Wang Chung

The London-based new wave group Wang Chung had a handful of hits in the mid-80s, achieving their greatest popularity in America.

Originally called Huang Chung, the band consisted of vocalist/guitarist Jack Hues, bassist Nick Feldman and drummer Darren Costin.

The band recorded four tracks for 101 Records in the late 70s, all of which appeared on a pair of compilation albums.

Huang Chung released their first single, Isn’t It About Time We Were On Television?, in 1980, with the record leading to a contract with Arista Records. The group released their first album, Huang Chung, in 1982.

By the time they recorded 1984’s Points on The Curve, the band had changed their name to Wang Chung, which avoided a lot of tongue-twisting and confusion.

Dance Hall Days was a small hit in Britain, yet the band hit the Top 40 twice in America – Don’t Let Go made it to #36, while Dance Hall Days reached #16.

From this point on, Wang Chung ignored the UK market, choosing to concentrate on the US.

To Live and Die in LA,  the theme song from William Friedkin’s thriller, just missed making the Top 40 in 1985. That same year, Wang Chung switched from Geffen Records to A&M and Costin left the band.

Hues and Feldman continued as a duo and released Mosaic in 1986. The album was their biggest hit, launching the #2 hit Everybody Have Fun Tonight, and the Top Ten Let’s Go!

Wang Chung returned in 1989 with The Warmer Side of Cool album, which spent a mere six weeks on the charts, spawning the minor hit Praying to a New God.

After the relative disappointment of the album, the group quietly stopped touring and recording.

Jack Hues
Vocals, guitar, keyboards
Nick Feldman
Bass, keyboards, vocals
Darren Costin
Drums, vocals