Front 242 - Biography

Profile

242_logo.jpg (2935 bytes) Front 242 can be presented as one of the pioneers in electronic music since the eighties and still perpetuate their leadership in the nineties. This Belgian band has forced several markets to their musical vision from Europe to the USA by selling over two millions records. In the year of 1997 the band has decided to undertake a World Tour to underline their two last releases "Live Code" (live album) and "Mut@ge.Mix@ge" (remix album including remixes by The Prodigy, The Orb and the Underworld). Their style makes a link between the many different electronic music genres that have emerged through these last two decades. They've enriched their sound by incorporating innovative technologies to provide a successful continuity of enveloping atmo-spheres and rhythms, making you want to find out more... Finally, Front 242 have always kept a powerful image as a "live band". They have a high profile on stage using live sequencing (no play-back tapes) synthesizers, screens and a dynamic show.

1981. Front 242 was created by Daniel B. and Dirk Bergen. First single called "Principles" was released at the end of this year.

1982. The band was joined by Patrick Codenys and Jean-Luc De Meyer. The second single "U-Men" became the first breakthrough. Soon they released the first album called "Geography". At that time other bands began to make hard electronic music. Bands like Nitzer Ebb, Die Krupps, Poessie Noire were all influenced by Front 242.

1983. Arrival of Richard 23. Dirk Bergen leaves the band. Consolidation of roles within Front 242. At that time Front 242 had become the most popular band from Belgium and they released the second album called "No Comment". This album introduced the name Electronic Body Music for their kind of sound.

1984. The band was signed by a bigger label in the USA called Wax Trax. They started the first tour in the U.S.A. together with a supporting act called Ministry. The four friends from Belgium became known as the first band who played this kind of music in the U.S.A. Foundation of an artistic and commercial structure to support auto-productions.

1985. New album was released called "BackCatalogue" wich looked back to the first succesful years.

1986. Front 242 was signed by the Belgium label Red Rhino Europe wich was distributed by Play it Again Sam. The world wide breakthrough came with the release of their third album in called "Offical Version" wich made it high in to the independent / alternative hit lists. This album also was of great importance to the New BeatScene which started in 1988 and became a success in Belgium and Holland.

1987. First full European "Official Warfare" tour.

1989. European and American "Front By Front" tour.

1990. New album called "Tyranny > For You <" which was their first release on the EPIC/SONY label in the U.S.A."Tragedy > For You<" video by Anton Corbijn.

1991. European and American "Tyranny > For You <" tour.

1993. Collective Art Exhibition in Los Angeles including material on and by Front 242. Release of two new albums called "06:21:03:11 Up Evil", "05:22:09:12 Off" and of a mini-album called "Angels Versus Animals". The single "Religion" reached number one and the album Up Evil entered the official UK charts and billboards within a few weeks of release. "Religion" video by Jon Klein. "Animal" video directed by John Wentworth, David Lynch's assistant. European and American "Up Evil" tour.

1995. Release of remix album called "Mut@ge.Mix@ge" which include remixes by The Prodigy, Underworld and The Orb.

1997. Billboard Encyclopedia - "TOP 500 BEST Producers in Rock History" features Front 242. "Re:Boot" World tour.

1998. Release of live album called "[:Re:Boot: (L. IV. E])" through new labels: Metropolis (USA) and Zoth Ommog (Europe). This live album features the remixed tracks of Front 242's new live show.