ABC

ABC originated in Sheffield, England in 1980, evolving from the earlier band Vice Versa, formed in 1977 by Stephen Singleton and Mark White. Martin Fry, who wrote the fanzine ‘Modern Drugs,’ would interview Vice Versa. He later joined the group as a synthesizer player and eventually became the lead vocalist. The classic lineup included Fry, Mark White on guitar and keyboards, Stephen Singleton on saxophone, and David Palmer on drums. In 1981, their debut single, “Tears Are Not Enough,” reached the UK top 20, setting the stage for their future success. The band signed a record contract with Phonogram Records, distributing their own label, Neutron.

A significant milestone came in 1982 with the release of their debut album, “The Lexicon of Love,” which quickly topped the UK Albums Chart. Produced by Trevor Horn, the album featured hit singles like “Poison Arrow,” “The Look of Love,” and “All of My Heart,” solidifying their place in the music scene. The album is frequently cited in critical lists of top British albums, including rankings by The Observer Music Monthly and Q magazine. The band experienced chart success in the US, contributing to the Second British Invasion. Following the departure of Singleton and Palmer, Fry and White continued as a duo, releasing albums such as “Beauty Stab” (1983) and “How to Be a…Zillionaire!” (1985), with the latter providing their first US top 10 hit, “Be Near Me.

After a hiatus during which Fry received treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, ABC reconvened in 1987 as a duo, releasing “Alphabet City,” which returned them to the UK Top 10. The album featured “When Smokey Sings,” a tribute to Smokey Robinson, which became their biggest US hit, peaking at number 5. Over the years, ABC has continued to release music and tour, including their 2008 album “Traffic” and “The Lexicon of Love II” in 2016, a critically acclaimed sequel to their debut. Fry has remained the sole constant member, collaborating with various musicians and orchestras, and performing their iconic works live, such as their 2009 performance of “The Lexicon of Love” with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2012, Fry was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the University of Sheffield.