Midge Ure joins forces with rising Devon musician on new Fade to Grey version

Devon-born musician Cole Stacey has teamed up with Ultravox star Midge Ure to release a haunting new version of the 80s classic Fade to Grey.

The pair have performed together for over a decade, and Cole says reworking the song has been a deeply personal experience.

“I feel like a humble custodian of a song that’s played a massive role in my journey,” he said.

“I wanted to strip it back to its haunting melody and extraordinary words, to let it sing for itself. Midge’s contribution is seismic in making this version come together.”

The track was recorded partly in a former Victorian clay factory in Devon, blending Stacey’s vocals, octave mandolin and bass with Ure’s guitar.

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The result shines new light on a song that has long held a place in music history.

Raised in Honiton and now based near Tavistock, Cole is back on the road after a busy summer of European festivals. He is touring his debut album Postcards From Lost Places, praised on BBC Radio 5 Live as “a magnificent sound.”

The album was recorded in unique Devon locations, including Brentor, Lydford Jail and the abandoned RAF Harrowbeer site on Dartmoor.

“Moving back home to Devon gave me the chance to immerse myself in these places and their stories,” Cole said. “Writing and recording here has been incredibly cathartic.”

Exeter audiences will have the chance to hear the new single and Stacey’s debut album live at a special concert on Sunday 23 November at The Hall (former Victorian Sunday School).

The show begins at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite or colestacey.net .