Cabaret Voltaire are an English music group formed in Sheffield in 1973, originally composed of Stephen Mallinder, Richard H. Kirk, and Chris Watson. The band took its name from the Zürich nightclub associated with the early Dada movement and has been recognized as an influential act in the development of electronic and industrial music. Their early work featured experimentation with DIY electronics, tape loops, and Dada-inspired performance art, laying the foundation for industrial music in the mid-1970s. During the post-punk era, the group incorporated elements of synthpop, techno, house, and funk. Following Watson’s departure in 1981, Cabaret Voltaire continued as a duo until disbanding in 1994. Kirk later revived the name as a solo project from 2009 until his death in 2021. In May 2025, Mallinder and Watson announced a 50th anniversary performance scheduled for October 2025 as part of the Sensoria Festival in Sheffield.

Chris Watson began experimenting with electronic devices in the early 1970s to create “music without musical instruments,” influenced by Brian Eno. He collaborated with Richard Kirk on tape loops and sound collages, with Kirk adding clarinet and guitar. Stephen Mallinder joined on vocals and bass, forming the original trio. Early recordings were later compiled on "Industrial Records cassette 1974-1976" (1980) and "Methodology '74/'78: The Attic Tapes" (2002). The band’s initial live performances were unconventional and often provocative, sometimes leading to confrontations with audiences. The emergence of punk rock helped them reach a more receptive audience. In 1977, Watson helped establish the Western Works studio in Sheffield, which became both a creative hub for the band and a recording space for local acts including Clock DVA, the Human League, and New Order.

Cabaret Voltaire signed to Rough Trade Records in 1978, releasing experimental singles and EPs such as "Extended Play" and "Nag Nag Nag," as well as albums including "Three Mantras," "The Voice of America" (1980), and "Red Mecca" (1981). Their early releases received critical attention and performed well on the UK Indie charts. Watson left the band in 1981, and Cabaret Voltaire continued as a duo, touring internationally and releasing the live album "Hai!" (1982). The duo began exploring a more commercial sound, collaborating with producer John Robie on the "Yashar" remix in 1983.

Under a deal with Some Bizzare and Virgin Records, the band released "The Crackdown" (1983), which reached number 31 on the UK Albums Chart. Subsequent releases included "Micro-Phonies" (1984) with singles "Sensoria" and "James Brown," "Gasoline in Your Eye" (1985), "Drinking Gasoline" (1985), and "The Covenant, The Sword and the Arm of the Lord" (1985). Cabaret Voltaire then signed with EMI, releasing "Code" (1987), featuring producer Adrian Sherwood and additional musicians including Bill Nelson and Mark Brydon. During this period, the band faced financial and logistical challenges, including the closure of Western Works and a growing geographical separation between members.

From 1988 to 1994, the members pursued solo and collaborative projects, influenced by house and techno music. Mallinder released material under Love Street and Kirk under Wicky Wacky and Sandoz, while Cabaret Voltaire released albums including "Groovy, Laidback and Nasty" (1990), "Body and Soul" (1991), and a series of instrumental works. Mallinder moved to Perth, Australia in 1995, leaving Kirk to continue the Cabaret Voltaire legacy through solo projects and collaborations.

Kirk revived Cabaret Voltaire in 2009, releasing albums such as "Kora! Kora! Kora!" and "National Service Rewind." The band performed at festivals including Berlin Atonal (2014), Incubate (2015), and Dekmantel (2016), using a machine-based setup with visuals. A planned reunion for Coachella did not materialize. In 2020, Cabaret Voltaire released "Shadow of Fear," followed in 2021 by the EP "Shadow of Funk" and albums "Dekadrone" and "BN9Drone," featuring Kirk as the sole member. Kirk died in September 2021.

In 2025, Mallinder and Watson announced the 50th anniversary reunion performance at the FORGE Warehouse in Sheffield, with a final UK tour planned for October 2026 and a live album drawn from the tour.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabaret_Voltaire_(band)

Studio albums
Mix-Up (1979)
Three Mantras (1980)
The Voice of America (1980)
Red Mecca (1981)
2x45 (1982)
The Crackdown (1983)
Micro-Phonies (1984)
The Covenant, the Sword and the Arm of the Lord (1985)
C O D E (1987)
Groovy, Laidback and Nasty (1990)
Body and Soul (1991)
Colours (1991)
Plasticity (1992)
International Language (1993)
The Conversation (1994)
Shadow of Fear (2020)
Dekadrone (2021)
BN9Drone (2021)
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