30 years ‘Fear (of the Unknown)’... by Siouxsie and the Banshees!

On 26th November 1991 Siousxie and the Banshees released the U.S. only single ‘Fear (of the Unknown)’. It was released as the second U.S. single from the band's 10th studio album, Superstition. As this single was not released in the UK it became the only Siouxsie and the Banshees single not to be issued in their homeland.

Although the original version of ‘Fear (of the Unknown)’, as it appears on the album, was already a more uptempo and dance-oriented track with a lot of percussion work by drummer Budgie, it was still drastically remixed by Junior Vasquez to accentuate its 4/4 rhythm and give it a more house touch. When included on the 1992 compilation album Twice Upon a Time: The Singles, the track was presented in yet another version, being the fourth track on this single release.

The song became the Banshees' biggest hit in the U.S. climbing to number 6 in the Hot Dance/Disco chart.

The cover art is an homage to James Stewart's dream sequence in Alfred Hitchcock's film Vertigo.

‘Fear (of the Unknown)’ Lyrics)
I get the feeling -- I'm not alone
I get the feeling -- it's someone I don't know

Do you ever have the strange sensation
When you're standing mighty tall
To jump from 17 floors and crash into freefall?
But then fear takes control -- fear of the unknown

Imagines two complete strangers
Who suspect they were meant to be
Both in need of love and affection
Yet their suspicions prevent something heavenly
Fear takes control -- fear of the unknown

Aware of what will hurt you
You're prepared to remain this way
So sad yet safe with your afflictions
Afraid to start a brand new day

We all get the strangest feeling
When we're standing mighty tall
To jump from 17 floors and crash into freefall

But then fear carries all -- fear of the unknown
Fear takes its toll -- fear of the unknown
Aware of what will hurt you
You're prepared to remain this way
So sad yet safe with your afflictions
Afraid to start a brand new day

Fear (Of The Unknown) 12" vinyl track listing

1. "Fear (Of The Unknown) (CHR Mix)"°
2. "Fear (Of The Unknown) (House Of Fear Extended Mix)"°
3. "Fear (Of The Unknown) (LP Version)"°
4. "Fear (Of The Unknown) (Vertigo Mix)"°
5. "Fear (Of The Unknown) (Urban Fear Mix)"°
6. "Spiral Twist"

DISCOGS