Passing Strangers

"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.

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. 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". "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.

7" version

 * 1) "Passing Strangers" – 3:48
 * 2) "Face to Face (Live 16 Aug 80 at St Albans City Hall)" – 6:04

12" version

 * 1) "Passing Strangers" – 3:48
 * 2) "Face to Face (Live 16 Aug 80 at St Albans City Hall)" – 6:04
 * 3) "King's Lead Hat (Live 17 Aug 80 at Lyceum)" – 4:06