
Roxy Music
βStyle is a very important part of what we do. It's not just about the music; it's about the entire presentation.β
Roxy Music was a pioneering English rock band formed in 1970 by Bryan Ferry, who became the group's lead vocalist, principal songwriter, and keyboardist. The original lineup also featured Andy Mackay (oboe and saxophone), Phil Manzanera (guitar), Paul Thompson (drums), Brian Eno (synthesizers and treatments), and Graham Simpson (bass). Melding the experimental, avant-garde electronic elements introduced by Eno with Ferry's romantic, cinematic crooning and a high-fashion, retro-futuristic aesthetic, Roxy Music became one of the most influential forces of the 1970s and 1980s. They bridged the gap between early art rock, glam rock, new wave, and sophisti-pop, laying the sonic and visual blueprints for the post-punk and New Romantic movements.
The band released their self-titled debut in 1972, instantly capturing critical acclaim with their eclectic sound and striking visual presentation. After their second album, 'For Your Pleasure' (1973), Brian Eno departed the band to pursue his landmark solo career. Roxy Music continued to thrive, releasing a series of highly successful albums including 'Stranded' (1973), 'Country Life' (1974), and 'Siren' (1975), the latter yielding their first major international hit, 'Love Is the Drug'. Following a temporary hiatus, the band reformed in the late 1970s with a sleeker, more polished production style. This era culminated in their final studio masterpiece, 'Avalon' (1982), which went multi-platinum and produced enduring pop classics like 'More Than This' and the ethereal title track.
Roxy Music's stylish and atmospheric songs have been widely used in modern media soundtracks. Their smooth sophisti-pop classic 'Avalon' was featured in the HBO drama series Task (2025), playing during a scene where Robbie tries to get his daughter Harper to rehearse their special dance in Episode 4 ('All Roads'), adding a poignant, nostalgic layer to the family dynamic.
Appearances on Soundtrack Wiki
- Mixtape (2026)
- Task (2025)
- Widow's Bay (2026)
Genres & Styles
Band Members (People)
- Bryan Ferry
- Brian Eno
- Phil Manzanera
- Andy Mackay
- Paul Thompson
- Graham Simpson
- Eddie Jobson
- John Gustafson
Main Discography
- Roxy Music (1972)
- For Your Pleasure (1973)
- Stranded (1973)
- Country Life (1974)
- Siren (1975)
- Manifesto (1979)
- Flesh and Blood (1980)
- Avalon (1982)
Related Projects
- Bryan Ferry
- Brian Eno
- The Explorers
- Quiet Sun
Similar Artists
- David Bowie
- Bryan Ferry
- Brian Eno
- The Cars
- T. Rex
- Spandau Ballet
- Simple Minds
- Japan
Awards
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2019)
- Melody Maker Award for Brightest Hope (1972)
- Ivor Novello Award Nomination for Best Pop Song - 'Love Is the Drug' (1976)
Trivia
Brian Eno's Departure: Synthesizer player Brian Eno left the band in 1973 after the release of their second album, 'For Your Pleasure', due to creative differences and personality clashes with lead singer Bryan Ferry.
The Cover Models: Roxy Music was famous for its glamorous album covers, which frequently featured high-profile fashion models, including Amanda Lear, Jerry Hall, and Marilyn Cole.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Roxy Music was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing their massive influence on the development of alternative and pop music.
The Success of Avalon: The band's final studio album, 'Avalon' (1982), is widely considered their most successful, staying at number one on the UK Albums Chart for three weeks and becoming the band's only platinum-certified album in the United States.