Howard Jones & ABC 2.11.25

Mission Ballroom
Denver, CO

Words & Photos by Mike Sherry

Last Tuesday's show at Mission Ballroom masqueraded as a simple time machine to the 1980s, but once inside from the snowy Denver evening an adventure in the here and now was in store. While nostalgia may have been the carrot, the catalyst was in the live delivery - both by Howard Jones' band and ABC, fronted by Martin Fry.

First came a chat by celebrity disc jockey Richard Blade, currently at SiriusXM's 1st Wave channel. Having been a reckoning force in new wave's popularity, Blade guided the crowd on a short history sampled from Kraftwerk to Duran Duran, while cleverly skirting the headliners.

ABC opened with "When Smokey Sings," a chart-topper with an undeniable beat that emptied every seat. The driving tune fueled some early saxophone licks from Rob Hughes, who also doubled on keyboards. Martin Fry's voice – good heavens – talk about time machines, his delivery was a heavyweight punch. "Show Me" demonstrated how suited the band was to bringing music originally crafted with sublime studio production onto the concert stage. The impeccably solid rhythm section of Jimmy Keegan on drums and Andy Carr on bass carried each song confidently, underpinning flourishes by Ryan Farmery on keys. Toshi Yanagi locked into the danciest guitar rhythms tight as a knot and unraveled solos to make each hit a fresh memory.

Martin's performance was again a highlight in "Viva Love," which was released in 2016 as part of Lexicon of Love II, yet according to Fry “had been knocking round from way back.” With a lush instrumental opening and highly infectious dance beat, it hit just as strong as its predecessors. (Tip: check out the official music video for a sweet homage to the classic MTV vid for "Poison Arrow.") That just-mentioned gem followed, giving way to cuts all the way back to their first single "Tears Are Not Enough." "Be Near Me," which smashed into the US Top Ten forty years ago, completed the set. ABC obliged the warm ovation of the crowd with an upbeat "The Look of Love."

After Richard Blade had provided another mix of 80s pop gold during set change the lights again dimmed. Howard Jones and his band entered to the synth strains of  "Fanfare for the Common Man" – an Aaron Copeland composition brought to pop rock notoriety by Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

While Howard still commands a unique flashy stage look, still more flash was to be found in his keytar, mixed prominently and leading his band as they rocked "Pearl in the Shell" from his debut release Human's Lib in 1984. With the crowd bopping on its feet the next test was the sing-along, passed with flying colors thanks to "Like to Get to Know You Well" and "New Song." Praising the Denver faithful for loosing their mental chains, Howard introduced the newer "Eagle Will Fly Again" from 2019's Transform. Based on the swaying bodies it fit right in, its pulsing rhythm punctuated with sawtooth synth licks and inspirational lyrics.

Nick Beggs has performed on bass and Chapman Stick with Howard for many years, and was fondly spotlit for a rendition of the Kajagoogoo hit "Too Shy," which he co-wrote. During this brief breakdown with Howard seated at the keyboard guitarist Rory Harvey switched to a Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster for mellower tones, counterpoint to his fiery fretwork elsewhere. Drummer Doug Yowell was spirited and keen to spot when Howard decided to ad lib with the fans. Bringing a younger edge to the band sound was Phil Jones on keys, Howard's nephew whom he lauded as a brilliant classical pianist as well as producer of drum and bass. Not a stretch to imagine, given his apt contributions.

Fan favorite "Life in One Day" (played on SiriusXM earlier in the day by request) was followed by another iconic hit from 1985's Dream into Action album: "No One is To Blame." The moody "Hide and Seek" flowed easily into the modern electronica vibe of "The One to Love You" – a collaboration with artist BT – also from Transform.

The crowd was a smiling mélange of age groups, many sporting retro fashions. A younger contingent was certainly present showing their appreciation of 80s music, and must have felt seen (yes, the reviewer is among the older contingent) when a few choice house breaks were peppered into classic hits. The band spied the reactions and leaned into it, just for a moment then back to core memory.

At times as Howard introduced a song he spoke from the heart, most notably at set-closer "What Is Love?" He emphasized the importance of “being who you want to be, being with who you want to be with, and loving who you want to love” to massive cheers. One last triumphant sing-along awaited the grateful audience in the encore "Things Can Only Get Better." Woah.

The tour continues through the remainder of February. Check for a city near you!

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