Midge Ure

Early Life

Midge Ure, born James Ure on October 10, 1953, in Cambuslang, Scotland, grew up in a working-class family. He attended Rutherglen Academy until the age of 15 and lived in a one-bedroom tenement flat with his siblings and parents for the first decade of his life. After moving to Eastfield, he pursued engineering at Motherwell Technical College before embarking on a music career, starting with a Glasgow band called Stumble in the late 1960s.

Career

Ure's musical journey took off when he joined the band Salvation in 1972, where he adopted the stage name "Midge" as a playful nod to his height. He later became the lead vocalist and guitarist for Slik, achieving a number one hit in the UK with "Forever and Ever" in 1976. Ure's career flourished in the 1980s as he became a key member of Ultravox, leading the band to significant chart success. He co-wrote and produced the iconic charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" for Band Aid in 1984, which sold 3.7 million copies in the UK and remains a Christmas classic. Ure also played a pivotal role in organizing the Live Aid and Live 8 concerts alongside Bob Geldof.

Personal Life

Midge Ure currently resides near Bath with his wife, actress and yoga teacher Sheridan Forbes, whom he married in 2003. He has three daughters and was previously married to television presenter Annabel Giles, with whom he had a daughter, Molly. Ure is open about his struggles with alcoholism, having been in recovery since 2005, and he has shared his experiences in his autobiography, "If I Was." His contributions to music and charity have earned him several accolades, including honorary doctorates from multiple universities and recognition as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.