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Bauhaus

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Bauhaus was an English rock band, formed in 1978 in Northampton. The members were Daniel Ash (guitar and saxophone), Peter Murphy (vocals), Kevin Haskins (drums) and David J (bass). Ash, David J and Kevin Haskins had been playing together in bands since their youth, covering the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. The band was first called Bauhaus 1919, after the year in which the German art school Bauhaus began, and shortened the name within a year. They also used the typeface of the school building in Dessau.

Music and breakthrough

Their first single from 1979, Bela Lugosi's Dead, is regarded as a harbinger of gothic rock. The debut album In the Flat Field from 1980 is seen as one of the first gothic rock albums. Mask followed in 1981 and The Sky's Gone Out in 1982, which reached number three in the British album chart. That same year they also reached number 15 in the singles chart with a cover of David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, which earned them an appearance on Top of the Pops. Burning from the Inside was released in 1983. After the break-up Murphy formed Dalis Car and began a solo career, while Ash and Haskins formed Tones on Tail and later, with David J, Love and Rockets. Bauhaus reunited in 1998, from 2005 to 2008, in 2019 and in 2022.

Influence

The music is dark and sombre, with a sparse guitar, a rumbling bass and theatrical vocals, but also with influences from dub, glam rock, psychedelia and funk. In this way the band gave a sound to goth culture.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Bela Lugosi's Dead and notice the space between the sounds: the slow drums, the bass and the loose, echoing guitar. Hear how the voice only comes through late.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Mentioned in other articles

See also

Categories: ArtistsGothic rock