“Technology has moved on”: Ultravox’s Midge Ure dismisses the “antique” Minimoog synth in archive BBC clip

The thing about music technology videos is that they have a habit of dating terribly, and this recently republished clip showing Ultravox in the studio in the early ‘80s is a fine example.

As well as featuring a layman’s explanation of how a synthesizer works, it also features Midge Ure dismissing his “very basic” Minimoog (as used to create the bassline for Vienna) is an “antique” instrument, explaining that “technology has moved on”. He goes on to demonstrate the PPG Wave, a relatively new digital synth.

Of course, he wasn’t to know that, some 35 years later, both synths would still be in demand - and that the Minimoog would end up going back into production - but that’s progress for you... 

Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it. 

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