Glen Matlock
Retro Sellers Interviews: Kenny Jones
Kenney Jones interview October 2011
The Small Faces were a key band of the sixties, recognised then as now as hugely influential on the musical development of the time as well as on the progression of pop culture, particularly Mod.
ULTRAVOX
Rejecting the abrasive guitars of their punk-era contemporaries in favor of lushly romantic synthesizers, Ultravox emerged as one of the primary influences on the British electro-pop movement of the early '80s.
Formed in London in 1974, the group - originally dubbed Ultravox! - was led by vocalist and keyboardist John Foxx (born Dennis Leigh), whose interest in synths and cutting-edge technology began during his school years. With an initial line-up consisting of bassist Chris Cross, keyboardist/violinist Billy Currie, guitarist Steve Shears, and drummer Warren Cann, their obvious affection for the glam rock sound of David Bowie and Roxy Music brought them little respect from audiences caught up in the growing fervour of punk, but in 1977 Island Records signed the quintet anyway, with Brian Eno agreeing to produce the band's self-titled debut LP.
After scoring a minor U.K. hit with the single "My Sex," Ultravox returned later that year with Ha! Ha! Ha!; sales were minimal, however, and Shears soon exited, replaced by guitarist Robin Simon. A third LP, 1978's Systems of Romance, was recorded in Germany with renowned producer Conrad Plank, but no merchandise or t-shirt maker could generate enough excitement for the album, and it too failed commercially. Island soon dropped the band, at which time both Foxx and Simon quit, the former mounting a solo career and the latter joining Magazine.
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At that point the remaining members of Ultravox tapped singer/guitarist Midge Ure, an alumnus of Silk as well as Glen Matlock's Rich Kids; upon signing to Chrysalis, the new line-up recorded Vienna, scoring a surprise smash hit with the single "Sleepwalk," which reached the number two spot on the U.K. pop charts in 1981 and pushed the LP into the Top Five. The album's title track also fared well, peaking at number two on the charts and remaining there for several weeks.
After 1981's Rage in Eden, Ultravox teamed with legendary producer George Martin for 1983's Quartet; their most successful LP in the otherwise impenetrable American market, it launched the minor hit "Reap the Wild Wind." Upon completing 1984's Lament, Warren Cann left Ultravox to forge a solo career.
The remaining members, after adding Big Country's Mark Brzeicki, resurfaced with U-Vox in 1986 before going their separate ways. Currie and Simon re-formed the band in 1993, adding vocalist Marcus O’Higgins; three years later, they released the lack-luster Ingenuity with Sam Blue on lead vocals. The album marked the group's final studio release.
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
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THE TEN UNLUCKIEST ROCK STARS
Unlucky these guys certainly were, as they just weren't around when success arrived, does that suggest that maybe the catalyst was the change, or that some don't get the breaks? What do you think?.
10. Dave Mustaine, first guitarist for Metallica.He left to form his own metal band, Megadeth. Perhaps not as much money in his pocket but at least he was his own man.
Iggy Pop
Godfather of Punk, Iggy Pop first joined bands as a drummer. He picked up the nickname Iggy while with the Iguanas(1964). In 1965 he joined Prime Movers, changing his name to Iggy Stooge. Inspired by seeing the “Doors”, he formed the Psychedelic Stooges with Ron Asheton. Iggy was vocalist and guitarist, Asheton played bass with Asheton’s brother Scott later joining on drums. They debuted in Michigan, October 1967. Dave Alexander joined on bass, and Psychedelic was dropped from their name.
Ron switched to guitar, leaving Iggy free to concentrate on singing and showmanship. The Stooges signed to Elektra Records in 1968 for two albums, The Stooges and Fun House, but the band broke up in the early 70s. Stooges fan David Bowie helped Iggy record “Raw Power” in 1972. When no suitable British musicians could be found, Williamson, Scott Thurston and the Ashetons were flown in. The resultant album included Search and Destroy. Bowie involvement continued as Iggy sailed through stormy seas. His live performances were legendary: self-mutilation, sex acts and an invitation to a local gang to kill him onstage.
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In the late 70s, Iggy signed to Arista Records, releasing rather average albums with occasional assistance from Glen Matlock and Ivan Kral. He went into vinyl exile after 1982s autobiography and the Chris Stein-produced Zombie Birdhouse. During his time out of the studio he cleaned up his drug problems and married. He also developed his acting career, appearing in Sid And Nancy, The Colour Of Money, Hardware and on television in Miami Vice.
His big return came in 1986 with the Bowie-produced Blah Blah Blah and his first ever UK hit single, a cover of Johnny O’Keefe’s Real Wild Child. American Ceasar from its jokingly self-aggrandizing title onwards, revealed and continued creative growth. Avenue Bwas a stylistic oddity, a reflective, semi-acoustic set informed by the singer turning 50 and his recent divorce. Throughout he has remained the consummate live performer, setting a benchmark for at least one generation of rock musicians.
Source: Mathew Jones
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
