Release Date: 18 July 2025
Label: Wienerworld
Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 810177213727
Genres: Pop Alternative
Description
The debut and only album from the 1980s new wave band expanded now with four bonus tracks, new liner notes and rare photos
Vivabeat was formed in 1978 as a hybrid of musicians from the burgeoning Los Angeles and Boston punk/new wave scenes: Marina Muhlfriedel (also known as Marina del Rey) had founded the seminal LA punk/pop band Backstage Pass; drummer Doug Orilio and guitarist Alec Murphy were in Boston bands Reddy Teddy and Human Sexual Response, respectively; Connie De Silva was a prodigy synth player from Boston; and Marina's brother, Mick Muhlfriedel, was a bassist and record store manager in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Back in Los Angeles, strikingly handsome lead singer Terrance Robay was the final member to join Vivabeat, fresh off from the London stage from playing James Dean. The group's debut 1980 album, "Party in the War Zone" included their most successful song, "Man from China," a tune that first captured Peter Gabriel and Charisma Records' attention. Its haunting whistle hook is said to have inspired Gabriel's Top 5 UK hit, "Games Without Frontiers." "Man from China" quickly gained underground club play in Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
Vivabeat continued to record until 1986, although diminishing funds and poor distribution meant that most of the music from their later years failed to reach an audience. The band's only album is now available expanded with four bonus tracks, new liner notes and rare photos
Tracklisting
Public Enemy
Vivabeat
L.A. Guns
Vivabeat
The Dictators
Todd Rundgren
Translator
Poco
Vivabeat
