Typically, when you hear artists speak about their involvement with 1985's Live Aid, they have nothing but positives to say. Not Adam Ant.
Ant was asked early on by Bob Geldof to perform at the show, but only given a slot large enough to perform one song. This was apparently during a period in which it was unknown if the show would even be successful, let alone sell out. Adam would go on to say he not only regretted agreeing to appear, but that it was his biggest mistake, a waste of time, and the end of rock and roll. Bob would go on further to insult Ant in his 1986 book, Is That It, by stating, "Adam was over the hill so I let him have one number."
Ouch. Shots fired.
With only one song slot being granted to him, Ant opted to perform his new single, Vive Le Rock, the perfect segue into today's Retro Spin, and the last 80's album from Adam of the same title.
Almost a year after releasing the top twenty single, Apollo 9 (peaked at number 13 in the UK in 1984), CBS released the album, VIve Le Rock. Its overall failure, and his labels lack of interest in promoting it attributed to a lot of depression for Ant. This would result in him putting his music career on hiatus, instead pursuing acting. It would also be his first to receive no sales accreditations.
Playing through it, it's definitely not my favorite Adam Ant album, which is sad because Apollo 9 may be my second favorite from him. Ironically, for my taste in era specific music, my favorite song from him is actually 2013's Cool Zombie. In fact, it's this track that ultimately piqued my interest enough to delve into his 80's career.
Vive Le Rock just simply doesn't have enough good material to fill it. Most of the songs beyond the title track and single are relatively forgettable. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it just lacks something that would make it pop, if you will. Overall, it was a pretty poor footnote to end on with my listening session through Adam Ant. Sure,
I suppose I could broaden my horizons, and take a walk through his 90's stuff, which I actually have. However, if I do, it won't be anytime soon. He released 1990's Manners & Physique, and 1995's Wonderful. A third album, Persuasian, was slatted to be released in between those two, but never came to fruition, as it was rejected by label, MCA. However, since then, it's become one of the most bootlegged albums of all time, and has even made lists of The Greatest Albums Never Released. If you really want to, you can listen to it on Youtube (for now).
Ant disappeared again in the mid 90's, but reammerged in 2013 for Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner's Daughter. After a successful comeback tour, he again has disappeared. The most recent rumblings have been for the forthcoming, Bravest of the Brave. However, no exact release date has been announced as of this writing (March 2025).
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Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS August 23, 1980 |
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS August 23, 1986 |
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