Midge Ure If I Was. Midge Ure 9780753539019 Books
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Midge Ure is one of the most successful and innovative musicians of the last 25 years. With his band Ultravox, Midge consistently combined massive popular chart success with crediblitly, influence and respect. On 25 November 1984, Midge spearheaded one of pop music's most historic events when 36 artists, collectively known as Band Aid, recorded 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', a song Midge had written with Bob Geldof in response to the famine in Ethiopia. Produced by Midge, the single sold over 3 million copies in the UK and led to Live Aid, the 1985 concert which featured the world's greatest music acts and raised millions for charity. In 2004, 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' was back at the top of the charts and in 2005 a global audience watched the world's biggest artists at the Live 8 concerts. In this fully updated edition, Midge Ure candidly gives his side of the story of Band Aid, Live Aid and Live 8 and talks honestly about his rise to fame and his collaborations with some of the greatest figures in music. If I Was...is a true testament to the talent and energy of a man who remains as vibrant today as when he first set out to become a musician twenty years ago.
Midge Ure If I Was. Midge Ure 9780753539019 Books
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Tags : Midge Ure: If I Was. [Midge Ure] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Midge Ure is one of the most successful and innovative musicians of the last 25 years. With his band Ultravox,Midge Ure,Midge Ure: If I Was.,Virgin Publishing,0753539012
Midge Ure If I Was. Midge Ure 9780753539019 Books Reviews
Pretty fun for hard core rock and roll fans. Lots of rock star trivia and inside industry stuff, esp the '80's Scots/Brits scene. The workingman's style is full of funny Scottish slang and sardonic humor.
This is among the most entertaining autobiographies I've recently read. Midge narrates with emotion, recalling his childhood up till his recent problems and small victories. He was for a while incredibly prolific and influential in creating what became the sound and vision of the eighties. Not only did he contribute via his work as a band member of Ultravox, but also via the leading force of Visage. Although Visage never became huge, despite being popular, the influence of their electronic and androgynous sound and accompanying videos set the stage for other electronic bands. On top of this all he became, of course, something of an operating manager of Band Aid and had for a while success going solo.
By and large, Ure is humble by his achievements and acknowledges other people's part in his success and yet points out that sometimes he didn't get the respect he deserved for his work; Visage is a case in point, most people actually didn't realize that he was the driving force of the band. He has been extremely generous to his parents, who were constantly unfortunate in moving into house that burned down to the ground, only to have Jim (Midge derived from his name pronounced backwards) step in to buy another house. Midge was actually very generous to himself and basically everyone around him, so generous that he eventually became more or less bankrupt. Despite some finger pointing, he realizes that the fault lies first and foremost in his own doings.
What struck me, though, was that among so much generosity and hospitality is his treatment to his former mates in Ultravox. He spends a great deal of the text describing how difficult it was working with them, their envy of his star persona (take a look at the videos, it's Midge all over the place) and how poor their contribution was as the group developed, as in the work they had done while he was on a sabbatical with his solo project. Heck, he didn't even bother inviting them to the Band Aid bonanza, making sure he would remain in the spotlight.
Ure split up the band, saying that they could have kept on, since there was an Ultravox before him joining the band. This is simply ridiculous as recent compilations of Midge Ure and Ultravox suggest; people view the band as Midge and the other guys (something like Culture Club without Boy George). Ultravox did continue in some fashion without him but nobody, understandably, bothered. He states that he leaves messages to his former band mates and is somewhat baffled why they don't return his polite greetings, stating that he may be ready re-uniting the band. Obviously what he needs to do is pick up the phone and say I'm Sorry.
This is a touching reading of a man of two worlds, mostly sincere and likeable. I hope he manages to keep performing and steer away from alcohol. He would also do many a favor by contacting his former band mates in the same vein as he seems to treat his family and friends, with warmth and generosity.
I heartily concur with the other reviewers and their views concerning Midge Ure's autobiography. Heck, I could recite the Vienna, Rage in Eden and Quartet albums word for word, note for note. Ultravox's music means something to me - as it must for other people around the globe.
Before reading this, I was unaware of Mr. Ure's musical background. How he got the nickname "Midge" had me LOLing. He was involved with a few bands - The Rich Kids, Thin Lizzie - are the two that stand out. I had never realized his career was that long.
I read with interest what he said about how some of the Ultravox songs came about. He was correct about one thing Rage in Eden IS Ultravox's darkest album.
His ancedotes about Warren Cann were humorous. I think!
What stood out for me was his willingness to speak up about his time in rehab. Falling off the wagon after he got out the first time. And then getting right back up and applying himself to sobriety. I've seen a recent video interview with him and he truly looks great. Way to Go Midge!
His observation about today's music is correct. He and Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet pretty much say the same thing.
Pretty good and easy read auto bio of Sir Midge. I wish he delved a little deeper into some of the Ultravox and solo albums, but being a recovering alcoholic (as detailed in the book) perhaps that's all he could remember.
I could not put this book down. I received it around noon and at midnight the same day I was done. An utterly fascinating journey not only through Mr Ure's life, but through the birth, death, and rebirth of the new romantic/ new wave movement. Well done, all.
I love Midge Ure, so I'm gonna love his book. It was a nice & easy read with a look into the man behind the phenomenal musician & producer.
A singularly modest man with extraordinary talent tells his story with humor, warmth and honesty.
Love you, man! Don't you wish all your idols could write intelligent autobiographies that give you insight into their lives and not dash your ideas of what they might really be like? Kind of like when you're afraid to meet them because they might be a jerk and ruin it for you? Happy to say, Midge did not. Very well-written, and shows he's as good a writer as he is musician, and also funny and human. And a good Dad. No images shattered here.
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