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. Seeking to record music of their own to fit in with the club's regular playlist (a steady diet of David Bowie, Kraftwerk, and Roxy Music). Strange and Egan were offered studio time by another Rich Kids alum, guitarist Midge Ure. In late 1978, this trio 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 signed to Martin Rushents Genetic Records to release "Tar" in September 1979, followed a year later by their self-titled debut LP. 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, Rusty Egan, Steve Barnacle and Gary Barnacle. In 2013 Visage returned with the line up of Steve Strange and Steve Barnacle with new members Robin Simon (ex Ultravox Guitarist) and Lauren Duvall (on vocals).
After what can only be described as a phenomenal year promoting and performing their highly successful 2013 comeback album 'Hearts And Knives', Visage return with an interpretation of their most famous track. Fade To Grey performed with a full orchestra.
In March 2014 Visage were asked to perform at the closing ceremony of the World Ski Jumping Championships in Prague. Sensing an opportunity for grandeur, Steve Strange – the illustrious leader of Visage – joined forces with the Czech Synthosymphonica Orchestra. Headed by Armin Effenberger, their speciality is mixing classical music arrangements and full orchestras with classic synthesizer sounds. On a cold night in March with snow blowing Visage performed a ten song set of their hits with the full orchestra.
The new orchestral version of Fade To Grey has features a lush and expansive orchestral introduction followed by the classic track enhanced with strings, woodwinds and brass throughout. The package also features a re-recorded version of the main version that sold 8 million copies and went to number 1 in eight countries. To round off the single release are some instrumental and orchapella versions. Also featured is the mysteriously electronic "Feliks Arrival" remix.
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