Adam and The Ants

Adam and The Ants were a British pop band formed in London in 1977. The group existed in two basic line-ups, both fronted by Adam Ant (Stuart Leslie Goddard, b.1954), and lasted until 1982. Best known for their striking use of costume and make-up, their origins lie in the late 1970s punk movement, moving into pop which coincided with the 'new romantic' scene of the early 1980s. As well as defining their own musical styles, the group's use of visuals was also evident in their breakthrough promo videos which supported their single releases. In a relatively short period of activity Adam & The Ants clocked up nine Top 40 hits, including two no.1 singles, and a no.1 and a no.2 album.

History
The first line-up, known only as The Ants, was part of the post-punk movement and era in British pop music and was formed during the "Jubilee" period in London in 1977. They eventually recorded a session for John Peel on 23 January 1978, as Adam and The Ants, and began to tour as support to other successful bands such as Siouxsie & The Banshees. They released their debut album Dirk Wears White Sox in late 1979, to critical yet little commercial success. Band leader Adam Ant engaged former Sex Pistols manger Malcolm McClaren to manage the band resulting a change in the line-up and change of image. Exiting band members went on to be part of Bow Wow Wow, also managed by McClaren.

Between February and April 1980, a new version of Adam and the Ants was formed, most notably including guitarist Marco Pirroni, who would co-write the new material with Adam Ant. Even without a record label deal the new group went on the "Ants Invasion" tour in early 1980 and were eventually signed to CBS. Their first album for the label, Kings of the Wild Frontier, was released in November 1980, and featured their soon to be trademark "Burundi beat" sound, achieved by employing two drummers, and the characteristic "American Indian" image using appropriate costumes, make-up and hairstyles.

The album's title track had reached only modest success in the summer of 1980 and it was the follow-up Dog Eat Dog in November which gave them their big break, reaching no.4 in the UK, with the album itself also reaching no.3 shortly after its release. The follow-up single Antmusic reached no.2 in early 1981, the same placing achieved by a re-release of the title track in March. With 'Antmania' now gripping the British record-buying public, early Ants material was re-released, with 1978 debut single Young Parisians reaching no.9.

New material arrived swiftly in April 1981 with t release of Stand and Deliver, with the new "dandy highwayman" image taking the group straight in at No.1, remaining at the top for five consecutive weeks. Another costume change and new single, with striking accompanying promo video, came in September in the form of Prince Charming, proclaiming that "ridicule is nothing to be scared of". The album of the same name arrived in November, reaching no.2 in the UK (held off by Queen's first Greatest Hits compilation). The album also spawned another hit Ant Rap, the group's final top 10 hit. Group success came full circle with the release of early track Deutscher Girls, originally used in the film Jubilee, reaching no.13 in the UK in February 1982.

Frontman Adam Ant returned in May 1982 with the solo single Goody Two Shoes (also a UK no.1) and debut solo album Friend or Foe following in October.

Personnel
first line-up


 * Adam Ant (vocals)
 * Dave Barbarossa (drums) --> Bow Wow Wow
 * Matthew Ashman (guitars) --> Bow Wow Wow (d.1995)
 * Andrew Warren (bass)
 * Leigh Gorman (bass) - replaced Warren Nov. 1979 --> Bow Wow Wow

revamped line-up


 * Adam Ant (vocals)
 * Marco Pirroni (guitars)
 * Terry Lee Miall (drums)
 * Chris Hughes (drums)
 * Kevin Mooney (bass)
 * Gary Tibbs (bass) - replaced Mooney April 1981