# Midge Ure

> British guitarist, singer, keyboard player, and songwriter

**Wikidata**: [Q355382](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q355382)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midge_Ure)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/midge-ure

## Summary
Midge Ure is a British musician, singer, guitarist, keyboardist, and songwriter renowned for his contributions to rock and new wave music. As a key figure in bands like Ultravox and Visage, he co-wrote the iconic charity single *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"* (1984), which became a global phenomenon. His work spans performing, composing, and producing, shaping the sound of 1980s British music.

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## Biography
- **Born**: October 10, 1953 (exact location not specified)
- **Nationality**: British (United Kingdom)
- **Education**: Attended **Bellahouston Academy** (Glasgow)
- **Known for**: Co-founding Ultravox, co-writing *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"*, and his multi-instrumental role in new wave and rock music
- **Employer(s)/Affiliations**:
  - **Bands**: Slik, Rich Kids, Visage, Thin Lizzy (session/touring), Ultravox
  - **Solo career**: Independent artist and producer
- **Field(s)**: Music (performance, songwriting, production), rock/new wave genres

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## Contributions
Midge Ure’s career is defined by his role in shaping British music across multiple bands and solo projects:

- **Ultravox (1979–1987, 2008–present)**: As lead vocalist and guitarist, he revitalized the band’s sound, producing hits like *"Vienna"* (1980) and *"Dancing with Tears in My Eyes"* (1984). His work helped define the synth-pop and new wave movements.
- **Charity Work**: Co-wrote *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"* (1984) with Bob Geldof for **Band Aid**, raising millions for famine relief in Ethiopia. The song became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
- **Visage (1978–1982)**: As a founding member and guitarist, he contributed to the band’s debut album, including the hit *"Fade to Grey"* (1980), a cornerstone of the New Romantic movement.
- **Solo Career**: Released solo albums like *"The Gift"* (1985) and *"Answers to Nothing"* (2017), blending rock, synth-pop, and electronic influences.
- **Production**: Worked as a producer for artists and bands, though specific projects beyond his own work are not detailed in the source material.
- **Live Aid (1985)**: Performed with Ultravox and contributed to the historic charity concert, further cementing his role in global humanitarian efforts through music.

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## FAQs

**What bands was Midge Ure a part of?**
Midge Ure was a member of several influential bands, including **Slik** (1970s pop-rock), **Rich Kids** (1977–1978, punk/new wave), **Visage** (1978–1982, New Romantic), and **Ultravox** (1979–1987, 2008–present, synth-pop/new wave). He also toured with **Thin Lizzy** as a session musician.

**How did Midge Ure contribute to charity music?**
Ure co-wrote *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"* (1984) with Bob Geldof for **Band Aid**, a supergroup of British artists. The single raised over £8 million for Ethiopian famine relief and inspired global charity initiatives like **Live Aid** (1985), where Ure performed.

**What instruments does Midge Ure play?**
Ure is a multi-instrumentalist, primarily known as a **guitarist** and **keyboardist**. He also sings lead vocals in his bands and solo work, blending these roles to create Ultravox’s signature synth-rock sound.

**Has Midge Ure received any awards or honors?**
Yes. He was appointed an **Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)** for services to music and charity. He also holds **honorary doctorates** from the **University of Bath** and the **University of Glasgow** in recognition of his cultural contributions.

**What is Midge Ure’s most famous song?**
His most famous song is *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"* (1984), co-written with Bob Geldof. With Ultravox, *"Vienna"* (1980) is another landmark track, often cited as a defining song of the new wave era.

**Did Midge Ure work outside of music?**
While primarily a musician, Ure has made occasional appearances in **television** and **film** as an actor, though these roles are secondary to his music career. Specific projects are not detailed in the source material.

**What is Midge Ure’s connection to Thin Lizzy?**
Ure toured with **Thin Lizzy** as a session guitarist in the late 1970s, filling in during periods when the band’s lineup was in flux. He did not record studio albums with them.

**Is Midge Ure still active in music?**
Yes. Ure continues to tour and record, both as a solo artist and with **Ultravox**, which reunited in 2008. He remains active in live performances and studio projects.

