SerpApi.Org
The iconic British rock band UK, formed by influential members from bands like King Crimson, Yes, Roxy Music and Soft Machine, has earned its place among the greatest supergroups of all time.
The legendary quartet was among the 23 all-star lineups listed by BBC Music Magazine as one of the most celebrated supergroups ever formed.
While Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Asia and Cream secured the top four spots in the ranking, UK landed at No. 5.
Described by the publication as a “ferociously talented prog supergroup,” the band was founded by drummer Bill Bruford and bassist John Wetton, both former members of King Crimson.
Completing the original lineup were violinist and keyboardist Eddie Jobson of Roxy Music and guitarist Allan Holdsworth, forming a powerhouse lineup that quickly became one of progressive rock's most acclaimed groups.
UK made its debut in 1978 and released its self-titled debut album, U.K.
With its members bringing together decades of musical experience and influence, the album peaked at No. 65 on the Billboard 200 and No. 43 on the UK Albums Chart.
The album includes the band's hit track "In the Dead of Night," which the keyboardist and electric violinist once described as the band's “signature song.”
“In The Dead of Night was probably the song that came together the quickest and easiest, which is probably why it became the U.K.’s signature song,” Jobson mentioned in an interview as reported by Music Aficionado. “I brought the piece in as a virtually complete three-part suite—mostly written out on sheet music—but it turned out to be one of those songs that everyone just started playing and it immediately worked.”
Shortly after the album was released, guitarist Allan Holdsworth left in 1978 due to creative differences.
At the same time, Bruford also left the band to rejoin King Crimson. He was then replaced by Terry Bozzio from Frank Zappa's band, creating the second lineup of UK alongside Wetton and Jobson.
The trio released their second and final album, Danger Money, in 1979.
Although the album received positive reviews, the band disbanded the following year after struggling to achieve significant commercial success.
Following its disbandment in 1980, UK held its first reunion tour 31 years later, performing in New York City and staging a special four-night residency in Tokyo.
At the time, the lineup featured Wetton and Jobson with backing musicians Alex Machacek on guitar and Marco Minnemann on drums.
Related: '80s Rock Band, Formed by Accident, Ranked Among 'Best Supergroups' of All Time
