Although there were bands before them that pre-figured the style, Bauhaus is generally agreed to have been the first gothic rock group. They combined a number of influences to create a gloomy, but very passionate sound which appealed to many left looking for something new in the wake of punk's collapse. As the bands lead, Murphy is often referred to as the "Godfather of Goth."
Murphy's solo career, more than 10 albums strong, over time has become more nuanced than Bauhaus; the music ranging from pseudo-pop to electronica to haunting ballads that showcase his deep and complex vocals. The pinnacle of Murphy's solo popularity came with the release of Deep in 1990. The single "Cuts You Up" held on to the top spot on the Billboard alternative charts for longer than any other single before - ironically displacing "So Alive" by his former Bauhaus bandmates Love and Rockets. The record was unbroken until the release of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit."
Bauhaus reformed and went on tour in 1998, and again in 2005.
Material: wikipedia.org
