I always say our defining years of music appreciation occur when we are aged 15-18, and although you like music from times beforehand, and afterwards, those four years are your era. And in the winter of 1980 to 81, two bands were at the top of my hit list: Ultravox and Visage. Both including Midge Ure.

Now, nearly 40 years later, Midge took to the road again with The 1980 Tour. So, how could I resist? Yes, I’ve seen Ultravox six times over the years but the chance to hear the Vienna album in full and selected Visage tracks was a temptation too good to miss. Plus, there was a surprise when I arrived. At first I groaned when hearing someone say the support was just a DJ, but then onto the stage Rusty Egan walked and took us on a marvelous trip back in time and … well, I’m sure he’d bluetoothed my phone as he seemed to be selecting everything on my teenage era playlist. A marvelous opener, with Rusty then joining Midge for the first segment of the headline slot playing drums on the Visage numbers after an opener of Yellow Pearl.

And what Visage numbers we had: Visage, The Dancer and of course, Fade to Grey, just to name a few. Then Rusty departed and we had the Vienna album, all nine tracks in order. Always a classic album with not a single weak spot: New Europeans, Passing Strangers, Private Lives … hell, I could just list it in its entirety. At the end of All Stood Still, Midge and co departed, but we knew they were coming back, and we had classics such as Hymn and If I Was.

So, maybe 40 years later, Midge can’t reach every high note he used to, but he got most of them. And each number was delivered powerfully with a great sound from Midge and the band. Therefore, an excellent show, not only for the long-term fan, but anybody else there. Good rock, electro music. I have to say, though, I didn’t think the voice synth on Mr. X worked but can appreciate the desire to make it different to the original Warren Cann vocals.

Sometimes you reach a certain age and nostalgia is all you have left. Not the case personally but it’s always fun to reminisce. Therefore, all in all, a great night. So, thanks Midge, and thanks Rusty, for both of you taking me back 40 years and making me 17 again.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt