2012 saw the 'Hearts and Knives' comeback release by Visage. After a 28 year absence the UK synthpop pioneers had a hit album once more. Frontman Steve Strange was back on top, appearing in a series of TV and radio appearances and even fronting a 'for one night only' Blitz Club. Visage had until that point in time been a 'studio band' and (aside from a few TV appearances with the vocal mic turned on) had never performed with a full band. Tasked with the challenge of putting together a full live show to support their hit album, long-time Visage collaborator Steve 'Barney' Barnacle was tasked with the challenge. Barney over the years has been a top session musician and played in many bands, including a stint as the bass player in later day Queen. Robin Simon (ex Ultravox) and Synth player Logan Sky from Visage laid down their parts immaculately. The resulting powerful live sound presented the perfect backdrop for vocalists Steve Strange and Lauren Duvall to deliver the Visage hits old and new.
The 'Live 2013' CD captures the best moments from the thirteen date 2013 tour. The physical CD version includes banter and chat from lead man Steve Strange and the crowd, whilst the digital release focuses purely on the music with no interuptions.
'The Prague Sessions' A CD featuring the high-energy versions of Visage hits featured in the one-off 2014 Prague Orchestral show. If you ever wondered what Visage may sound like with a Pet Shop Boys spin, then give this a listen.
'Live 2013' will be available in all stores from November 2024. 'The Prague Sessions' will ONLY be available direct from us. For a limted time you can buy both with 5 postcards and a 2 track download.
Steve Strange is part of the Welsh punk scene. He is in the crowd when the Sex Pistols perform in Caerphilly. After seeing Generation X he befriends Billy Idol and hitches a ride to London in their tour van. On the Kings Road Steve first meets Rusty Egan.
Midge Ure, after departing the pop tinged 'Slik', forms the 'Rich Kids' with ex-'Sex Pistol' Glen Matlock and Rusty. During this time Steve plugs into the scene around Malcolm McClaren and has brief stints as a singer in the 'The Photons', and shock concept band 'The Moors Murderers'.
Preferring the synth sounds coming out of Germany, Midge and Rusty leave Rich Kids. They Form Visage with Steve. Rusty and Steve also begin their Tuesday 'Bowie' club nights at Billys nightclub. Visage are offered studio time by EMI and they record three demo tracks (including 'In The Year 2525') however EMI declines to sign them.
Visage is expanded with the addition of Magazine members Dave Formula, John McGeoch and Barry Adamson, and Ultravox keyboardist Billy Currie. They spend time in Martin Rushent's studio in Berkshire and release their first single 'Tar' on Rushent's Genetic Records. Persuaded by Billy, Midge joins and reforms the second incarnation of Ultravox. Steve and Rusty start the Blitz Club.
Created in various studios, Visage make their first LP and begin to shop it to major record labels, the response is muted. Ultravox release their Vienna LP. The Blitz club goes from strength to strength and becomes the becomes the cradle of the New Romantic movement. David Bowie visits the Blitz Club and casts Steve in his 'Ashes to Ashes' video, propelling the look and sound into the mainstream.
The hype around the New Romantics and the strong showing of 'Fade To Grey' in Europe finally lands Visage a record deal. Since all Visage contributors apart from Steve are committed to other deals they sign 'Sideman' letters. Here they agree to be contributors and 'Studio Musicians' to the Visage project from here on. On August 1st 1980 Steve Strange signs a multi-album recording deal with Polydor Records. As the sole signatory of the contract he becomes the sole permanent member of Visage. 'Fade To Grey' becomes a major hit around the world.
Debut LP 'Visage' spawns hit singles 'Mind Of A Toy' and 'Visage'. Steve Strange becomes a celebrity. Midge and Billy also experience major success with Ultravox however still find time to co-produce and contribute to the second Visage LP.
'The Anvil' LP is released in February 1982 and produces two singles 'The Damned Don't Cry' and 'Night Train'. At the end of 1982 and without the recently departed Midge, John and Barry, Visage produce a standalone single 'Pleasure Boys'. Top London session player, Steve Barnacle, plays bass on the record.
The Visage project takes a breather while Steve and Rusty focus on their Club For Heroes club night. In the middle of 1983 Steve puts together a new line up consisting of Rusty and newly recruited Steve Barnacle, Gary Barnacle and Andy Barnett.
Visage return with their third LP 'Beat Boy'. This features the singles 'Love Glove' and 'Beat Boy'. 1985 would see the hiatus of the Visage project and aside for some re-issues, TV appearances and an occasional remix the Visage project took a long break.
After a series of TV appearances and the resurgence of the 80's music sound, Steve and Rusty plan a resurrection of Visage. Midge, Barry, Dave and Billy are approached to see if they wish to participate but decline. Dave Formula does contribute to songwriting, however. Steve and Rusty begin writing but eventually Rusty decides to leave the project. Steve is aided by long-time friend Steve Barnacle and new members Robin Simon (from the first incarnation of Ultravox) and Lauren Duvall.
The fourth studio LP 'Hearts and Knives' is released and spawns six singles. This puts Steve and band firmly back in the spotlight and regularly on TV screens. For the first time Visage perform as a fully live band and pursue a thirteen date European tour.
Visage are approached to play an Orchestral show in Prague. This sees the band work with a 40-piece orchestra for a one-off live show. Logan Sky joins Visage. Inspired by the Prague event Visage decide to re-record their hits in the studio with full Orchestra. This culminates in the release of the 'Orchestral' LP in late 2014. Visage also performs their last ever live dates, in Japan.
On Feb 12th 2015 Steve Strange dies of heart failure In Egypt. Steve Barnacle, Robin & Logan complete the unfinished fifth studio LP, 'Demons to Diamonds'. The LP features a songwriting contribution of Didier 'Magic Fly' Marouani of Space.
Steve Strange (1978-2015) - 17 Years
Rusty Egan (1978-1984) - 6 years
Steve Barnacle (1982-1984, 2012-2015) - 5 years
Midge Ure (1978-1982) - 4 years
Billy Currie (1979-1982) - 3 years
Dave Formula (1979-1928) - 3 years
Robin Simon (2012-2015) - 3 years
Lauren Duvall (2012-2015) - 3 years
Barry Adamson (1979-1981) - 2 years
John McGeoch (1979-1981) - 2 years
Logan Sky (2014-2015) - 2 years
Gary Barnacle (1984) - 1 Year
Andy Barnett (1984) - 1 Year
There is only one Visage and this is - and will always be - Steve Strange. Visage ends but Steve and his twelve musical collaborators leave a powerful music and cultural legacy for the world.
