| Passing Strangers | |
| Cover: | Ultravox-Passing_Strangers.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Ultravox |
| Album: | Vienna |
| Released: | 10 October 1980 |
| Recorded: | February 1980 |
| Studio: | RAK, London |
| Genre: | Post-punk, electronic, new wave |
| Length: | 3:48 |
| Label: | Chrysalis Records |
| Producer: | Ultravox and Conny Plank |
| Prev Title: | Sleepwalk |
| Prev Year: | 1980 |
| Next Title: | Vienna |
| Next Year: | 1981 |
"Passing Strangers" is Ultravox's second single from Vienna, the band's first album with Midge Ure, released on Chrysalis Records on 10 October 1980.[1]
A fast-paced guitar track recalling early John Foxx-era Ultravox, Passing Strangers ultimately failed to live up to the top 30 success of its predecessor "Sleepwalk". It stalled at #57 in the UK charts despite having a music video (directed by Russell Mulcahy and featuring Barbie Wilde and Tok from Tik & Tok) and release on 12" format alongside the regular 7", both of which "Sleepwalk" lacked.[2] The video was shot in Beckton Gas Works, London.
The single contains two live b-sides; "Face To Face", an original Ultravox track that was never recorded in studio, and a live cover of the Brian Eno song "King's Lead Hat".[3] "Face to Face" was taken from a show in St Albans City Hall. The complete show was released on the 40th anniversary Vienna box-set 2020.[4]