Artist page · 05/07/2026

Wire

LondonFormed in 1976Alternatif9 vinyl albums
Wire is a British rock band formed in London in October 1976. Known for pioneering post-punk with a refined atmospheric sound and complex lyrics, they evolved from raw punk to artful experimental rock over decades.
Explore the discography The 3 must-haves
9Albums on Vinyles.com
1918Discogs releases
873kLast.fm listeners

About

10 essential albums including 1978's Chairs Missing and 2020's Mind Hive; multiple vinyl pressings tracked live.

Formed by Graham Lewis, Bruce Gilbert, Colin Newman, and Robert Gotobed, Wire started with a rugged punk sound on their 1977 Pink Flag. The following albums Chairs Missing (1978) and 154 (1979) expanded their use of synthesizers and complex structures. After a hiatus (1980–1985), they returned with renewed focus on electronic elements, notably renaming themselves Wir during a period without their original drummer. Since 1999, the original lineup resumed full activity, blending sharp guitar work and fast percussion. Their influence extends across multiple rock genres and generations.

Vinyles.com tracks their key releases including original and reissued pressings.

Discography

Wire discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Not About To Die (Studio Demos 1977-1978)Pinkflag · 2022
2022
Not About To Die (Studio Demos 1977-1978)
Vinyl, LP, Album, Record Store Day, Stereo
Studio
10:20Pinkflag · 2020
2020
10:20
CD, Album
Studio
Mind HivePinkflag · 2020
2020
Mind Hive
CD, Album
Studio
Silver / LeadPinkflag · 2017
2017
Silver / Lead
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Nocturnal KoreansPinkflag · 2016
2016
Nocturnal Koreans
CD, Mini-Album
Studio
WirePinkflag · 2015
2015
Wire
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
09 March 1979 Pavilion, MontreuxPinkflag · 2014
2014
09 March 1979 Pavilion, Montreux
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
19 July 1979 Notre Dame Hall, LondonPinkflag · 2014
2014
19 July 1979 Notre Dame Hall, London
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
10 Nov 1979 Jeannetta Cochrane Theatre, LondonPinkflag · 2013
2013
10 Nov 1979 Jeannetta Cochrane Theatre, London
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
12 July 1991 Mean Fiddler, LondonPinkflag · 2013
2013
12 July 1991 Mean Fiddler, London
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
21 May 1990 Hibernian, LondonPinkflag · 2013
2013
21 May 1990 Hibernian, London
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
12 June 1987 Maxwell's, HobokenPinkflag · 2013
2013
12 June 1987 Maxwell's, Hoboken
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
04 April 2011 WFMU, Jersey City - 13 April 2011 KEXP, SeattlePinkflag · 2013
2013
04 April 2011 WFMU, Jersey City - 13 April 2011 KEXP, Seattle
File, FLAC, Album, Special Edition
Studio
09 August 2009 Off Festival, MyslowicePinkflag · 2013
2013
09 August 2009 Off Festival, Myslowice
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
Change Becomes UsPinkflag · 2013
2013
Change Becomes Us
Vinyl, LP, Album, Record Store Day, Limited Edition, Numbered
Studio
23 February 2000 Nottingham Social (Recycling Sherwood Forest)Pinkflag · 2013
2013
23 February 2000 Nottingham Social (Recycling Sherwood Forest)
File, FLAC, Album, Special Edition
Studio
05 March 1979 Carre, AmsterdamPinkflag · 2013
2013
05 March 1979 Carre, Amsterdam
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
17 February 1978 West Runton Pavilion, CromerPinkflag · 2013
2013
17 February 1978 West Runton Pavilion, Cromer
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
The Black SessionPinkflag · 2011
2011
The Black Session
CD, Album
Studio
02 May 2000 Great American, San FranciscoPinkflag · 2011
2011
02 May 2000 Great American, San Francisco
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
17 Dec 1985 Paradiso, AmsterdamPinkflag · 2011
2011
17 Dec 1985 Paradiso, Amsterdam
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
12 Nov 1978, SO36, BerlinPinkflag · 2011
2011
12 Nov 1978, SO36, Berlin
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
08 Dec 2000 Queen's Hall, EdinburghPinkflag · 2010
2010
08 Dec 2000 Queen's Hall, Edinburgh
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
25 Oct 1978 Bradford UniversityPinkflag · 2010
2010
25 Oct 1978 Bradford University
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
19 Apr 2002 Fleece & Firkin, BristolPinkflag · 2010
2010
19 Apr 2002 Fleece & Firkin, Bristol
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
01 Dec 1987 The Town & Country, LondonPinkflag · 2010
2010
01 Dec 1987 The Town & Country, London
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
Red Barked TreePinkflag · 2010
2010
Red Barked Tree
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
21 Jul 1988 Astoria, LondonPinkflag · 2010
2010
21 Jul 1988 Astoria, London
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
Object 47Pinkflag · 2008
2008
Object 47
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
Live At The Roxy, London - April 1st & 2nd 1977 / Live At CBGB Theatre, New York - July 18th 1978Pinkflag · 2006
2006
Live At The Roxy, London - April 1st & 2nd 1977 / Live At CBGB Theatre, New York - July 18th 1978
CD, Album
Live
The Scottish Play: 2004Pinkflag · 2005
2005
The Scottish Play: 2004
DVD, NTSC, CD, Album
Studio
SendPinkflag · 2003
2003
Send
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
The DrillMute · 1991
1991
The Drill
CD, Album
Studio
ManscapeMute · 1990
1990
Manscape
CD, Album
Studio
It's Beginning To And Back AgainMute · 1989
1989
It's Beginning To And Back Again
CD, Album
Studio
A Bell Is A Cup... Until It Is StruckMute · 1988
1988
A Bell Is A Cup... Until It Is Struck
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
The Ideal CopyMute · 1987
1987
The Ideal Copy
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Document And EyewitnessRough Trade · 1981
1981
Document And Eyewitness
Vinyl, LP, 12", 45 RPM, All Media, Album
Studio
Chairs MissingHarvest · 1978
1978
Chairs Missing
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Pink FlagHarvest · 1977
1977
Pink Flag
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Wire's career.

