Ultravox singer Midge Ure performing at Live Aid on July 13, 1985. Photo: PA WireMoody chart hit Vienna by Ultravox has been named the favourite song from the 1980s in a British radio poll.
The track, which famously failed to make it to number one after being held off the top slot by novelty hit Shaddap You Face by Joe Dolce, headed a listener poll for radio station Absolute 80s.
Ultravox’s 1981 hit beat runner-up Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi and third-placed Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
Vienna was accompanied by an atmospheric video which was filmed in various London locations, including Covent Garden, rather than the Austrian capital.
Band frontman Midge Ure said: “Of all the records, all the great records that were out during the 1980s, for that to come top of the heap is just wonderful news.
“To have something that has lasted that amount of time in people’s minds and hearts, it’s just great. There is a bonus about being at the number two spot for five or six weeks, the record keeps selling. So, we’re not going to cry on the way to the bank. It was absolutely fine.”
The top 10
1. Ultravox – Vienna
2. Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a Prayer
3. Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Relax
4. A-Ha – Take on Me
5. Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
6. New Order – Blue Monday
7. Dexy’s Midnight Runners – Come on Eileen
8. Bryan Adams – Summer of ’69
9. Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart
10. Human League – Don’t You Want Me