The Musical Biography of Bauhaus: From Beginnings to Fame

When it comes to dark wave and goth rock, no one speaks it better than Bauhaus. Bauhaus is an English rock band that emerged in the late 1970s in Northampton. They were known for their unsettling lyrics, dramatic vocals, and haunting melodies that left audiences in awe. The band was ahead of their time, and their influence on the music industry, especially the goth subculture, cannot be overemphasized. In this blog post, we will delve into the musical biography of Bauhaus, from their beginnings to their most famous albums and songs.

Beginnings: The band members- Daniel Ash (guitar and vocals), Peter Murphy (vocals), Kevin Haskins (drums), and David J (bass)- met at Northampton School of Art in 1978. They formed Bauhaus, which was initially a pseudonym for their art school performances. In 1979, they released their first single Bela Lugosi's Dead, which remains one of their most iconic songs to date. The song was a tribute to Bela Lugosi, the Hungarian-American actor who played Dracula. Bela Lugosi's Dead got the attention of John Peel, a British radio DJ, leading to their first national radio broadcast.

Influences: Bauhaus's music was influenced by various genres, including punk rock, glam rock, art rock, and experimental music. The band drew inspiration from artists such as David Bowie, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Kraftwerk, and Roxy Music. Bauhaus fused these influences with their unique sound, creating a distinct musical style that stood the test of time.

Famous Albums: Bauhaus released five studio albums and several singles during their career. Their debut album In the Flat Field came out in 1980 and showcased their dark, poetic, and visceral style. It features the hit song Dark Entries, which was a fan favorite. Their second album, Mask, released in 1981, delved deeper into their goth roots and featured tracks like Kick in the Eye and Dancing. In 1982, the band released their most successful album, The Sky's Gone Out, which included songs like All We Ever Wanted Was Everything and Exquisite Corpse. Their fourth studio album, Burning From the Inside, released in 1983, marked their last album before they disbanded.

Famous Songs: Apart from their debut single, Bela Lugosi's Dead, Bauhaus produced many hit songs that are still popular today. She's in Parties, released in 1983, was a fan favorite and ranked among the top 10 songs on the UK charts. Ziggy Stardust, a cover of David Bowie's song, became a signature tune of the band. Telegram Sam, a T. Rex cover, was also famous among their fans. Third Uncle, a Brian Eno cover, was another hit song from Bauhaus that showcased their experimental nature and unique sound.

Conclusion: Bauhaus was an influential band that shaped the goth rock and dark wave genre. Their music was poetic, haunting, and eerie, and it spoke to a generation that sought something different. From their beginnings to their most famous albums and songs, Bauhaus left a legacy that will continue to inspire musicians across generations.