North America’s premier 80’s Regeneration tour is back in 2013. Established back in 2008 when The Human League, Belinda Carlisle, ABC, A Flock of Seagulls, and Naked Eyes launched the tour. In 2009 the tour returned with ABC, Berlin, Wang Chung, Cutting Crew, and Missing Persons. What proved to be a great mix of 80’s new wave bands unfortunately took a 3 year break between 2010 and 2012. In 2013 the tour was re-established with Erasure’s Andy Bell, Howard Jones, Men Without Hats, Information Society, Flock Of Seagulls, and Berlin on select dates. A scaled down Regeneration tour came to The Paramount in Huntington NY Wednesday August 21st. Erasure’s Andy Bell, Howard Jones, and Dangerous Muse teamed up for an evening of 80’s dance and new wave music.
A nearly sold out crowd gathered early to catch New York City electronic rock band Dangerous Muse. Fronted by Mike Furey, Dangerous Muse provide a unique blend of rock guitars with electronic 80’s new wave sound. With an excellent stage presences and fun and catchy tracks Dangerous Muse gained the attention of die hard 80’s new wave fans. Howard Jones followed with a spectacular set of his classic feel good synthpop hits. With a clean crisp sound which still sounds good nearly 3 decades later. Jones voice sounds identical to the performance on the record and he knows how to keep the crowd engaged. With a head set microphone allowing his hands to be free to play keyboards and wander about the stage to stimulate fan participation in the show. The crowd danced their troubles away to tracks like “What Is Love?”, “Like To Get To Know You Well”, “New Song”, and “Life In One Day”. When Jones began playing the opening notes to “No One Is To Blame” nearly all in attendance began to sing along with each word of this powerful enlightening song. To end the set Jones excited the crowd with the powerful dance hit “Things Can Only Get Better”. The positive energy was elevated and there is no doubt that all enjoyed the set. To close out the evening Erasure’s Andy Bell took the stage by storm in his own unique style. Bell’s voice, unique in it’s own right, filled the air with an abundant amount of cheers. With a great mix of Erasure classic tunes and Bell’s 2000’s solo material the energy of the crowd peaked. With large screens behind the band video clips of Erasure music videos played throughout the set to provide an even more stimulating visual experience. As if the music and stage show was not enough Bell’s personality is extremely engaging and upbeat. With songs like “Always”, “Chains Of Love” and many more it was a non-stop dance party. Fans clearly fed off the energy Bell brought and for a short period of time let go of all the stresses of everyday life.
Regeneration Tour 2013 was a great evening of some of the electronic rock, synthpop and new wave the 1980’s had to offer. An often forgotten era of music in mainstream culture but clearly not in the dedicated fan base.
Dangerous Muse –
Howard Jones –
Erasure’s Andy Bell –
){kind=link}
No comment