Bauhaus

Bauhaus, originally known as Bauhaus 1919, formed in Northampton, England, in 1978. The band consisted of Daniel Ash on guitar and saxophone, Peter Murphy on vocals, Kevin Haskins on drums, and David J on bass. Their early sound incorporated elements from various genres including dub, glam rock, psychedelia, and funk, distinguishing them within the emerging post-punk scene. In August 1979, after only six weeks together, the band released their debut single, “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.” This track, exceeding nine minutes in length, became a significant harbinger of gothic rock music and gained influential airplay on BBC Radio 1 through DJ John Peel. The band dropped 1919 from their name shortly after their formation, simplifying it to Bauhaus.

Bauhaus’s debut album, “In the Flat Field,” released in October 1980, is widely recognized as one of the foundational albums in gothic rock. Despite some initial negative critical reception, the album quickly topped independent charts and entered the UK Albums Chart. The band expanded their sound with their second album, “Mask,” in October 1981, integrating keyboards and a wider array of instruments, and experimenting with funk-inspired rhythms on tracks like “Kick in the Eye.” In 1982, Bauhaus achieved mainstream success in the United Kingdom with their third album, “The Sky’s Gone Out,” which peaked at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart. That same year, their cover of David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” reached No. 15 on the Singles Chart, earning them an appearance on “Top of the Pops.” The band also appeared in the horror film “The Hunger” in 1983, performing “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.”

The band’s final studio album of new material for several years, “Burning from the Inside,” was released in 1983, featuring the Top 30 UK single “She’s in Parties.” However, creative differences, particularly concerning Peter Murphy’s increased external commitments, led to the band’s dissolution on July 5, 1983, just a week before the album’s release. Following the breakup, members pursued various projects: Murphy began a solo career, while Ash and Haskins formed Tones on Tail, later reuniting with David J to create Love and Rockets. Bauhaus reunited for tours in 1998, from 2005 to 2008, and again in 2019 and 2022. Their final album, “Go Away White,” was released in 2008. The band’s reunion officially concluded in April 2023.