Midge Ure

Midge Ure is a Scottish musician, singer-songwriter, and producer known for his work as a solo artist and as a member of several influential bands. Here are some key facts about him:

1. Early Career and Band Memberships:

   • Born James Ure on October 10, 1953, in Cambuslang, Scotland, he adopted the nickname "Midge" as a child due to his slight stature. Ure began his musical career in the 1970s, joining the band Slik as the guitarist and vocalist. He later became the frontman of the new wave band The Rich Kids before joining the influential electronic band Visage. However, it was his involvement with the iconic band Ultravox that brought him widespread recognition and success.

2. Ultravox and Commercial Success:

   • Midge Ure's tenure with Ultravox, which began in 1979, marked a significant chapter in his career. He replaced original vocalist John Foxx and played a pivotal role in the band's transition from a punk-influenced sound to a more electronic and atmospheric style. With Ure as the frontman and primary songwriter, Ultravox released a string of successful albums, including "Vienna" (1980), "Rage in Eden" (1981), and "Lament" (1984). The title track of "Vienna" became one of Ultravox's most iconic songs and a defining moment of the New Romantic movement.

3. Solo Career and Humanitarian Work:

   • In addition to his work with Ultravox, Midge Ure has pursued a successful solo career. He released his debut solo album, "The Gift", in 1985, which featured the hit single "If I Was". The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and solidified Ure's status as a solo artist. Throughout his solo career, Ure has continued to release albums and tour extensively, showcasing his versatility as a musician and performer.
   • Beyond his musical endeavors, Midge Ure is also known for his humanitarian work. He played a key role in organizing the charity supergroup Band Aid and co-wrote the song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" with Bob Geldof. The single, released in 1984, became one of the best-selling singles of all time in the UK and raised millions of pounds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Ure's humanitarian efforts have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition for his dedication to charitable causes.

4. Recognition and Awards:

   • Midge Ure's contributions to music and philanthropy have been recognized with numerous awards and honors over the years. He received an Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year in 1985 and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2005 for his services to music and charity. Additionally, Ure was inducted into the Scottish Music Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing his legacy as one of Scotland's most influential musicians.

5. Continued Influence and Legacy:

   • Midge Ure's impact on the music industry extends far beyond his own recordings. His work with Ultravox helped shape the sound of the 1980s, influencing countless artists in the electronic, synth-pop, and new wave genres. As a solo artist and collaborator, Ure has remained active in the music industry, continuing to inspire audiences with his emotive songwriting, powerful vocals, and innovative production techniques.