Rusty Egan’s influence on New Romantic music is often overlooked and underplayed. He was the drummer in Rich Kids where he met Midge Ure, and after collaborating in a few other bands, he eventually formed Visage with him. He brought on board Steve Strange and Billy Currie who was in Ultravox with Midge joined. They were the seminal fashion/music band of the early 80s, combining a heavily styled look and electronic music. Their hits included ‘Fade to Grey’, ‘The Dancer’, and ‘Night Train’. When Visage was in their early phase, Rusty and Steve Strange opened 'Blitz’, the legendary London club which became the focal point of the New Romantic movement. Boy George worked on the coat check, Steve Strange on the door, and the later fashion and film director luminaries were the regulars, who used to dance to Egan’s choice of music that in itself had an impact on the music that was to come to prominence and be influential in Britain during that era.

Rusty is a fascinating, entertaining, and opinionated character. He doesn’t hold back on his views of that time, and his role in the music of the 1980s.

Rusty Egan’s; Blitzed - an album of tracks that reference that time, written for a 2021 documentary about the club for Sky Arts is here:

https://www.junodownload.com/products/rusty-egan-rusty-egan-presents-blitzed/5009773-02/

Connect with me on Instagram; steve.blame

If you like this podcast then look out for the interviews with Kevin Hegge on his documentary Tramps about the New Romantic era, and also an interview with Sue Tilley.

Also, the interview with Wolfgang Flür, formerly of Kraftwerk, might interest you.

 And thanks to POP; The History Makers insanely wonderful talent booker: #ArchieCMichael

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pop-the-history-makers-with-steve-blame/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.