Bela Lugosi's Dead

Bauhaus

About Bela Lugosi's Dead

"Bela Lugosi's Dead" is a song by the English post-punk band Bauhaus. This song was the band's first single, released on 6 August 1979 by record label Small Wonder. It is often considered the first gothic rock record.


Year:
1979
180 

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White on white translucent black capes
Back on the rack
Bela Lugosi's dead
The bats have left the bell tower
The victims have been bled
Red velvet lines the black box
Bela Lugosi's dead
Undead undead undead
The virginal brides file past his tomb
Strewn with time's dead flowers
Bereft in deathly bloom
Alone in a darkened room
The count
Bela Logosi's dead
Undead undead undead

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Bauhaus

Staatliches Bauhaus (help·info), commonly known simply as Bauhaus, was a school in Germany that combined crafts and the fine arts, and was famous for the approach to design that it publicized and taught. It operated from 1919 to 1933. At that time the German term Bauhaus, literally "house of construction" (help·info) stood for "School of Building". more »

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Written by: Daniel Gaston Ash, Kevin Michael Dompe, David John Haskins, Peter John Murphy

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Origins of the Song
"Bela Lugosi's Dead" is an iconic song by English rock band Bauhaus. A big part of its fame is due to it being typically recognized as the first gothic rock release.
Recorded on Debut
The song was recorded live in the studio on the very first take during a recording session in 1979.
Song Title
The song's title refers to Bela Lugosi, famed Hungarian actor best known for his potrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 film.
Song Duration
"Bela Lugosi's Dead" clocks in at over nine minutes, which is somewhat unusual for a rock song. Its long, atmospheric introduction, amounting to nearly three minutes before the lyrics commence, was unconventional and contributed to its unique place in punk rock.
Record Format
Upon initial release, it was available only in 12-inch vinyl format, which was unusual at the time. The format added to its unconventional appeal.
Film Feature
The song was used in the opening scenes of the 1983 horror movie "The Hunger", sealing its position as a defining anthem of the goth movement.
Iconic Influence
The song never charted but went on to become highly influential, often being cited as the birth of gothic rock, influencing countless bands and artists in the genre.
Music Style
The song differs significantly from traditional rock or punk music as it is stark, simple, and bare, with darkly atmospheric sound, haunting bassline and jagged, angular guitar.
Cover Versions
Bauhaus' iconic track has been covered scores of times by artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack and Nouvelle Vague, indicating the song's lasting impact.
Tour Highlight
Despite its length and unconventional structure, "Bela Lugosi's Dead" often closed Bauhaus' live shows, demonstrating the band's commitment to their art over conventionality.
Live Performance Rarity
After Bauhaus dissolved, its individual members rarely performed the song live. Frontman Peter Murphy began including it in some of his performances after about 2005.
Song Lyrics
Lugosi is never mentioned by name in the song, but referred to indirectly with lyrics like "undead, undead, undead". This ambiguity adds to the chilling appeal of the song.
Band Success
The song didn't bring immediate success to the band, but it became a fan favorite and its popularity grew over time, helping to solidify Bauhaus' influence in gothic rock genre.

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