Midge Ure on Ultravox, Live Aid and Music as a Healing Force

Few musicians embody the ambition, creativity and emotional depth of the 1980s quite like Midge Ure. As the frontman of Ultravox and a driving creative force behind both Live Aid and Band Aid, Ure helped shape not only the sound of the MTV era but also the idea that pop music could become a powerful force for social change. This week on the Stuck in the ’80s Podcast, Spearsy sits down with Midge for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about music, creativity and the emotional role songs continue to play in people’s lives decades later.

During the interview, Midge reflects on the rise of Ultravox during the late 1970s and early 1980s and how the group helped define the sophisticated synth-driven sound that became central to the new wave era. Spearsy and Midge discuss iconic songs like Vienna and the emotional atmosphere that made Ultravox stand apart from many of the decade’s more disposable pop acts.

The conversation also revisits the creation of Band Aid and the legendary Live Aid concerts, two landmark cultural moments that demonstrated how musicians could unite audiences around humanitarian causes. Midge reflects on the overwhelming scale of those events, the behind-the-scenes challenges and the lasting legacy of music-driven activism during the MTV era.

Along the way, Spearsy and Midge discuss the 2022 tour with Howard Jones, modern touring life and why music continues serving as a healing and connective force during uncertain times. The conversation becomes deeply reflective at moments, touching on aging, creativity and the emotional bond artists form with audiences across generations.

If you love synth-pop, new wave, Live Aid history, MTV nostalgia and thoughtful conversations with one of the defining musicians of the 1980s, this episode belongs in your playlist.

The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.

And don’t forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade’s biggest artists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.