Retro Spins: Adam Ant - Vive Le Rock

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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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 23, 1980

 

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 23, 1986

Retro Spins: Adam Ant - Strip

Following a successful appearance on Motown 25, Adam Ant released his second solo album, Strip, in November 1983. Accounting for his prior releases with Adam And The Ants, it would be his fifth outing. While it produced the number five hit, Puss 'N Boots, overall, the album was poorly received by critics.

It's possible that this was a result of Ant shifting music styles, producing a more pop rock oriented album, very different from his prior punk work. Sounds like nothing but a pro to me, but hey, I'm not necessarily a punk fan.

There are some noteworthy collaborations on Strip very much so worth talking about. The first would be the inclusion of Phil Collins on drums for Strip, and Puss 'N Boots. Collins also aided in producing, and enlisted Hugh Padgham to assist with the production and engineering of those sessions. It was possibly also because of Collins prior year work with her that (the uncredited) Anni-Frid Lyngstad, of ABBA fame, also performs the female spoken part on Strip.

Man, the bar just keeps getting raised higher and higher for Strip. Let's jump in and see if it can meet my unreasonable expectations.

Playing through it, it's definitely a stripped down (no pun intended) version of Adam Ant. Gone are the techniques and signature sound that he was known for. In its place is a very pop friendly set of songs, some better than others, but none necessarily terrible.

Standout tracks for me were Strip, Baby Let Me Scream At You, Puss 'N Boots, Play Boy, and Amazon. They're far from his strongest work that I've heard in prior albums, and I can certainly see the downward spiral playing out in front of me.

The abandonment of the style that made Adam Ant who Adam Ant was somewhat servers as a detriment here. It's like when you play a Def Leppard album, or any other band who's sound you've become familiar with. When you play that album, it's because you want to hear that familiarity. Take that away, and you end up with Queen's Hot Space, I.E. the opposite spectrum. Again, Strip isn't a bad album, but that lack of familiarity hinders it.

As I mentioned above, Strip was not well received, and this continued a trend of declining sales for Ant. It would be his last to receive any type of certification, reaching only silver status. Down, but not out, he would return to the studio to release the single, Apollo 9, which reached number thirteen in September 1984. The track would go on to be utilized on his forthcoming album, 1985's Vive Le Rock, and the album titled single being chosen by him to perform at Live Aid. The latter is a story unto itself, but one you'll need to come back for tomorrow to read about.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 22, 1981

 

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 22, 1987

Retro Spins: Adam Ant - Friend Or Foe

I've already talked about Adam And The Ant's Prince Charming. However, for the sake of continuing where we left off yesterday, we need to go through that period of time.

Signing with CBS Records for their second album, and the re-release of their first through the label brought Adam And The Ants continued chart success. As the band returned to the studio, they would set to work on what would become their breakthrough album, Prince Charming. This all began with the single, Stand And Deliver, which was followed by the popular music video which was featured in steady rotation on MTV. This single became the bands first number one in the UK, and remained in that spot for five consecutive weeks. This was followed by the second single, Prince Charming, which also reached number one.

Upon the albums release, the band embarked on several tours, which ended in January 1982. Their continued success was bolstered by continuous re-release of prior material, and several awards. These included, British Album of the Year for Kings of the Wild Frontier at the BRIT Awards, and Songwriter of the Year Award for Stand and Deliver at the 27th Ivor Novello Awards. They were further nominated for Best British Group and twice in the Best British Single category for Prince Charming and Stand and Deliver. They were also nominated for Best New Artist at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards in 1982.

Despite all these accolades, Ant himself grew tired of the band, feeling that while on stage it wasn't a group effort. He ultimately ended up disbanding them, but retaining Marco Pirroni as a writing collaborator and guitarist. Drummer, Chris Merrick, also briefly stayed with Ant, recording and producing the single, Goody Two Shoes, before departing.

Ant released Friend Or Foe in 1982, led by the aforementioned single, which reached number one. This was followed by the album title single, which peaked at number nine. While he would recruit a new band, and head out on the road for touring, a knee injury would force him to postpone several dates. During this downtime, he would begin work with Pirroni on his next solo venture.

