DeViCom Biography: Bauhaus

Originally known as Bauhaus 1919, this Northamptonshire quartet comprised Peter Murphy (vocals), Daniel Ash (vocals, guitar), David Jay aka J. (vocals, bass) and Kevin Haskins (drums). Within months of their formation they made their recording debut in 1979 with the classic, brooding, one-minute gothic anthem, "Bela Lugosi's Dead". Their career saw them move to various independent labels (Small Wonder, Axix, 4AD and Beggars Banquet) and along the way they recorded some interesting singles, including "Dark Entries", "Terror Couple Kill Colonel" and a reworking of T. Rex's "Telegram Sam". Often insistent on spontaneity in the studio, they recorded for albums in as many years, of which Mask (1981) proved the accessible. A cameo appearance in the movie The Hunger, starring David Bowie, showed them playing their memorable Bela Lugosi tribute. They later rook advantage of the Bowie connection to record a carbon copy of "Ziggy Stardust", which gave them their only UK Top 20 hit. Although there was further belated success with "Lagartija Nick" and "She's in Parties", the group disbanded in 1983. Vocalist Peter Murphy briefly joined Japan's Mick Karn in Dali's Car and the remaining three members solidered on under the name Love and Rockets.