History
The New Romantic movement swept through the British music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s, marking a seminal moment in the evolution of popular music. The movement was characterized by flamboyant fashion, grandiose hairstyles, and theatrical performances that aimed to create a sense of escapism and fantasy for audiences.
The roots of the movement can be traced back to the punk rock scene of the mid-1970s, which challenged the established musical and societal norms of the time. However, it was the emergence of a group of musicians and artists in London in the late 1970s that would give rise to the New Romantic movement.
The club scene in London at the time was thriving, and a group of young musicians and artists began to experiment with glam rock and post-punk music to create a new sound that spoke to their desire for something more theatrical and fantastical than what was currently on offer.
Bands like Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, and Human League emerged as the leaders of this new movement, blending elements of electronic music, funk, and disco to create a sound that was both glamorous and accessible. They were heavily influenced by the fashion of the time, favoring luxurious fabrics, bold colors, and flamboyant accessories like frilly shirts, top hats, and feather boas.
The New Romantic movement was about more than just music and fashion, however. It was a cultural moment that was deeply intertwined with the politics of the time. The Thatcher era had ushered in a conservative agenda that left many young people feeling disillusioned and disconnected from society. The New Romantics sought to push back against this conservatism by creating a world that was free from the constraints of everyday reality.
The success of the New Romantic movement was due in no small part to the rise of music videos as a major promotional tool. MTV had just launched in the United States, and record labels were eager to tap into this new market. Bands like Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet became household names thanks to the stylish and innovative videos they created to accompany their music.
The New Romantic movement began to wane in the mid-1980s as tastes shifted towards more commercial forms of pop music. However, its impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. It paved the way for a new wave of musicians and artists who sought to combine style and substance in their work, and it inspired a generation of fans to embrace their individuality and express themselves through fashion and music.
Today, the legacy of the New Romantic movement can still be seen in the fashion and music of contemporary pop stars like Lady Gaga, who often uses elaborate costumes and theatrical performances to create a sense of spectacle for her audience. It is a testament to the enduring influence of the movement that its spirit still lives on, more than three decades after its heyday.
Notable artists
Adam and the Ants: Known for their flamboyant costumes and eccentric aesthetic, Adam and the Ants were a staple of the New Romantic movement. Their hit song "Prince Charming" was a chart-topper in the UK and cemented their place in the genre.
Duran Duran: One of the most successful bands to come out of the New Romantic era, Duran Duran became known for their catchy synth-pop hits and stylish music videos. Their breakthrough album, "Rio", featured hits like "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Save a Prayer".
Culture Club: Fronted by the charismatic Boy George, Culture Club blended reggae, funk, and New Romantic elements to create their signature sound. Hits like "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" and "Karma Chameleon" have become timeless classics.
Spandau Ballet: Another chart-topping New Romantic band, Spandau Ballet's hits like "True" and "Gold" are recognized as classics of the era. Their emphasis on fashion and style contributed to their popularity.
Soft Cell: Known for their synthesizer-heavy sound and the distinctive voice of lead singer Marc Almond, Soft Cell had hits like "Tainted Love" and "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye". Their music was a unique blend of New Romantic and post-punk influences.
Tears for Fears: Although they are often associated with the later "new wave" movement, Tears for Fears began as a New Romantic band. "Mad World" and "Shout" were early hits for the duo, featuring their distinctive synth-driven sound.
Japan: One of the earliest New Romantic bands, Japan's music was characterized by intricate arrangements and experimental production techniques. Their style was influential on many bands that would follow, including Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet.
Ultravox: Led by the dramatic vocals of Midge Ure, Ultravox was known for synth-heavy hits like "Vienna" and "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes". They blended New Romantic style with a dark, post-punk edge.
Visage: Formed by Steve Strange, Visage was one of the purest expressions of the New Romantic movement, with its emphasis on fashion and visuals. Their "Fade to Grey" remains a classic of the era.
Adam Ant: After the split of Adam and the Ants, lead singer Adam Ant went on to a successful solo career. His music blended New Romantic elements with a more aggressive rock sound, resulting in hits like "Goody Two Shoes" and "Desperate but Not Serious".
