Ultravox (formerly Ultravox!) were one of the primary exponents of the British electronic pop music movement of the early 1980s. The band was particularly associated with the new romantic movement, although it both pre- and post-dated New Romantic by several years, drawing inspiration variously from punk, the artier side of glam rock and latterly straightforward synth pop. The band was formed in 1973 in London, United Kingdom on the initiative of vocalist, songwriter and keyboardist John Foxx (born Dennis Leigh). Originally known as Tiger Lily, the first lineup included Foxx plus Chris Cross (bass guitar), Billy Currie (keyboards/violins), Stevie Shears (guitar) and Warren Cann (percussion). ...show more

Ultravox (formerly Ultravox!) were one of the primary exponents of the British electronic pop music movement of the early 1980s. The band was particularly associated with the new romantic movement, although it both pre- and post-dated New Romantic by several years, drawing inspiration variously from punk, the artier side of glam rock and latterly straightforward synth pop. The band was formed in 1973 in London, United Kingdom on the initiative of vocalist, songwriter and keyboardist John Foxx (born Dennis Leigh). Originally known as Tiger Lily, the first lineup included Foxx plus Chris Cross (bass guitar), Billy Currie (keyboards/violins), Stevie Shears (guitar) and Warren Cann (percussion).

The group released one single in 1974, a cover of "Ain't Misbehaving," before changing their name to Ultravox!. (The exclamation point was a reference to krautrock band Neu!, produced by Conny Plank, who later produced some Ultravox albums.) On the strength of their live act, they signed to Island Records in 1976, releasing their eponymous debut album in February 1977. In common with many other bands which would go on to form Britain's punk and new wave movements, Ultravox! drew inspiration from the art-school side of glam rock, from bands such as Roxy Music and The New York Dolls, plus David Bowie and Brian Eno's early pop albums. Their eponymous debut album was self-produced by the band although Brian Eno (whose next job after these sessions was working with Bowie on his Low album) co-produced two songs and Steve Lillywhite.

Sales were disappointing, and neither the album nor the associated single "Dangerous Rhythm/My Sex" managed to enter the UK charts. Ultravox returned later in 1977 with the punkier Ha!-Ha!-Ha!, although sales of both the album and its lead single "ROckWrok" - which, despite a chorus featuring the lines "Come on, let's tangle in the dark / fuck like a dog, bite like a shark", was played on BBC Radio 1 - were still unimpressive, again failing to chart. Steve Shears was sacked and later went onto form new band Faith Global. Although most of the Ha!-Ha!-Ha! was dominated by guitars and electric violin, the final track, "Hiroshima Mon Amour," was a prototypical synth-pop song which gave a hint to the band's new direction. ...show less