Bow Wow Wow

Overview

Bow Wow Wow was an English new wave band, created by Malcolm McLaren in 1980. The band's music was an incorporation of punk, new wave, and worldbeat genres, creating a unique and powerful sound that was both innovative and rebellious. They are perhaps best known for their hit single 'I Want Candy,' which remains iconic in the canon of 1980s pop music. Under the management of McLaren, who was also known for managing the Sex Pistols, the group took on a daring and controversial image, often pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in popular music at the time. With their distinct sound and style, Bow Wow Wow quickly captured the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide and established themselves as a notable force in the music scene of the early 1980s. Despite numerous lineup changes and periods of inactivity, their impact on the music industry remains significant, influencing countless artists who followed in their wake. Their blend of styles and their energetic performances ensured that they stood out during the vibrant era of 1980s music, allowing them to build a lasting legacy.

Formation and Early Years

The formation of Bow Wow Wow was orchestrated by Malcolm McLaren, who sought to create a group that could carry the punk ethos into a more mainstream stage. To this end, he approached three members of the band Adam and the Ants—Matthew Ashman (guitar), Leigh Gorman (bass), and David Barbarossa (drums)—and convinced them to form a new band. To complete the lineup, Annabella Lwin, a fourteen-year-old singer of Burmese descent, was discovered by McLaren and brought on as the lead vocalist. This diverse amalgamation of talents was pivotal to the band's early sound. In 1980, Bow Wow Wow launched on the scene with a sound characterized by its fusion of tribal rhythms, surf instrumentals, and a punk attitude. Annabella's distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence quickly became a focal point of the band, setting them apart from their contemporaries. Their early material was marked by its experimental nature and a bold approach that often incited controversy as much as it garnered attention. From their initial recordings, it was clear that Bow Wow Wow was poised to challenge the conventions of popular music at the time.

Career Highlights

Throughout their career, Bow Wow Wow achieved several significant milestones that underscored their influence and popularity during the early 1980s. One of their earliest and most notable achievements was the release of the single 'C30, C60, C90, Go!' which was among the first singles available only on cassette tape, breaking from the traditional vinyl format and hinting at changes in consumer music consumption. Their single 'Go Wild in the Country' became another success, particularly notable for its vibrant nature and Annabella's distinctive vocal delivery. However, it was the release of 'I Want Candy,' a cover of the Strangeloves' 1965 single, that propelled Bow Wow Wow to international fame. Coupled with an eye-catching music video in line with the burgeoning MTV era, the single became synonymous with the band's image. The song remains their most enduring contribution to pop music, maintaining its presence in various media and serving as a recurrent homage to the 1980s sound. Over the years, the band's members pursued different projects, but they occasionally reunited to perform, reminding audiences of their contributions to the new wave genre.

Musical Style

Bow Wow Wow's musical style is characterized by its eclectic blend of punk, new wave, and worldbeat influences, creating a sound that was both innovative and influential. Driven by the energetic beats of David Barbarossa and Leigh Gorman's pulsating bass lines, the music often incorporated a tribal quality, which set it apart from other new wave acts of the time. Matthew Ashman's guitar work added an edgy surf rock influence that complemented the percussive elements. At the heart of their music was Annabella Lwin's voice, a unique and powerful presence that brought a distinct and rebellious energy to their songs. The band's synthesis of such diverse elements was forward-thinking and helped pave the way for more eclectic approaches in popular music. Bow Wow Wow also made use of provocative and controversial themes, often highlighting youth culture and rebellion, which further cemented their place in the punk-influenced music scene. Their music was both a celebration and a critique of contemporary culture, often pushing boundaries and sparking discussions about the nature of art, commerce, and public sensibilities.

Most Important Albums

One of Bow Wow Wow's most important albums is 'See Jungle! See Jungle! Go Join Your Gang Yeah, City All Over! Go Ape Crazy!,' released in 1981. The album showcased their unique blend of sounds, from the rhythmic 'Jungle Boy' to the playful 'Chihuahua,' encapsulating the energetic spirit of the band. The boldness of the album's title mirrored the audacious nature of its music, helping to solidify Bow Wow Wow's reputation as avant-garde musicians of the time. Their follow-up album, 'When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going,' released in 1983, continued this trajectory. It included several standout tracks, such as 'Do You Want to Hold Me?' which captured the band's ability to combine catchy pop sensibilities with their trademark sound. Both albums exhibit the wide range of their musical capabilities and provide insight into the band’s development over the years. These albums, though sometimes overlooked, played a crucial role in shaping the new wave genre and continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike for their innovation and distinctive style.

Legacy and Influence

Bow Wow Wow's legacy is marked by their influence on the new wave genre and the significant impact they had in bridging the gap between punk and global influences. Their willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles has left a lasting imprint on the world of music. Artists who followed them often cite Bow Wow Wow as an inspiration for their unconventional and bold approaches to music and performance. The band was pioneering in their use of the music video as a promotional tool, linking music with visual media in a way that would become standard in the industry. Their hit 'I Want Candy,' in particular, is an enduring piece that has been covered and referenced by numerous artists and remains a cultural touchstone of the era. Even beyond music, Bow Wow Wow inspired discussions on topics like image, marketing, and the role of youth in culture. Their performances and recordings continue to be revisited by new generations, cementing their status as iconic figures in music history.