Midge Ure
Midge Ure: The Enigma Behind "The Man Who Sold the World"
Midge Ure, the enigmatic Scottish musician, rose to prominence as the lead singer of the iconic new wave band Ultravox. His haunting rendition of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" became a defining moment in his career, propelling him to international stardom.
Early Life and Influences:
Born James Ure in 1953, Midge's musical journey began at an early age. Inspired by the Beatles, he formed his first band, The Velvet Underground, while still a teenager. Throughout his formative years, Ure absorbed a wide range of musical influences, from glam rock to prog and punk.
Ultravox and Solo Success:
In 1979, Ure joined Ultravox, replacing John Foxx as the band's lead vocalist. Under his guidance, Ultravox transformed from post-punk experimentalists into synth-pop pioneers. Their album "Vienna" (1980) became a global hit, cementing their status as one of the most influential bands of the era.
In 1985, Ure embarked on a successful solo career, releasing his debut album "The Gift." The album featured the smash hit "If I Was," which topped the UK charts. Ure continued to release critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
"The Man Who Sold the World": A Defining Moment
Ure's cover of "The Man Who Sold the World" emerged as a pivotal moment in his career. Released in 1983, the single became a worldwide success, reaching the top 5 in several countries. Ure's haunting vocals and minimalistic arrangement brought a new depth and emotion to Bowie's enigmatic masterpiece.
Challenges and Controversies:
Throughout his career, Midge Ure faced various challenges. In the early days of Ultravox, he struggled to reconcile his punk roots with the band's increasingly commercial sound. Later, he faced criticism for his involvement in Band Aid and Live Aid, with some accusing him of exploiting global suffering for personal gain.
Discography:
* With Ultravox: "Vienna" (1980), "Rage in Eden" (1981), "Quartet" (1982)
* Solo albums: "The Gift" (1985), "Answers to Nothing" (1988), "Pure" (1991)
* Notable singles: "If I Was" (1985), "The Man Who Sold the World" (1983), "Sister and Brother" (1988)
Members:
* Midge Ure (vocals, guitar)
* Chris Cross (drums)
* Billy Currie (keyboards)
* Robin Simon (bass guitar)
Midge Ure, the enigmatic Scottish musician, rose to prominence as the lead singer of the iconic new wave band Ultravox. His haunting rendition of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" became a defining moment in his career, propelling him to international stardom.
Early Life and Influences:
Born James Ure in 1953, Midge's musical journey began at an early age. Inspired by the Beatles, he formed his first band, The Velvet Underground, while still a teenager. Throughout his formative years, Ure absorbed a wide range of musical influences, from glam rock to prog and punk.
Ultravox and Solo Success:
In 1979, Ure joined Ultravox, replacing John Foxx as the band's lead vocalist. Under his guidance, Ultravox transformed from post-punk experimentalists into synth-pop pioneers. Their album "Vienna" (1980) became a global hit, cementing their status as one of the most influential bands of the era.
In 1985, Ure embarked on a successful solo career, releasing his debut album "The Gift." The album featured the smash hit "If I Was," which topped the UK charts. Ure continued to release critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
"The Man Who Sold the World": A Defining Moment
Ure's cover of "The Man Who Sold the World" emerged as a pivotal moment in his career. Released in 1983, the single became a worldwide success, reaching the top 5 in several countries. Ure's haunting vocals and minimalistic arrangement brought a new depth and emotion to Bowie's enigmatic masterpiece.
Challenges and Controversies:
Throughout his career, Midge Ure faced various challenges. In the early days of Ultravox, he struggled to reconcile his punk roots with the band's increasingly commercial sound. Later, he faced criticism for his involvement in Band Aid and Live Aid, with some accusing him of exploiting global suffering for personal gain.
Discography:
* With Ultravox: "Vienna" (1980), "Rage in Eden" (1981), "Quartet" (1982)
* Solo albums: "The Gift" (1985), "Answers to Nothing" (1988), "Pure" (1991)
* Notable singles: "If I Was" (1985), "The Man Who Sold the World" (1983), "Sister and Brother" (1988)
Members:
* Midge Ure (vocals, guitar)
* Chris Cross (drums)
* Billy Currie (keyboards)
* Robin Simon (bass guitar)