Roxy Music

Roxy Music was a highly influential and innovative British rock music band formed in 1970 by Bryan Ferry, Brian Eno, and Graham Simpson. The band's unique blend of glam rock, art rock, and avant-garde music was characterized by Bryan Ferry's distinctive vocals and Phil Manzanera's guitar work, drawing inspiration from David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, and The New York Dolls. With their eclectic style, they gained a significant following in the United Kingdom and were praised by critics such as Nick Kent of the New Musical Express and Lester Bangs of Creem. The band's early work was also influenced by the Dada movement and the Surrealist movement, as evident in their collaboration with Peter Saville and Malcolm Garrett.

History

The band's history began in 1970 when Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno met while studying at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. They were soon joined by Graham Simpson, Andy Mackay, and Paul Thompson, and the band started performing in London clubs, including the Rainbow Theatre and the Marquee Club. Their debut album, Roxy Music (album), was released in 1972 to critical acclaim, with John Peel and Kenny Everett championing the band on BBC Radio 1. The band's subsequent albums, such as For Your Pleasure and Stranded (Roxy Music album), solidified their reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1970s, alongside Pink Floyd, The Who, and The Rolling Stones. The band's music was also featured in various films, including The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Times Square (film), and they were name-checked by Iggy Pop and David Byrne.

Members

The band's original members were Bryan Ferry (vocals, keyboards), Brian Eno (synthesizers), Graham Simpson (bass), Andy Mackay (saxophone, oboe), and Paul Thompson (drums). Later members included Phil Manzanera (guitar), John Gustafson (bass), and Eddie Jobson (violin, keyboards), who also worked with Frank Zappa and King Crimson. The band's lineup changed over the years, with Bryan Ferry being the only constant member, and they collaborated with various musicians, including Chris Spedding, John Wetton, and Tony Levin. The band's members were also involved in various side projects, such as Brian Eno's work with Talking Heads and U2, and Phil Manzanera's work with Pink Floyd and John Cale.

Discography

The band's discography includes eight studio albums, such as Roxy Music (album), For Your Pleasure, Stranded (Roxy Music album), Country Life (Roxy Music album), Siren (Roxy Music album), Manifesto (Roxy Music album), Flesh + Blood (Roxy Music album), and Avalon (Roxy Music album). They also released several live albums, including Viva! (Roxy Music album) and Heart Still Beating (Roxy Music album), and compilation albums, such as Greatest Hits (Roxy Music album) and The Best of Roxy Music. The band's music was released on various labels, including Island Records, Atco Records, and Virgin Records, and they worked with producers such as Chris Thomas and Rhett Davies. The band's albums were also praised by critics, including Robert Christgau and Greil Marcus, and they were name-checked by The Sex Pistols and The Clash.

Style and Influence

The band's style was a unique blend of glam rock, art rock, and avant-garde music, with a strong emphasis on visual style and fashion, as evident in their collaboration with Pierre La Roche and Antony Price. They were influenced by a wide range of artists, including David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, and The New York Dolls, and they in turn influenced many other bands, such as The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and Depeche Mode. The band's music was also characterized by Bryan Ferry's distinctive vocals and Phil Manzanera's guitar work, and they were praised by critics for their innovative and influential sound, which was also influenced by Kraftwerk and Can (band). The band's style was also reflected in their music videos, which were directed by Nic Roeg and Godley & Creme.

Live Performances

The band was known for their energetic and theatrical live performances, which featured elaborate lighting and stage sets, as designed by Mark Fisher and Jonathan Park. They toured extensively throughout their career, performing at various venues, including the Rainbow Theatre, the Hammersmith Odeon, and the Madison Square Garden. The band's live performances were also notable for their use of visual effects and pyrotechnics, as designed by Trevelyan and Arden Entertainment. The band's final tour, the Manifesto Tour, took place in 1979, and they reunited in the 2000s for a series of live performances, including the V Festival and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The band's live performances were also praised by critics, including Charles Shaar Murray and Simon Reynolds, and they were name-checked by The Cure and The Smiths.

Category:British rock music groups