| Cover | Ultravox-Passing_Strangers.jpg |
|---|---|
| Artist | Ultravox |
| Album | Vienna |
| B-side |
|
| Released | 26 September 1980[1] |
| Recorded | February 1980 |
| Studio | RAK, London |
| Genre | Post-punk, electronic, new wave |
| Length | 3:48 |
| Label | Chrysalis Records |
| Writer | Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie, Midge Ure |
| Producer | Ultravox and Conny Plank |
| Prev year | 1980 |
| Next year | 1981 |
"Passing Strangers" is Ultravox's second single from Vienna, the band's first album with Midge Ure, released on Chrysalis Records on 26 September 1980.
A fast-paced guitar track recalling early John Foxx-era Ultravox, Passing Strangers ultimately failed to live up to the top 30 success of its predecessor "Sleepwalk". It stalled at #57 in the UK charts despite having a music video (directed by Russell Mulcahy and featuring Barbie Wilde and Tok from Tik & Tok) and release on 12" format alongside the regular 7", both of which "Sleepwalk" lacked.[2] The video was shot in Beckton Gas Works, London.
The single contains two live b-sides; "Face To Face", an original Ultravox track that was never recorded in studio, and a live cover of the Brian Eno song "King's Lead Hat".[3] "Face to Face" was taken from a show in St Albans City Hall. The complete show was released on the 40th anniversary Vienna box-set 2020.[4]
Track listing
7" version
- "Passing Strangers" – 3:48
- "Face to Face (Live 16 Aug 80 at St Albans City Hall)" – 6:04
12" version
- "Passing Strangers" – 3:48
- "Face to Face (Live 16 Aug 80 at St Albans City Hall)" – 6:04
- "King's Lead Hat (Live 17 Aug 80 at Lyceum)" – 4:06
References
- ^ "Passing Strangers". 45cat. Retrieved 1 November 2025.
- ^ Ultravox Rare 1 CD sleeve notes. Chrysalis Records 1993
- ^ "allmusic". AllMusic. 2021-08-01.
- ^ "vienna-40th-anniversary". 2021-08-01.