Visage

Pioneers of the New Romantic movement, Visage emerged in 1978 from the London's Blitz Club, 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. 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. 2014 saw the release of 'Orchestral'. Steve Strange sadly died in Egypt on Feb 15th, 2015. The final album 'Demons To Diamonds' was released posthumously that year. DK7