However, before we get to that point, we need to first pause and actually listen to Friend Or Foe.

As I started it up, I was immediately met by the familiar sound of Adam Ant which I have come to know. It's the style that began with the single, Stand And Deliver, and became his staple. I really can't explain it, but Ant fans will know what I mean. You know when you're hearing an Adam Ant song.

I really enjoyed my listening session, and grabbed a ton of "new" tunes for my shuffle list. These included, Friend Or Foe, Something Girls, Place In The Country, Goody Two Shoes, and Crackpot History And The Right To Lie. This is the Adam Ant that I want, and if I may skip a head several decades, is what brought me back in 2013 for Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner's Daughter.

With that said, I will admit that the cover of The Doors, Hello I Love You, was a pretty poor rendition. It's probably the weakest link on the entire album, and frankly, not necessary, considering he was well established as an artist.

Overall, Friend Or Foe was enjoyable. Not all the tracks were bangers, but, as you can see from above, there was a healthy dose of them. This excites me to jump into his 1983 follow-up, Strip.

As for Ant himself, after recovering from his knee injury, he made an appearance on Motown 25. Here, he sand a cover of The Supremes, Where Did Our Love Go. The performance was bolstered by Diana Ross crashing the stage to briefly dance with him. Following this, he resumed his US tour, completing it in May 1983.

We have to pause there, and save the continued story for next time.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 21, 1982

 

Retro Spins: Adam And The Ants - Kings Of The Wild Frontier

I made the decision one day to purchase every 80's album from Adam (and the) Ant(s), and while this was one made based on me liking a few tracks here and there, my overall listening experience with 1981's Prince Charming, wasn't what I hoped it would be. Since then, Ant-Man's been sitting on the shelf untouched, with me not really looking forward to the day that would come when I decided I needed to get through the rest of them. You know, today...

Stuart Leslie Goddard, or Adam Ant, as he is more commonly known as, formed The Ants in 1977. This occurred after meeting with Lester Square (guitaris), Andy Warren (bassist), and Paul Flanagan (drummer) at the Roxy Club, coincidentally on a night where Siouxsie and the Banshees were performing a gig. A month later, Square would depart, and be replaced by Mark Ryan.

It would be this iteration of The Ants that would perform gigs, typically taking up support slots around London. Later that year, Dave "Barbe" Barbarossa replaced Flanagan, and this new line-up recorded the tracks, Plastic Surgery, and Beat My Guest. However, difficulties with management towards the end of the year would result in Ryan being fired, and replaced by Johnny Bivouac.

The band would often tour with Siouxsie and the Banshees, but remained disliked by much of the British music press for their fetishistic lyrics and imagery. While this didn't work for the squares, The Ants garnered much love from punk fanzines, which gave them more favorable coverage. This helped them to build up a strong cult following, but didn't aid them well in finding a label until signed in 1978 by Decca Records.

After a series of Peel Session demos and gigs early in the year, Manager Joran (AKA Pamela Rooke) left The Ants in the summer of 1978, and the day after, Bivouac also departed. He was replaced by Matthew Ashman. This was followed by further Peel Sessions, and the band departing for a tour of continental Europe.

Decca released their first single, Young Parisians, in November 1978. However, when it failed to garner any attention, they scrapped plans to release an additional single. Undeterred, The Ants embarked on their Young Parisians Tour of the UK in January of 1979. In between all of this, they continued recording sessions with Decca, as well as a third series of Peel Sessions.

The band would then sign with independent label Do It Records, and re-record their prior single, Zerox, then embarked on the Zerox Tour around Britain in support, culminating in a sell-out show at London Lyceum on August 5th. The led to them setting to work on the recordings which would become their official debut, Dirk Wears White Sox. However, shortly after its recording, Ashman and Warren were fired by Adam. Though Ashman would rejoin, Warren would be replaced by Leigh Gorman.

Dirk Wears White Sox was released in November of 1979, peaking at number one on the UK Independent Albums Chart. With new manager Malcolm McLaren, and a sell out show at Electric Ballroom, all seemed to be falling in place for the now titled band, Adam And The Ants. This, though, would not last. In a sleezy move, McLaren persuaded Ashman, Gorman, and Barbarossa to leave Adam and the Ants and form Bow Wow Wow, which was fronted by Annabella Lwin. McLaren then dropped Ant as a client.

