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Adam and the Ants were an English punk band that later transitioned to new wave, active from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Originally known simply as The Ants, the group was founded in April 1977 and lasted until 1982, existing in two distinct incarnations, both fronted by Adam Ant. The first incarnation gained a cult following during the shift from punk rock to post-punk and new wave, known for their high camp and overtly sexualized stage performances and songs. This lineup included members such as Paul Flanagan, Mark Ryan (The Kid), Johnny Bivouac, and Andy Warren. The final lineup of this first phase - consisting of Dave Barbarossa, Matthew Ashman, and Leigh Gorman - left the band in January 1980 at the suggestion of their then-manager to form the instrumentalist personnel of a controversial project. The second incarnation featured guitarist Marco Pirroni, drummer-producer Chris Hughes, drummer Terry Lee Mail, and bassists Kevin Mooney and Gary Tibbs. This lineup was recognized for its incorporation of Burundi-style drumming and achieved significant commercial success in the UK and internationally from February 1980 until March 1982. Marco Pirroni continued to collaborate with Adam Ant throughout his solo career, remaining involved until shortly after Adam's comeback in 2010.
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