Visage was a pioneering British synth-pop and new wave group whose stylish, futuristic sound helped define the early 1980s New Romantic movement. Formed by Steve Strange, Midge Ure, Rusty Egan, and other key contributors from London’s vibrant club scene, the band blended electronic experimentation with a bold visual aesthetic rooted in fashion and performance art. Their breakthrough hit “Fade To Grey” became an international classic, showcasing their atmospheric production, haunting vocals, and innovative approach to electronic music.
Although their lineup shifted over the years, Visage remained synonymous with the glamour, creativity, and avant-garde spirit of the era, leaving an influential legacy that continues to echo through modern synth-pop and alternative music.
Visage’s 1980 single “Fade To Grey” is a defining masterpiece of the New Romantic era, blending moody electronic textures with striking visual artistry to create one of synth-pop’s most enduring classics. Built on a hypnotic synth melody, a pulsing rhythm, and Steve Strange’s cool, detached vocal delivery—paired with haunting French spoken-word passages—the song captures a sense of stylish melancholy that set it apart from anything else at the time.
Its innovative production and unforgettable video made “Fade To Grey” an international sensation, helping to solidify Visage’s reputation as leaders of the early ’80s electro-avant-garde. Today, the track remains a landmark of the genre, admired for its atmosphere, sophistication, and cultural impact.
The song peaked at No. 08 in the UK singles chart on 7th February 1981.
| A-Side | Fade To Grey (3:49) (Currie, Payne, Ure) Produced By Visage, Midge Ure |
| B-Side | The Steps (3:08) (Strange, Ure, Currie, McGeoch, Egan, Formula) Produced By Visage, Midge Ure |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, SynthPop, New Wave |
| Release Date | 14th November 1980 |
| Label | POLYDOR |
| Catalogue Number | POSP 194 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 17th January 1981 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 08 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 09 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [9 Weeks] – 17th January 1981 – 14th March 1981 |
Officially Released Versions
Fade To Grey (Single Version) (3:49)
Fade To Grey (Album Version) (3:59)
Fade To Grey (Special Maxi Version) (6:17]
Fade To Grey (Dance Mix) (6:43)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Devenir gris
Devenir gris
One man on a lonely platform
One case sitting by his side
Two eyes staring cold and silent
Shows fear as he turns to hide
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Un homme dans une gare isolée
Une valise à ses côtés
Deux yeux fixes et froids
Montre de la peur lorsqu’il
Se tourne pour se cacher
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Sent la pluie comme un été Anglais
Entends les notes d’une chanson lointaine
Sortant de derrière d’un poster
Espérant que la vie ne fut aussi longue
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Feel the rain like an English summer
Hear the notes from a distant song
Stepping out from a backdrop poster
Wishing life wouldn’t be so long
Devenir gris
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Devenir gris
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Devenir gris
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Devenir gris
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Aaah
We fade to grey (Fade to grey)
Written By Midge Ure, Billie Currie, Chris Payne
