Cabaret Voltaire (band)

Cabaret Voltaire
Left to right: Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder, Chris Watson
Left to right: Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder, Chris Watson
Background information
OriginSheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Genres
Years active
  • 1973–1994
  • 2009–2021
Labels
Spinoffs
Past members

Cabaret Voltaire were an English music group formed in Sheffield in 1973 and initially composed of Stephen Mallinder, Richard H. Kirk, and Chris Watson.[1] Named for the Zürich nightclub that fostered the early Dada movement, the band are often characterized as among the most innovative and influential electronic acts of their era.[2]

The band's early work consisted of experimentation with DIY electronics and tape recorders, as well as Dada-influenced performance art, helping to pioneer industrial music in the mid-1970s.[2] Finding an audience during the post-punk era, they gradually incorporated more conventional elements of synthpop, dance, house and funk styles.[2][3] After Watson's departure in 1981, the group continued as a two-piece until disbanding in 1994. Kirk revived the name as a solo project from 2009 until his death in 2021.

  1. ^ Gimarc 2005, p. 17.
  2. ^ a b c Bush, John. "Cabaret Voltaire". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  3. ^ Bland, Benjamin (18 June 2014). "Cabaret Voltaire - #7885 (Electropunk to Technopop 1978-1985)". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2015.