Intro
Adam Ant’s career is one of the most fascinating battles between a pop star and the British press: a war fought in headlines, videos, and even in his lyrics. As a kid (like many Americans my age), I first knew him only as the guy behind Goody Two Shoes, but over time I came to see his catalog as not only as a tour-de-force of musical versatility, but also map of resilience. In the wake of betrayal, critical drubbing, and mental health issues, Ant was a survivor. This article will focus on his crusade against the British media.
“Antmania” was a double-edged sword, as the British media quickly turned on Adam
Outsider Beginnings - Dirk Wears White Sox
Adam Ant was originally in a punk band dubbed Bazooka Joe. But when he wanted to form Adam and the Ants, he incorporated the moody elements of post-punk. Their debut, Dirk Wears White Sox is a great example of a “just broke away from punk” album, and believe it or not the press liked him. Indeed, Zerox has driving punk energy but benefits further from being more melodic. Lyrically its clever too, poking fun at Bowie copycats. Cleopatra and Cartrouble are also good examples of Ant’s early, more punchy sound. But the goodwill came to a halt when Malcolm McClaren, of Sex Pistols fame, stole Adam Ant’s backing band to form Bow Wow Wow (all’s fair in love and anarchy). This was egg on Ant’s face in the eyes of the British media.
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Reinvention & Breakthrough - Kings of the Wild Frontier
Adam Ant got off the mat and gathered a new band. In addition, Ant traded noirish post-punk shadows for the new romantic style’s flamboyant color. This lightened both their sound and look. Ant was inspired by his Romani grandfather and drew heavily on Native American dress and other cultural motifs. They also took advantage of the fledging music video medium to show everyone. And he incorporated an intense African style of drumming called the Burundi Beat. When their sophomore effort Kings of the Wild Frontier came out, the press hailed Ant for the quick personnel and sonic pivot. Antmusic is one of several self-referential songs from the band. It urges the listener to not listen to the obvious choices. Ironically, Adam and the Ants became an obvious choice. Borrowing from the Beatles (!) lexicon, “Antmania” was underway. But it was a double-edged sword, as the British media quickly turned on Ant.
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