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## Why They Matter
Midge Ure’s influence on music and culture is multifaceted:

- **Pioneering New Wave/Synth-Pop**: As a central figure in **Ultravox** and **Visage**, Ure helped bridge rock and electronic music, creating a sound that defined the 1980s. His use of synthesizers and atmospheric production influenced countless artists, from Depeche Mode to modern electronic acts.
- **Charity and Activism**: *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"* set a precedent for celebrity-driven humanitarian efforts, inspiring future charity singles like *"We Are the World"* (1985). The song’s success demonstrated music’s power to mobilize global aid.
- **Longevity and Adaptability**: Spanning five decades, Ure’s career reflects an ability to evolve with musical trends while maintaining artistic integrity. His work with **Ultravox** remains a touchstone for fans of new wave and post-punk.
- **Cultural Legacy**: Beyond music, Ure’s contributions to **Live Aid** and Band Aid positioned him as a cultural ambassador, using his platform for social change. His OBE and honorary doctorates underscore his impact beyond entertainment.

Without Ure, the landscape of 1980s British music—and charity music—would lack key innovations. His work ensured that new wave and synth-pop were not fleeting trends but lasting genres with global reach.

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## Notable For
- **Co-writing *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"*** (1984): One of the best-selling singles of all time, raising millions for famine relief.
- **Revitalizing Ultravox**: As lead vocalist and guitarist, he transformed the band into a new wave powerhouse with albums like *"Vienna"* (1980) and *"Rage in Eden"* (1981).
- **Founding Visage**: Helped launch the New Romantic movement with hits like *"Fade to Grey"* (1980).
- **Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)**: Awarded for services to music and charity.
- **Honorary Doctorates**: Recognized by the **University of Bath** and **University of Glasgow** for cultural contributions.
- **Live Aid Performance**: Played a key role in the historic 1985 charity concert, performing with Ultravox.
- **Multi-Instrumentalist**: Known for his skills as a guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist, shaping the sound of multiple bands.
- **Solo Career**: Released critically acclaimed albums like *"The Gift"* (1985) and *"Answers to Nothing"* (2017).
- **Session Work with Thin Lizzy**: Toured with the legendary Irish rock band in the late 1970s.
- **Influence on Electronic Music**: His synth-driven sound with Ultravox paved the way for future electronic and alternative acts.

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## Body

### Early Life and Education
Midge Ure was born **James Ure** on **October 10, 1953**, in the United Kingdom. He attended **Bellahouston Academy** in Glasgow, Scotland, where he likely developed his early interest in music. The source material does not specify his exact birthplace or early musical training, but his Scottish roots influenced his later work, particularly in bands like **Slik** and **Rich Kids**.

### Career Beginnings: Slik and Rich Kids
Ure’s professional music career began in the early 1970s with **Slik**, a Scottish pop-rock band. The group achieved minor success with singles like *"Forever and Ever"* (1976), which reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. After Slik disbanded, Ure co-founded **Rich Kids** in 1977 with **Glen Matlock** (former Sex Pistols bassist). The band blended punk and new wave but disbanded in 1978 after releasing one album, *"Ghosts of Princes in Towers"*.

### Rise to Prominence: Visage and Ultravox
In 1978, Ure joined **Visage**, a project co-founded by **Steve Strange** that became a cornerstone of the **New Romantic** movement. As guitarist and co-writer, Ure contributed to the band’s self-titled debut album (1980), which included the hit *"Fade to Grey"*. His work with Visage established him as a key figure in the London club scene.

Ure’s most enduring collaboration began in 1979 when he joined **Ultravox** as lead vocalist and guitarist, replacing **John Foxx**. Under Ure’s leadership, the band shifted toward a synth-driven sound, releasing the critically acclaimed album *"Vienna"* (1980). The title track became a UK Top 3 hit and remains one of the most iconic songs of the new wave era. Subsequent albums like *"Rage in Eden"* (1981) and *"Quartet"* (1982) solidified Ultravox’s status as pioneers of synth-pop.

### Charity Work and Global Impact
Ure’s most globally recognized contribution came in 1984 when he co-wrote *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"* with **Bob Geldof**. The song, recorded by **Band Aid** (a supergroup of British and Irish musicians), was released to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. It became the **best-selling single in UK history** at the time, selling over **3 million copies** in its first week. The song’s success led to the **Live Aid** concert in 1985, where Ure performed with Ultravox and contributed to the event’s historic impact.

### Solo Career and Later Work
After Ultravox disbanded in 1987, Ure pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album *"The Gift"* in 1985. The album included the single *"If I Was"*, which reached No. 1 in the UK. He continued to release solo material, including *"Answers to Nothing"* (2017), while also reuniting with Ultravox for tours and new recordings (e.g., *"Brilliant"* in 2012).

### Session and Touring Work
In addition to his band projects, Ure toured with **Thin Lizzy** in the late 1970s as a session guitarist, filling in during the band’s transitional period. Though he did not record studio albums with them, his live performances contributed to Thin Lizzy’s legacy during that era.

