Ian Waller enjoys a night of hits from one of Britain’s most enduring pop stars
I bet you know more Midge Ure hits that you might realise. After all, this is the guy behind bands from Slik and Ultravox, to Visage, The Rich Kids and Band Aid, with a stop off at Thin Lizzy along the way!
And as part of his 70th birthday celebrations tour, Mr Ure paid a visit to The Forum Bath for a cracking run through his career highlights.
The grand old Forum was once again packed to the rafters with fans of certain age, all keen to see Midge (apparently he’s called Midge as his name is Jim, so spelt backwards it’s Mij, which became Midge, to stop confusion with another Jim in an early band… thanks Google…) in a city that he calls his second home.
From the off Midge is in really fine voice, starting with the Rich Kids’ song Marching Men, before heading into a set list that spanned the years – and the bands – and perfectly showcased the writing, playing and singing talents of this often overlooked man of pop.
Playing on a pretty bare stage with him and his three piece backing band all in black, there was a real energy about this engaging septuagenarian, with Midge jumping between guitar and vocals, and the rest of the ensemble picking up everything else.
With Reap The Wild Wind coming in early, what followed was a wander through an impressive range of hits, including classic Ultravox in Lament, Reap The Wild Wind and – yes, of course – Vienna, plus a trip back to Visage’s Fade To Grey and even a surprise trip to Lizzy land with the always awesome The Boys Are Back In Town, a track, we are told, that he wish had been played at Live Aid.
Actually, talking about Live Aid, perhaps the thing that this gig was missing was a few tales and anecdotes about Midge’s life in pop. After all, this is fellow that’s been at the biggest gigs and played with the best. Go on, tell us, what Bob Geldof really like? How did it feel to play with a former Sex Pistol? Was Phil Lynott really a rocker?
But still, this was a wonderful gig, full of nostalgia, fronted by a British musical legend who can still knock out a tune and with the audience up and dancing, and loving the singalongs. Well done The Forum Bath, another excellent night out!
For news on more upcoming gigs at The Forum Bath, go to https://www.bathforum.co.uk/