ABC

ABC: The Pioneers of English Pop

ABC, originating from Sheffield in 1980, is an iconic English pop band with a rich musical legacy. Formed by Martin Fry, Mark White, Stephen Singleton, and David Palmer, the classic lineup delivered ten UK and five US top 40 hit singles between 1981 and 1990. Their debut studio album, *The Lexicon of Love* (1982), soared to the top of the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant milestone in their career.

History

Formation: ABC traces its roots back to Vice Versa, a band founded in 1977 by Stephen Singleton and Mark White. The transition to ABC happened when Martin Fry joined as the lead singer in 1980. The band's debut single, "Tears Are Not Enough," in 1981, marked the beginning of their success.

The Lexicon of Love, Beauty Stab & How to Be a Zillionaire (1981–1985): Under the production of Trevor Horn, ABC achieved significant acclaim with their debut album, *The Lexicon of Love*, featuring hits like "Poison Arrow" and "The Look of Love." However, subsequent albums, *Beauty Stab* (1983) and *How to Be a Zillionaire* (1985), faced challenges.

Alphabet City and Chart Success (1986–1988): After a hiatus, ABC returned with *Alphabet City* (1987), breaking into the UK Top 10 again. "When Smokey Sings" became a tribute to Smokey Robinson and marked a significant success in the US.

Up, Absolutely & Abracadabra (1989–1992): In 1989, ABC experimented with house music in *Up*. The compilation album *Absolutely* (1990) showcased their hits, and *Abracadabra* (1991) continued their exploration of new sounds.

Skyscraping and Comeback (1997–2007): After a six-year break, Martin Fry revived ABC with the album *Skyscraping* (1997). Despite commercial challenges, ABC's resilience remained evident.

Traffic, ABC's Continued Journey (2007–2015): The album *Traffic* (2008) marked a return for ABC. The band continued touring, participating in events like Retrofest and the Regeneration Tour.

The Lexicon of Love II (2016–2021): In 2016, ABC released *The Lexicon of Love II*, a nostalgic reflection. The album, featuring "Viva Love," entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 5, demonstrating enduring fan support.

Recent Years (2022 and Beyond): Celebrating the 40th anniversary of *The Lexicon of Love*, ABC released a live album in 2023 recorded at Sheffield City Hall. Their journey continues, with ongoing contributions to the world of music.

Band Members

Current members:

- Martin Fry – lead vocals (1980–1991, 1997–present)

Former members:

- Stephen Singleton – alto and tenor saxophones (1980–1984)

- Mark White – keyboards, guitars (1980–1991)

- Mark Lickley – bass guitar (1981–1982)

- David Robinson – drums, percussion (1981)

- David Palmer – drums, percussion (1981–1983, 2004–2009)

- Fiona Russell Powell – vocals (1984–1985)

- David Yarritu – vocals (1984–1985)

Current touring musicians:

- Matt Backer – guitars (1999–present)

- Andy Carr – bass guitar (2008–present)

- Rob Hughes – alto and tenor saxophones (2008–present)

- Steve Kelly – keyboards (1998–present)

- Lily Gonzalez – percussion (1998–present)

- Richard Brook – drums, percussion (2009–present)

Conclusion:

ABC's journey from the 1980s to the present reflects resilience, experimentation, and enduring musical influence. As they continue to celebrate milestones and contribute to the music scene, ABC remains a significant force in the pop genre.