01
Mannequin - 2006 remastered version
·
02
Fragile - 2006 Remastered Version
·
03
Three Girl Rhumba - 2006 Remastered Version
·
04
Ex Lion Tamer - 2006 Remastered Version
·
05
Outdoor Miner - 2006 Remastered Version
·
06
Another The Letter - 2006 Remastered Version
·
07
Ex Lion Tamer
·
08
Outdoor Miner
Outdoor Miner
Chairs Missing · 1978

The essentials

The 3 Wire albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1978
LP, Album, Stereo
Chairs Missing

A landmark post-punk album featuring 15 tracks, including standout singles like "Outdoor Miner" and "Practice Makes Perfect." Known for its atmospheric complexity.

15 tracksStereoMultiple vinyl pressingsReleased on Harvest label
Discover the album
#2 · 2020
180g Limited Edition LP
Mind Hive

Recent studio album with 9 tracks; blends post-punk energy and electronic art rock. Available in several vinyl versions with price tracking from €8.69 to €16.24.

9 tracksLimited EditionLabel: PinkflagReleased 2020
Discover the album
#3 · 2020
LP, Album, Special Cut
10:20

A 10-track album mixing new material and reworked older songs. Released on Pinkflag label with active vinyl market presence.

10 tracksSpecial Cut LPReleased 2020Label: Pinkflag
Discover the album

Go further

Artists similar to Wire

Artists who share part of Wire's musical DNA.

Gang of Four
Magazine
Colin Newman
Mission of Burma
Wipers
Public Image Ltd.
Public Image Ltd.
Television
Swell Maps

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Wire

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

Wire evolved from a raw punk sound to complex post-punk atmospheres with dark, obscure lyrics and situationist ideology.
— Band profile summary
01Recording

Chairs Missing’s 1978 Japanese pressing

The 1978 EMI Japanese pressing of Chairs Missing (catno EMS-81194) is a sought-after original edition with stereo sound, commanding prices sometimes above €50.

