Demons To Diamonds

Pioneers of the New Romantic movement, the synth pop group Visage emerged in 1978 from the London club Blitz, 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 wi... th Rusty Egan and another Rich Kids alum, guitarist Midge Ure recorded music that would fit into the sound of the Blitz. In late 1978 they recorded a demo which yielded the first Visage single, an aptly futuristic cover of Zager & Evans' 'In the Year 2525' Adding 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. A year later their 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 Top 20 hit. The follow up was 1982's The Anvil. Midge, John, Dave and Billy left in 1983. Beat Boy was Visages 1984 release, the band now consisting of Steve Strange, Steve Barnacle, Gary Barnacle, Rusty Egan and Andy Barnett. In 2013 Visage returned with the 'Hearts and Knives' album, featuring the line up of Steve Strange and Steve Barnacle with new members Robin Simon (ex Ultravox Guitarist) and Lauren Duvall (on vocals). 2014 saw Logan Sky join on keyboards and the release of Visage 'Orchestral'. Steve Strange sadly died in Egypt on Feb 15th, 2015. The band completed their final album 'Demons To Diamonds' shortly after.Read More