neo-glam nightspot which stood in stark contrast to the prevailing punk mentality of the moment. Spearheading Blitz's ultra-chic clientele were Steve Strange and DJ Rusty Egan, one time drummer with the Rich Kids. Steve Strange working with Rusty Egan and another Rich Kids alum, guitarist Midge Ure recorded music that would fit into the sound of the Blitz. In late 1978 they recorded a demo which yielded the first Visage single, an aptly futuristic cover of Zager & Evans' 'In the Year 2525’. Augmented by Ultravox keyboardist Billy Currie as well as three members of Magazine - bassist Barry Adamson, guitarist John McGeoch, and keyboardist Dave Formula - Visage released their first single 'Tar' on Martin Rushents Genetic Records in September 1979.
Powered by the rise of the New Romantic movement, on the August 1st 1980 Steve Strange signed a record deal with Polydor, as “Visage” (the other musicians were already signed via other bands and contributed via sideman agreements). The Visage self-titled debut LP followed. The album yielded a major single in "Fade to Grey," an instant club classic which heralded synth pop's imminent commercial breakthrough. The follow-up, "Mind of a Toy," was a UK Top 20 hit. The follow up was 1982's The Anvil. Beat Boy was the third album, released in 1984. In 2013 Visage returned with the 'Hearts and Knives' album. Steve Strange here aided by musicians Steve Barnacle (Bass), Robin Simon (ex Ultravox Guitarist) and Lauren Duvall (on vocals).
2014 saw keyboardist Logan Sky contribute on keyboards for the release of Visage 'Orchestral' album. Steve Strange sadly died in Egypt on Feb 15th, 2015. The final album 'Demons To Diamonds' was released posthumously later that year.
The Visage legacy is now managed by the Steve Strange Collective.
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VISAGE (1980)
Visage is the eponymous debut studio album. It was recorded at Genetic Sound Studios in Reading, Berkshire and released by Polydor Records on 10 November 1980.
The album reached No. 13 in the UK and was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry in March 1981. It features the hit single "Fade to Grey", which reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart and Top 10 positions in Europe, including No. 1 in Germany and Switzerland. It also contained the singles "Mind Of A Toy" and "Visage"
THE ANVIL (1982)
The second Visage album The Anvil album reached No. 6 in the UK and was certified "Silver" by the British Phonographic Industry in April 1982.
The album is named after a New York's gay club of the same name. The album contained the singles "The Dammed Don't Cry", "Night Train".
Not featured on this album but released shortly afterwards was the single "Pleasure Boys".
BEAT BOY (1984)
"Beatboy" was recorded at Trident Studios between 1982 and 1983.
It was finally released on Polydor Records in October 1984.
It reached No. 79 on the UK album chart. The album featured the singles "Love Glove" and "Beatboy".
HEARTS AND KNIVES (2013)
The fourth album from New Romantic founding fathers and pioneers of the 80's sound. Featuring new members Robin Simon (ex Ultravox guitarist) and Lauren Duvall. Contributions from Mick MacNeil (Simple Minds), Dave Formula (Magazine, Visage) And Youth (Killing Joke). The album had a total of six signles released from it
ORCHESTRAL (2014)
An Album of the Visage hits re-recorded with the Prague Philharmonic & other Orchestras.
Including a new 7 minute version of Fade To Grey (also released as a single)