1978Japan
02Vinyl Release

Mind Hive original and reissue pressings

Mind Hive was issued in 2020 on Pinkflag in the UK and Europe with a limited edition 180g LP (PF25LP) and a standard version, tracked live with prices ranging from €8.69 to €16.24.

2020UK & Europe
03Lineup Change

Name change to Wir during drummer’s departure

After drummer Robert Gotobed left in 1990, the remaining trio renamed the band Wir and released The First Letter in 1991, which featured a sound ahead of its time blending post-punk and electronica.

1990United Kingdom
04Live Albums

Early live recordings from London and New York

Live recordings from the late 1970s, such as the 2006 release 'Live At The Roxy, London - April 1st & 2nd 1977 / Live At CBGB Theatre, New York - July 18th 1978', document Wire’s formative live sound.

1977-1978London & New York

Records by Wire

See all
154 - Front Cover

154

Wire
Punk / Hardcore Alternative
Vp/Harmony House
From $27.37 1 offer
Chairs Missing - Front Cover

Chairs Missing

Wire
Punk / Hardcore Alternative
Vp/Harmony House
From $27.37 3 offers
Pink Flag - Front Cover

Pink Flag

Wire
Punk / Hardcore Alternative
Vp/Harmony House
From $45.99 1 offer
Nocturnal Koreans - Front Cover

Nocturnal Koreans

Wire
Indie rock Alternative
VP/Harmony House
From $26.99 1 offer
Wire - Front Cover

Wire

Wire
Indie rock Alternative
Vp/Harmony House
From $30.68 1 offer
10:20 - Front Cover

10:20

Wire
Indie rock Alternative
Vp/Harmony House
From $26.90 2 offers
Mind Hive - Front Cover Mind Hive - Front Cover

Mind Hive

Wire
Indie rock Alternative
Pink Flag
From $36.99 1 offer
Document & Eyewitness 1979-1980 - Front Cover

Document & Eyewitness 1979-1980

Wire
Indie rock Alternative
VP/Harmony House
From $22.64 1 offer
Silver/Lead - Front Cover

Silver/Lead

Wire
Indie rock Alternative
VP/Harmony House
From $64.00 1 offer

CDs by Wire

Search all Wire CDs
Read & Burn 03 + - - Front Cover Read & Burn 03 + - - Front Cover

Read & Burn 03 + -

Wire
Punk / Hardcore Alternative
CD Pink Flag
View details

Recommended accessories

To protect, store and clean your records.

All accessories

FAQ

FAQ

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

What genre of music is Wire known for?

Wire is primarily known for post-punk, with roots in punk rock and experiments in alternative, art rock, and electronic music.

When was Wire formed and where?

Wire was formed in October 1976 in London, United Kingdom.

What are some essential Wire vinyl albums to collect?

Essential albums include 'Chairs Missing' (1978), 'Mind Hive' (2020), and '10:20' (2020), available in multiple vinyl editions.

Are there notable vinyl pressings of Wire’s albums?

Yes, the Japanese EMI pressing of 'Chairs Missing' (1978, EMS-81194) and limited edition Pinkflag releases like 'Mind Hive' are highly sought after.

How many tracks are on the album 'Mind Hive'?

'Mind Hive' contains 9 tracks blending post-punk and electronic influences.

What formats are Wire's recent albums available on vinyl?

Recent albums like '10:20' and 'Mind Hive' are available on 12" LP, often in special cut or limited edition formats.

What is the price range for Wire vinyl records today?

Prices vary by pressing and rarity; for example, 'Chairs Missing' Japanese press can exceed €50, while 'Mind Hive' editions range from approximately €8.69 to €16.24.

Where can Wire's vinyls be found in France?

Wire vinyl albums are available at select record stores in Paris and Lyon, and through online vinyl platforms that track real-time prices.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
    ↗
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
    ↗
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
    ↗
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
    ↗
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability
    ↗

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 05/07/2026