Midge Ure

Midge Ure
Stefan Brending (2eight) · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · source
Name	Midge Ure
Birth name	James Ure
Birth date	October 10, 1953
Birth place	Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, Scotland
Occupation	Musician, singer, songwriter, producer

Midge Ure is a Scottish musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work with Ultravox, Visage, and as a solo artist. He has collaborated with numerous notable musicians, including David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Kraftwerk. Ure's music career spans over four decades, with influences from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie. He has performed at various music festivals, such as Glastonbury Festival and Isle of Wight Festival, and has worked with record labels like Chrysalis Records and EMI Records.

● Early Life and Career

Midge Ure was born James Ure on October 10, 1953, in Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He grew up in a musical family and was influenced by his parents' record collection, which included albums by The Beach Boys, The Kinks, and The Who. Ure began playing music at a young age and formed his first band, Stumble, with friends from Glasgow. He later joined Slik, a Glasgow-based band that released several singles on Bell Records and Ariola Records. Ure's early career was also shaped by his work with Rich Kids, a band that included Glen Matlock of The Sex Pistols and Rusty Egan of Visage.

● Music Career

Midge Ure's music career took off in the late 1970s with Ultravox, a band that he joined in 1979. With Ultravox, Ure released several successful albums, including Vienna and Rage in Eden, which featured hit singles like Vienna and The Voice. He also worked with Visage, a band that included Steve Strange and Rusty Egan, and released the hit single Fade to Grey. Ure's work with Ultravox and Visage was influenced by the New Wave and Synth-pop movements, which also included bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and New Order. He has also collaborated with other notable musicians, such as Heaven 17, The Human League, and Alphaville.

● Solo Work

In addition to his work with Ultravox and Visage, Midge Ure has released several solo albums, including The Gift and Answers to Nothing. His solo work has been influenced by a range of musical styles, from rock to pop to electronic music. Ure has also released several singles, including If I Was and That Certain Smile, which have been featured on various BBC Radio 1 and MTV playlists. He has worked with producers like Chris Thomas and Mark Kelly of Marillion, and has been compared to other solo artists like Peter Gabriel and Sting.

● Philanthropy and Activism

Midge Ure is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the area of HIV/AIDS research and awareness. He has worked with organizations like Amnesty International and UNICEF, and has participated in several charity singles, including Do They Know It's Christmas? and Live Aid. Ure has also been involved in various environmental and social justice campaigns, including the Anti-Apartheid Movement and the Greenpeace organization. He has performed at benefit concerts for Nelson Mandela and Bob Geldof, and has worked with other musicians like Bono of U2 and Annie Lennox of Eurythmics.

● Discography

Midge Ure's discography includes several albums with Ultravox, Visage, and as a solo artist. Some of his notable albums include Vienna (1980), Rage in Eden (1981), The Gift (1985), and Answers to Nothing (1988). He has also released several compilation albums, including The Best of Ultravox and The Best of Midge Ure. Ure's music has been featured on various soundtracks, including The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, and has been influenced by other musicians like Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, and Giorgio Moroder. His work has been recognized with several awards, including a BRIT Award and a Grammy Award nomination. Category:Scottish musicians