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Back
in the early `80`s I recall being mortified when Geddy Lee from Rush
cited the likes of The Police, Visage and Ultravox as his current
influences just prior to the release of 'Signals'.
That feeling of horror came to fruition on hearing 'Signals'
as Rush headed off into Police/Ultravox territory virtually abandoning
their Rock roots in the process.
After a few listens however, the delights of 'Signals'
began to show and with it, the acceptance that there just possibly was
other music forms out there to be enjoyed.
From that moment, the appreciation of bands such as Ultravox and
Talk Talk grew over the years courtesy of Rush opening my mind.
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Fast
forward almost three decades later and Ultravox with their recently
reunited “classic” line up of Midge Ure, Chris Cross Warren McCann
and Billy Curry headed out for a few extra shows on the tail end of
their year long 'Return To Eden'
tour.
Playing
to a packed hall, it’s evident that the appeal of Ultavox`s keyboard
driven grandiose Pop still holds up to this day.
During a show lasting nigh on two hours it becomes apparent just
how many hits these guys had over the years and pretty much all of them
were aired during the night from 'One Small Day', 'Love’s Great
Adventure', the soaring 'Dancing With tears In My Eyes' and of course
the mini opera 'Vienna' in it’s full glory replete with Billy Curries
eerie electric violin solo. Superb
stuff.
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Ultravox
weren’t just content to reel out a greatest hits sets as they ensured
that even the hardcore fans were catered for with 'White China', the
pumping 'We Stand Alone', 'Mr. X' and the almost Prog-like 'Astradyne'
keeping the Ultravox veterans happy.
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Throughout
the course of the evening the versatility of the band was clear.
With Midge Ure, who’s vocals throughout the show were stunning,
switching between keyboards and guitar; Chris Cross doubling up on bass
and keyboards, Billy Currie on keyboards and violin and Warren McCann on
drums, keyboards and vocals showing that these are no New Romantic
numpties but highly versatile, quality musicians.
In fact the surprising cross section of fans in the crowd was
evidence of their wide appeal as Pop fans mixed with Rock and Prog fans
too.
Although
Midge Ure, the former Thin Lizzy and Rich Kids guitarist, is the main
focal point in the show that’s not taking away from the other band
members who all contribute significantly to the sight and sound of
Ultravox and Billy Currie in particular shines throughout especially
during his soaring keyboard flourishes during 'Hymn' and the fantastic 'Sleep
Walk' where he manically stamps and stomps around as he solo’s like a
madman.
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Ending
the show with the uplifting 'The Voice' complete with all four band
members hammering away on drums together, Ultravox gave a well crafted,
expertly delivered set to provide one of the most welcome returns in
recent years.
Review
by: Mick Burgess
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