Slapped in the face, betrayed, but not down and out, Adam would recruit Marco Pirroni (guitar), Kevin Mooney (bass guitar), and drummers Terry Lee Miall and Chris "Merrick" Hughes. Pirroni would become a significant member, contributing to the writing with Ant. Further, these new members would bring to the band a new style of music, and an adoption of make-up, and an overall revised look. This was all overseen by new manager, Falcon Stuart. The end result was signing to CBS Records, re-releasing their debut album, and 1980's Kings Of The Wild Frontier, where we now pause to actually get into this day's Retro Spins (whew...long intro).

Knowing what I now know about Adam And The Ants from previously listening to Prince Charming, it was a little easier on my brain. I was prepared for the synonymous sound, and prepared for all the chanting and quirkiness. This came in spades.

While at first I dreaded hearing thirteen songs, the end result was a somewhat decent album. No, Adam Ant isn't my favorite artist of all time. However, I did dig Dog Eat Dog, Antmusic, Ant Invasion, and the over the top, Jolly Roger. Only Adam Ant could get away with the latter. But, it just only goes to show how anything was fair game in the 80's.

Ironically, for as long as the intro was, that's pretty much all I have to say about the album itself. It was okay, with a couple hidden gems. Not a bad re-start for Adam And The Ants.

If you recall yesterday's post, I posed a question to myself of how many albums I had left to actually make my way through. Well, because I'm nuts like that, I went ahead and crunched the numbers. Pending my spreadsheet of albums I own is actually up to date / correct, it would be the following:

780 out of 1,305 studio albums (which may include multiple format duplicates)
193 out of 252 soundtrack albums (which may include multiple format duplicates)
25 out of 25 live albums
4 out of 9 EP albums
2 out of 2 remix albums
101 out of 101 compilation albums (maybe - some may be compilations of prior eras)
6 out of 9 singles
6 out of 8 comedy albums
12 out of 12 Christmas albums (maybe - some may be compilations of prior eras)
5 out of 5 Broadway albums
5 out of 5 audio books

Now, with all that said, there are albums mixed in those numbers that I have already heard, but not necessarily done a Retro Spins on. As such, those counts will come down. Still, that's a lot. Just based on those, it's 1,139 (okay 1,138, as those numbers didn't account for today's Retro Spin - George Lucas reference for the win!). Even if I did one album a day, it would take over three years to complete.

Now keep in mind that "new" albums keep coming into my collection more than they should, and that these totals also don't include anything prior to, or after, the 80's albums I own. Yeesh. I guess there may very well be such a thing as owning more music than you can listen to in a lifetime.

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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.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 20, 1983

 

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 20, 1988

Retro Spins: Adam And The Ants - Prince Charming

With how much I enjoyed Bow Wow Wow's EP The Last Of The Mohicans, and knowing it was the Ants from Adam and the Ants who were the musicians on the record, I thought it was time to dabble a bit more into Adam Ant himself. I've had a greatest hits album from him for quite some time, but I honestly never listened to it. Instead, I stayed confined to the handful of tracks I knew off of it, which aren't actually all that many.

As I began researching this album, I found that his prior record, Kings of the Final Frontier is actually regarded as his best work. With that said, I'm a bit disappointed I neither picked that album up, or knew this until writing this up for my review of Prince Charming.

With regards to Prince Charming, I found the songs to be a little silly, quite frankly. At least lyrically. There's a bunch of odd lyrics, and a whole lot of chanting and hollering. It was all rather peculiar.

I was at least pleased to get tracks Prince Charming and Stand and Deliver from the album. I'll take Ant Rap as a plus (if I have to), but it's by far from what I would call a "good" song. I really wanted to hear something on this album which stood out among everything else as the definitive track from it. Sadly, this never happened.

The biggest disappointment to this is that I actually bought Prince Charming along with two other Adam Ant CD's. However, after hearing this one, I don't necessarily feel like I have to hear any more from him.

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