Broader context
One of the most important books on this subject is "We Can Be Heroes: London Clubland, 1976-1984" by Graham Smith. As the title suggests, this book focuses on the emergence of the New Romantic scene in London during the mid-to-late 1970s and early 1980s, and it provides a thorough and deeply researched account of the social, cultural, and political forces that shaped this movement. Smith's book is notable for its meticulous attention to detail, as well as its insightful interviews with key participants in the New Romantic scene.
Another important book in this field is "The Look: Adventures in Pop and Rock Fashion" by Paul Gorman. While this book covers a wide range of fashion movements and subcultures from the 1950s to the present day, it includes a detailed section on the New Romantic movement that is essential reading for anyone interested in this topic. Gorman provides a vivid and evocative account of the flamboyant and often theatrical clothing and makeup worn by key figures in this movement, as well as the broader cultural and social context that gave rise to their style.
One of the most prominent and influential commentators on the New Romantic movement is Simon Reynolds, whose book "Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978-1984" is a must-read for anyone interested in the broader historical context of this movement. Reynolds argues that the New Romantic movement was part of a broader post-punk cultural renaissance that challenged the rigidities of both mainstream and underground pop culture, and he provides a provocative and insightful critique of the politics, aesthetics, and values of this movement.
But perhaps the most significant and revealing insights into the New Romantic movement come from the participants themselves. For example, Siobhan Fahey of the band Bananarama, who emerged from the New Romantic scene, has said of the movement: "We were all quite aligned in our thinking, which was: we don't want to grow up. We want to be children forever. We want to be dressing up, making art and changing our personas. It was definitely a youth mentality, a resistance to being serious and being adult."
Similarly, Martin Fry of the band ABC, who also emerged from the New Romantic scene, has said of the movement: "There was a freedom and an expression that came out of this cultural moment that we were all part of. It was almost like the valves had been opened and all the weird stuff could come out. It was a very creative, very fertile period."
One of the defining characteristics of the New Romantic movement was its emphasis on image and style. This was in part due to the rise of mass media, which enabled celebrities to reach wider audiences than ever before. With the advent of television, music videos, and glossy magazines, artists were given a platform to showcase not only their music but also their personal style. This was particularly evident in the New Romantic scene, where bands like Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Adam and the Ants were known for their flamboyant costumes and androgynous looks.
A key factor in the emergence of New Romanticism was the state of British culture at the time. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Britain was still reeling from the economic and social upheavals of the previous decade. The entrance of conservative leader Margaret Thatcher into office in 1979 only added to the sense of uncertainty, as she embarked on a program of austerity measures and cuts to public services. In this context, New Romanticism provided an escapist fantasy, a way to escape the grim realities of life in the UK and indulge in a world of glamour, romance, and excess.
Another important factor was the influence of punk rock. Although New Romanticism was a far cry from the raw, DIY spirit of punk, it was deeply influenced by its rejection of mainstream culture and its celebration of individuality. The punk movement was also marked by its fusion of music and fashion, something that was carried over into New Romanticism. Many of the musicians involved in the New Romantic scene had begun their careers as part of the punk movement, but had grown disillusioned with its nihilistic ethos and decided to forge a new path.
One of the key figures in the emergence of New Romanticism was Steve Strange, the founder of the Blitz Club in London. The Blitz quickly became a hub for the New Romantic scene, hosting nights where club goers could show off their elaborate costumes and dance to new wave and synthpop music. Strange was well known for his own fashion sense, which drew on a variety of influences, including 1920s art deco, 18th-century dandies, and futuristic sci-fi. The Blitz Club would go on to become one of the most influential venues in British music history, spawning countless bands and fashion trends.
Another influential figure in the New Romantic scene was Simon Le Bon, the lead singer of Duran Duran. Duran Duran embodied the New Romantic sensibility, with their ualacious, colourful music videos and exotic, glamorous image. Le Bon’s vocal style, which combined crooning with operatic flourishes, was a key part of the band’s appeal. The band’s record label, EMI, was also a significant player in the New Romantic scene, signing acts like Spandau Ballet and Culture Club.
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about the New Romantic movement without mentioning the music itself. New Romanticism was marked by its fusion of electronic and traditional instruments, as well as its use of synthesizers and other cutting-edge technology. Key acts included Ultravox, Soft Cell, ABC, and Visage, all of whom helped define the sound of the era.