Chris Cross: A Pioneer of New Wave Music (July 14, 1952 – March 25, 2024)
Christopher Thomas Allen, known professionally as Chris Cross, was a seminal figure in the New Wave music scene, best known as the bass guitarist for the band Ultravox. His dynamic presence, technical prowess, and ability to meld traditional rock instrumentation with electronic innovation helped define a transformative era in British music. From his early life in the vibrant cultural melting pot of London to his international fame with Ultravox, Cross’s contributions left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Chris Cross was born on July 14, 1952, in Islington, London, and grew up in a post-war Britain that was rapidly changing. The country was moving from the austerity of the 1950s into the cultural revolution of the 1960s. Influenced by this dynamic environment, Cross developed an early interest in music. By the time he was a teenager, London was buzzing with musical innovation, from the rise of British rock bands to the more experimental and avant-garde movements of the late 1960s.
Chris Cross took up the bass guitar in his youth, gravitating toward its powerful, rhythmic capabilities. His early musical influences included prominent British rock bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who, but he also admired the more experimental sounds coming from artists such as David Bowie and Kraftwerk. This eclectic mix of influences would later help him navigate the changing landscape of popular music, especially during the rise of electronic and synthesized sounds in the 1970s.
Cross’s early forays into music saw him playing in local bands, but his real breakthrough came when he met Dennis Leigh, better known as John Foxx, in the early 1970s. This partnership would eventually lead to the formation of Ultravox, a band that would catapult both artists to international fame.
The Formation of Ultravox
Ultravox, initially called Tiger Lily, was formed in 1974, with Chris Cross as the bassist, Foxx as the lead singer, and guitarist Stevie Shears. The band embraced the raw energy of punk rock, which was then emerging as a dominant force in British music, while also experimenting with elements of glam rock and progressive rock. This fusion of styles set them apart from other punk bands, allowing them to push the boundaries of what punk could sound like.
By 1976, the band had changed its name to Ultravox and was signed to Island Records. Their first album, simply titled Ultravox! (1977), was produced by the legendary Brian Eno and introduced a sound that blended punk’s aggression with a forward-looking use of synthesizers. While not a massive commercial success, the album established the band’s reputation for innovation and set the stage for their future development.
Chris Cross’s bass work during this early phase of Ultravox was crucial in maintaining the band’s punk credentials, offering a rhythmic backbone that grounded their more experimental inclinations. He had a distinctive style that blended the raw energy of punk with a more precise, melodic sensibility, a style that would later become a hallmark of the New Wave genre.
The Midge Ure Era and Ultravox’s Rise to Fame
The departure of John Foxx in 1979 marked a significant turning point for Ultravox. The arrival of Midge Ure as the band’s new frontman in 1980 ushered in a new chapter for the group, transforming them into one of the leading acts in the burgeoning New Wave movement. With Ure’s arrival, Ultravox shifted their focus even more toward synthesizers and electronic instrumentation, aligning themselves with the likes of Gary Numan and Depeche Mode, who were at the forefront of the synthpop movement.
It was during this period that Chris Cross truly came into his own as a musician. His basslines, while still maintaining a strong rhythmic presence, became more intricate, weaving in and out of the synthesizers and drum machines that now dominated Ultravox’s sound. His ability to adapt to the band’s new direction was a testament to his versatility and musical intelligence.
The band’s fourth album, Vienna (1980), became a massive commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart. The title track, “Vienna,” remains one of Ultravox’s most iconic songs, its brooding, atmospheric sound epitomizing the band’s new direction. Cross’s bass on this track is subtle yet essential, providing a steady foundation for the swirling synths and dramatic vocals that dominate the song.
Throughout the 1980s, Ultravox continued to release a string of successful albums, including Rage in Eden (1981), Quartet (1982), and Lament (1984). These albums solidified the band’s status as pioneers of New Wave and synthpop, and Cross’s contributions were integral to their success. His basslines, while often understated, were essential in grounding the band’s more experimental tendencies and giving their music a sense of structure and cohesion.
Life After Ultravox
Ultravox disbanded in 1987, following the release of their ninth studio album, U-Vox. While the band had achieved significant commercial success throughout the early 1980s, the latter part of the decade saw diminishing returns, both commercially and creatively. The changing musical landscape, with the rise of house music and the decline of New Wave, contributed to the band’s decision to call it quits.
Following Ultravox’s dissolution, Chris Cross largely stepped away from the spotlight. Unlike some of his bandmates, he did not pursue a solo career or attempt to capitalize on his fame. Instead, he focused on other interests, including photography and film, while remaining a respected figure within the music industry. His contributions to Ultravox and the wider New Wave movement continued to be recognized, and the band’s influence on subsequent generations of musicians—particularly those in the synthpop and electronic music genres—remained strong.
Reunions and Legacy
In 2008, more than two decades after their initial breakup, Ultravox announced that they would be reuniting for a series of live performances. Chris Cross rejoined his former bandmates for these shows, which were met with critical acclaim. The success of these performances led to further tours and, in 2012, the release of a new album, Brilliant, featuring the classic lineup of Ure, Cross, drummer Warren Cann, and keyboardist Billy Currie.
While the new material did not achieve the commercial heights of the band’s earlier work, it was a testament to the enduring appeal of Ultravox and the lasting chemistry between its members. For fans, it was a welcome return to form and a reminder of the significant impact the band had made on the music world.
Chris Cross’s legacy as a musician is inseparable from that of Ultravox. As a founding member and key contributor to the band’s sound, he helped shape the course of New Wave music, blending the energy of punk with the futuristic sounds of synthesizers and electronic instrumentation. His bass playing, characterized by its melodic precision and rhythmic drive, provided the foundation for some of the most iconic songs of the 1980s.
On March 25, 2024, Chris Cross died at the age of 71.
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