ABC, a popular British new wave band of the early '80s, emerged with catchy, synth-driven dance-pop hits like "Poison Arrow," "Look of Love," and "Be Near Me." Vocalist Martin Fry, previously a fanzine writer, joined forces with Mark White and Stephen Singleton of Vice Versa to form the group in 1980, eventually signing with Phonogram Records and releasing their debut album, The Lexicon of Love, in 1982.
ABC's success in the U.S. was propelled by MTV, with hits like "The Look of Love" and "Poison Arrow" gaining traction. Despite lineup changes and a shift to a rock sound in their second album, Beauty Stab, ABC's commercial momentum waned. They rebounded with the single "Be Near Me" in 1985, leading to the album How to Be a...Zillionaire!. The band's later years saw varied releases, including the acclaimed Lexicon of Love II in 2016, showcasing Fry's timeless vocals and songwriting.
