Formed in 1980 by Malcolm McLaren after the demise of the Sex Pistols, Bow Wow Wow were originally the first lineup of British group Adam And The Ants. On McLaren's advice, the band ditched Adam. They found their new lead singer in 14-year-old Myint Myint Aye (Burmese for "High High Cool"), who was later renamed Annabella Lwin.

Typified by Burundi-style drumming and Lwin's singing, which veered between screaming and ritual chants, Bow Wow Wow saw some early success - amid controversy over their singer's age, and their vocal support of home taping - and increased their range after McLaren's departure, but never found widespread fame. The band now reside in Los Angeles.