Blue Plate Special: Peter Murphy
Peter Murphy is an iconic singer, songwriter, and musician, renowned as the frontman for the influential post-punk/goth rock band Bauhaus. My introduction to Bauhaus right at the tail end of Bauhaus (1983) put me in the front row of his extensive solo career, with his albums, singles, posters and t-shirts comprising a sizeable portion of my music collection. I’ve also been able to meet him a couple of times backstage, and he continues to be one of my all-time favorite artists.
Following the disbandment of Bauhaus, Murphy formed Dalis Car with Japan’s bassist Mick Karn, releasing the album “The Waking Hour” in 1984. His solo career blossomed with albums like “Should the World Fail to Fall Apart” (1986) and “Love Hysteria” (1988), culminating in commercial success with the 1990 single “Cuts You Up” and the album “Deep,” which reached No. 44 on the Billboard 200. Murphy’s career has been marked by his distinctive baritone voice and dramatic stage presence, earning him the title “Godfather of Goth.” Murphy has also appeared on a Maxell Tape ad, in the opening sequence of the movie The Hunger, and was featured in the Twilight movie Eclipse as an ancient vampire.
Murphy’s music journey is characterized by a continual evolution of style and experimentation. After a Bauhaus reunion tour in 1998 and a subsequent new album, he collaborated with Turkish-Canadian composer Mercan Dede in 2002 to release “Dust,” an album that fused traditional Turkish instrumentation with progressive rock, trance, and classical elements. This departure from his earlier pop and rock sound showcased his versatility as an artist. In 2009, he toured with Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails, recording several cover songs for iTunes. Murphy’s subsequent work, including the 2014 album “Lion,” produced by Killing Joke’s Youth, further cemented his reputation as a dynamic and innovative figure in the music industry. Murphy’s deep cultural influences and artistic collaborations have continually pushed the boundaries of his music, making him a significant and enduring presence in the goth and alternative rock scenes.
Some of my favorites from his extensive catalog:
Cuts You Up – from the album Deep (1989)
Disappearing – from the album Cascade (1995)
Blind Sublime – from the album Love Hysteria (1988)
The Weight Of Love – from the album Unshattered (2006)
You’re So Close – from the album Holy Smoke (1992)
Loctaine – from the album Lion (2014)
Final Solution – from the album Should the World Fail to Fall Apart (1986)
Indigo Eyes – from the album Love Hysteria (1988)
I’ll Fall With Your Knife – from the album Cascade (1995)
