Adam And The Ants Kings Of The Wild Frontier Tour
Introduction:
The early 1980s saw the rise of punk, post-punk and new wave music in the UK. One of the most iconic bands of the era was Adam and the Ants, known for their unique music style and flamboyant image. The band’s 1980 album, ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’, was the best-selling album of the year in the UK and spawned several hit singles. The accompanying tour was a massive success, and is still talked about today by fans of the band and music lovers in general.
The Background:
Adam and the Ants were formed in the late 1970s by lead singer Adam Ant. The band was initially part of the punk rock scene, but their music quickly evolved into a unique fusion of punk, glam rock, and tribal beats. ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ was the band’s second album, released in 1980. It was a massive success, spending twelve weeks at number 1 on the UK album charts and spawning three hit singles – ‘Antmusic’, ‘Dog Eat Dog’ and the title track ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’.
Preparation for the Tour:
The Kings of the Wild Frontier tour was planned to coincide with the album’s release. The tour was planned to be much more elaborate than their previous tours, with an elaborate set design, costumes, and dancers. The band rehearsed for months, perfecting their live show and making sure everything was in place for the tour. The preparations paid off, as the tour was a massive success.
The Live Show:
The Kings of the Wild Frontier tour was a spectacle to behold. The band’s elaborate costumes, face paint, and tribal-inspired makeup were designed to create a unique visual experience for the audience. The stage was designed to resemble a pirate ship, complete with masts, rigging, and a large drum for the band’s tribal beats. The band was accompanied by a troupe of dancers, who performed tribal-inspired choreography throughout the show. The live show was a perfect complement to the album’s music, and fans were blown away by the spectacle.
The Impact:
The Kings of the Wild Frontier tour was a massive success, both commercially and critically. The album was a massive hit, and the tour only helped to solidify the band’s popularity. The tour also had a significant impact on fashion and popular culture. The band’s unique style influenced a generation of musicians and fashion designers, and their tribal-inspired look became an iconic part of the 1980s.
The Legacy:
The Kings of the Wild Frontier tour is still talked about today, over 40 years later. The tour helped to solidify Adam and the Ants’ place in music history and cemented their status as one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. The album and tour continue to inspire musicians, fashion designers, and pop culture enthusiasts around the world.
Conclusion:
The Kings of the Wild Frontier tour was a momentous occasion in music history. It helped to solidify Adam and the Ants’ place in the pantheon of great bands and influenced a generation of musicians and fashion designers. If you weren’t lucky enough to see the tour live, make sure to check out some of the live recordings available online. They’re a testament to the band’s unique style, infectious energy, and enduring legacy.
