There are few artists as fascinating and accomplished as Midge Ure. Playing music professionally for the better part of five decades, many of those years Ure has been a part of bands. From the Glam Rock act Silk and the Punk Rock leaning PVC2, to joining up with former Sex Pistol Bassist Glen Matlock in Rich Kids, before forming Visage with lead Vocalist Steve Strange, you only have half of the story. In fact, for a period Ure even helped out his friend Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy, and co-wrote the 1984 Band Aid charity hit, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” with Bob Geldof, but ultimately is most commonly associated with Ultravox. Joining Ultravox in 1979, some would say he saved them from the brink of folding, and truthfully, a good argument can be had there. A band at a crossroads when Lead Vocalist John Foxx and Guitarist Robin Simon departed, Ure stepped in, reinventing Ultravox for their fourth studio album Vienna.
Released in 1980, Vienna marked a step forward for Ultravox where their Synthpop sound melded in with a more guitar-driven influence. Largely influenced by Ure, ultimately Vienna became their most commercially successful album. Largely considered one of the best of the ’80s New Wave era, to this day fans adore many selections from it, like the title-track, “All Stood Still,” among others, and in 2023 a select few at England’s The Royal Albert Hall had a chance to see Ure perform the entire album live. A special experience, it was a special one-night-only event on April 10, 2023, coinciding with Ure’s seventieth birthday. A heck of a way to celebrate, The Royal Albert Hall was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 and has been one of the world’s most prestigious venues to perform.
With that in mind, it would be even better if the historic concert was recorded and encapsulated for all time. That is exactly what happened… because on November 8, 2024, Midge Ure is set to release the recordings to the world under the title Royal Albert Hall 04.10.23. His first live album since 2019’s Live at the Hammersmith Apollo 2018, allegedly Ure was pleasantly surprised to learn that his evening at The Royal Albert Hall could be recorded. Under the impression that recording in the hall would prohibited, fortunately, an agreement was struck where we now have high-quality mixes that can be released publically.
Speaking of which, Royal Albert Hall 04.10.23 will be made available digitally, and released as a 3CD or 3LP set. Offering plenty of options, it is a fitting holiday gift for yourself or someone who recognizes the genius behind Ure’s work. Something to consider, it should also be noted that while the full set of Vienna is a bold highlight, you also get to indulge in an array of other Ure solo songs (such as 1982’s “No Regrets,” 1996’s “Breathe,” and 1988’s “Dear God”), along with Visage favorites like 1980’s “Fade to Grey,” but also Ultravox classics including 1982’s “Reap The Wild Wind, 1981’s “The Thin Wall,” and 1984’s “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes.”
Altogether it is the ultimate Midge Ure set matched with an outstanding vocal performance. Joined by Ure’s long-time band Electronica, plus special guests Cellist Caroline Dale and Composer Ty Unwin, the sound is full and rich. Historically, while Royal Albert Hall is beautiful and awe-striking, it has notoriously had poor acoustics. Thankfully over time, the issues have been rectified; making it a great place to record a live concert with Ure’s, Bryan Adam’s 2023 release, and Eric Clapton’s Slowhand at 70, to name a few. Ure sounds energized, the music sounds as powerful as ever, and the flow of the concert is flawless. A live album that stands out, Cryptic Rock gives Royal Albert Hall 04.10.23 5 out of 5 stars.
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