Double (band)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Biography
Originally known as Ping Pong, Double was a Swiss duo, best remembered today for their 1986 hit single "The Captain of Her Heart", which remains a familiar radio favourite.
Double (pronounced doo-BLAY) was formed in 1981 in Zurich, Switzerland by Felix Haug (drums and keyboards) and Kurt Maloo (guitar and vocals). They achieved some early success with the release of a single entitled "Rhythm Walk", and several appearances around Europe in music festivals.
Prior to releasing their debut album, the duo issued several further singles, of which "Nanningo", "Rangoon Moon", and "Woman of the World" were the most popular. The high point of Double's career came shortly after the late-1985 release of their first full length album, Blue. The album contained two of the band's earlier singles as well as the international smash hit "Captain of Her Heart", a plaintive, atmospheric piano-led ballad which was an immediate success throughout Europe upon its 1986 release. It reached #8 in the UK Singles Chart and eventually hit the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at the end of the year, climbing to #16.
Their next album, Dou3le followed in 1987 but, despite including the acclaimed single "Devils Ball", it failed to emulate the success of its predecessor and Double split shortly after. Kurt Maloo pursued a solo career, in the course of which he has released three albums Single (1990), Soul and Echo (1995) and Loopy Avenue (2006). Felix Haug died following a heart attack on 1 May 2004.
Members
- Kurt Maloo - Vocals and Guitar (1981-1987)
- Felix Haug - Drums and Keyboards (1981-1987)
Discography
Albums
- Nanningo (EP) - 1983
- Blue - 1985
- Dou3le - 1987
Singles (selected)
- "Nanningo" - 1983
- "Rangoon Moon" - 1984
- "Woman of the World" - 1984
- "The Captain of Her Heart" - 1986 - #3 Dominican Republic, #3 Italy, #4 Canada, #8 UK, #9 France, #9 Norway, #10 Germany, #11 Switzerland, #14 South Africa, #15 Austria, #16 U.S.
- "Your Prayer Takes Me Off" - 1986
- "Devils Ball" - 1987
- "Gliding" - 1987
See also