### Awards and Recognition
Ure’s contributions to music and charity have earned him several honors:
- **Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)**: Awarded in **2005** for services to music and charity.
- **Honorary Doctorate, University of Bath**: Recognizing his cultural impact.
- **Honorary Doctorate, University of Glasgow**: Further acknowledgment of his influence on Scottish and British music.

### Musical Style and Influence
Ure’s music is characterized by its **synth-driven sound**, blending rock, new wave, and electronic elements. His work with **Ultravox** and **Visage** helped define the **New Romantic** and **synth-pop** genres, influencing artists like **Depeche Mode**, **Duran Duran**, and **The Human League**. His use of **guitars and synthesizers** in tandem created a distinctive sound that bridged rock and electronic music.

### Personal Life and Legacy
While the source material does not detail Ure’s personal life, his professional legacy is well-documented. He remains active in music, touring and recording with **Ultravox** and as a solo artist. His co-writing of *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"* ensures his place in music history as a figure who used his talent for humanitarian causes.

### Discography Highlights
#### With Ultravox:
- *"Vienna"* (1980) – Included the hit *"Vienna"*
- *"Rage in Eden"* (1981)
- *"Quartet"* (1982)
- *"Brilliant"* (2012) – Reunion album

#### With Visage:
- *"Visage"* (1980) – Included *"Fade to Grey"*

#### Solo Albums:
- *"The Gift"* (1985) – Included *"If I Was"*
- *"Answers to Nothing"* (2017)

### Live Performances and Tours
Ure has been a prolific live performer, both with bands and as a solo artist. Notable performances include:
- **Live Aid (1985)**: Performed with Ultravox at Wembley Stadium.
- **Ultravox Reunion Tours (2009–present)**: Reunited with the band for global tours.
- **Solo Tours**: Continues to perform his solo material and classic hits.

### Technical and Industry Contributions
Beyond performing, Ure has worked as a **record producer**, though specific production credits beyond his own work are not detailed in the source material. His role in shaping Ultravox’s sound—particularly the integration of synthesizers—demonstrates his technical influence on 1980s music production.

### Cultural Impact
Ure’s work transcends music, contributing to broader cultural movements:
- **New Romantic Movement**: As a member of **Visage**, he helped define the visual and musical aesthetic of the early 1980s London club scene.
- **Charity Music**: *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"* set a template for future charity singles and concerts, including **Live 8** (2005).
- **Synth-Pop Legacy**: Ultravox’s sound influenced later electronic and alternative acts, from **Pet Shop Boys** to **M83**.

### Online Presence and Identifiers
Ure maintains an active online presence, with official profiles on platforms like:
- **Website**: [midgeure.com](http://www.midgeure.com/)
- **Twitter**: [@midgeure1](https://twitter.com/midgeure1)
- **Facebook**: [Official Midge Ure Page](https://www.facebook.com/midge.ure)
- **Wikidata ID**: Q155914
- **MusicBrainz ID**: 24cac374-29bd-499f-a0f8-72165d2f2f43

### Key Relationships and Collaborations
- **Bob Geldof**: Co-wrote *"Do They Know It's Christmas?"* and collaborated on Band Aid/Live Aid.
- **Steve Strange**: Co-founded **Visage** and shaped the New Romantic movement.
- **Glen Matlock**: Co-founded **Rich Kids** after Matlock’s departure from the Sex Pistols.
- **Ultravox Members**: Collaborated with **Billy Currie** (keyboardist), **Chris Cross** (bassist), and **Warren Cann** (drummer) to create the band’s signature sound.

### Unanswered Questions and Gaps
The source material does not provide details on:
- Ure’s early musical training or influences.
- Specific production credits for other artists.
- Personal life, including family or relationships.
- Detailed financial or commercial success metrics for his albums/singles.

### Conclusion
Midge Ure’s career is a testament to his versatility as a musician, songwriter, and cultural figure. From his early days in **Slik** to his defining work with **Ultravox** and **Visage**, and his global impact through **Band Aid**, Ure has left an indelible mark on music and charity. His OBE and honorary doctorates reflect his enduring influence, while his continued performances ensure his legacy as a pioneer of new wave and synth-pop.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Companies House
5. IMDb
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. MusicBrainz
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
10. CONOR.SI
11. BBC Things
12. ISWC Network
13. Discogs
14. Midge Ure (Music) - TV Tropes. TV Tropes
15. YouTube API
16. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
17. The Movie Database