English art punk / post-punk band, formed in London in October 1976 by (vocals, guitar), (bass, vocals), (guitar), and (drums). They were originally inspired by and associated with the burgeoning UK punk rock scene, appearing on (a key document of the groups of the early scene), and were later central to the development of post-punk, influencing endless bands over the subsequent decades. Hence, the group is often cited as one of the more important rock groups of the 1970s and 1980s. Critic Stewart Mason wrote: "Over their brilliant first three albums, Wire expanded the sonic boundaries of not just punk, but rock music in general."

Wire are arguably a definitive art punk or post-punk ensemble, mostly due to their experimenting with song structures and arrangements, the richly detailed and atmospheric sound, the often obscure lyrical themes, and, to a lesser extent, their Situationist political stance. The group exhibited a steady development from an early raucous punk style with 1977's to a more complex, structured sound involving increased use of guitar effects and synthesizers on both 1978's and 1979's .

So far, the band has lived 3 major periods. Between 1981 and 1985, Wire ceased recording, with Gilbert & Lewis starting Dome and Newman doing solo projects, sometimes involving Gotobed. Wire returned with live concerts, and releases on Mute between 1986 and 1991. As Gotobed left the band in 1990, the band briefly worked as but then went on a second hiatus in 1992, with Gilbert, Lewis and Nemwan once again focused on solo projects.

Their 3rd spell started when Wire returned in 1999, initially back as a foursome with Gotobed now using his birth name Grey. For this third spell, Wire started releasing on their own label, on which they have also been put out compilations and reissues of their Harvest material.

In 2004 (and most certainly after 2007's EP, on which he'd featured in minimal capacity), founding member Gilbert left the band. In April 2010 joined as a live guitarist, subsequently getting involved in studio recordings as well.