The artwork that inspired Roxy Music’s ‘Virginia Plain’
When Roxy Music arrived on the scene in the early 1970s, they were something of a rarity. Not quite glam, not quite prog, the band have always been delightfully difficult to pigeonhole. Led by the vocal and songwriting talents of Bryan Ferry, the group’s fairly short initial run boasts some of the most beloved and influential records of the 1970s. Arguably their defining track, ‘Virginia Plain’ is among those that signify the exciting and experimental qualities that make Roxy Music so well-respected.
Formed by Ferry with bassist Graham Simpson in 1971, Roxy Music came into their own with the influence of the legendary Brian Eno on synth. The band were an instant success, with their eponymous debut album reaching number ten in the charts. Musically, the group are hard to pin down, owing largely to the experimental and avant-garde influence of Eno in addition to the skilled songwriting of Ferry.
It is easier to discuss the genres that Roxy Music influenced rather than who they themselves were inspired by — they seem to have arrived fully formed like an unruly gang of rock and roll aliens. They played a huge part in inspiring the later punk and new wave scenes, and were reportedly a favourite of none other than David Bowie.
Their seminal hit ‘Virginia Plain’ was released in 1972 as the band’s debut single. Toeing the line between glam and avant-garde, the song is characterised by Ferry’s distinctive vocal delivery and Brian Eno’s heavy synths. Ferry’s performance almost sounds like a vocal track being played on a turntable with a struggling motor, yet it is absolutely infectious. The song is unusual for its lack of a chorus, having a somewhat narrative quality – though, a fairly confusing, hard-to-follow narrative.
According to the singer, the title of the track was inspired by a painting, specifically one of Ferry’s own works. Whilst at art school in the 1960s, a young Bryan Ferry was taught by noted British painter Richard Hamilton. During this time, the Durham-born songwriter painted ‘Virginia Plain,’ the painting that would provide Roxy Music’s breakthrough single with its title and final lyrics. “The painting was a sort of throwaway watercolour”, Ferry said in 1972, “and the song has lots of little images and throwaway lines.”
Expanding on the painting, Ferry said, “The painting was done in 1964, and although the song was written this year, it reflects the feeling of that time – I was up in Newcastle, living with a guy who’d helped Warhol to make the Marilyn Monroe silkscreens. It’s a whole American Dream thing, living up there yet constantly thinking about Warhol’s Factory and Baby Jane Holzer. It’s got some other things in it now. Vegas, Nevada, Route 66.”
Roxy Music broke up in 1976 before reforming two years later, and during their time together, they released some of the most incredible records of the 1970s. Along with the successful solo career of Bryan Ferry, the band certainly have a lot to answer for. Their best material is, of course, up for debate, but their stunning debut single remains a fan favourite.
