Cabaret Voltaire

The Profile

Formed in Sheffield in 1973 by Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder and Chris Watson, Cabaret Voltaire are widely recognised as pioneers of industrial and experimental electronic music. Their work spans early DIY tape experiments to more structured, dance-oriented records in the 1980s.

Original trio: Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder and Chris Watson. Chris Watson left the group in the early 1980s and later pursued a career in professional sound recording. Richard H. Kirk developed a prolific solo career. The band is credited with helping bridge krautrock/industrial experiments and early techno/electronic dance music.

DeBaser hosts a handful of enthusiastic, analytical reviews celebrating Cabaret Voltaire as pioneers of industrial and electronic music. Reviewers highlight early attic experiments, landmark records like Mix-Up and Red Mecca, and the group's evolution toward danceable, experimental rhythms. Overall the coverage is admiring and frames the band as an essential bridge between krautrock, industrial and early techno.