ABC, Go West, Johnny Hates Jazz, The Christians, Toyah, and Hue and Cry

There’s probably no single genre of music that represents the eighties quite as accurately, or as obviously, as new wave; it genuinely is synonymous with the decade, and among its genuine success stories were ABC, who formed in Sheffield back in 1980, right in time for the sound’s explosion. Their debut album The Lexicon of Love was a huge success on both sides of the Atlantic, topping the charts in the UK and making the top twenty-five over in the U.S., and spawned a slew of hits that were not only successes in terms of sales and radio play at the time, but continue to stand up as classics of the genre today, especially their signature song ‘Poison Arrow’. Although singer Martin Fry now remains the sole original member - he tours with a new backing group for the most part, with David Palmer only briefly rejoining him as part of VH1’s Bands Reunited programme in 2004 - the ABC name continues to be used for both live shows and new material, with Fry still proving himself both an engaging frontman and a fine singer, too. They regularly line up alongside other eighties acts like T’Pau and Rick Astley, so there’s plenty of opportunity for a multi-faceted blast of nostalgia where their shows are concerned, too.

In popular terms, at least, Go West are probably best remembered for hits like ‘We Close Our Eyes’, ‘Call Me’ and ‘King of Wishful Thinking’, which proved to be top ten smashes across the globe, but it’s actually in terms of their different take on the pop genre in the eighties that the duo will be best remembered; when everybody else was rushing to incorporate new wave stylings into their music at a time when that particular genre was absolutely de rigeur, Richard Drummie and Peter Cox were opting for an altogether more soulful sound, and their bravery in defying the conventions of the day was undoubtedly one that was rewarded by the success they enjoyed. In the years since their eighties heyday, the London pair have continued to write and record, releasing their first album in sixteen years, futurenow, in 2008, and following it up with an ambitious, three-part series, titled 3D, that was comprised of nine different EPs of new material - the records dropped in 2010, 2011 and 2013 respectively. In terms of live performance, they’ve continued to play eighties and nostalgia festivals across the country, with a couple lined up for later this year in the UK.

The Christians always brought the soul in their own unique way. The Liverpool act, originally named after the founding trio of brothers (not their religious views), had a run of chart success in the late 80s finding a large audience for their gritty and deceptive style of music. 30 years later they’re still finding new audiences for their sound and still delivering heartfelt music with all the intensity and conviction that carried them through their 80s heyday.

Their appearance isn’t what you’d typically associate with a soul group. In fact, they were once described as ‘The Temptations in ripped jeans’ but we all know that looks can be deceiving and once the vocals start there can be no doubts about the kind of group The Christians are. Frontman and founding member Garry Christian delivers his songs with a passion that has only deepened with the years gone by and as the band lay down a smooth bed for his vocals to soar over, he dominates any venue they play with his sombre tones. The feelings conveyed within their music makes it impossible for any crowd not to emotionally connect with The Christians and that’s what ultimately makes their brand of soul completely unique.

Thoroughly enjoyed seeing Toyah live, bought the tickets as a birthday present for my Mum. I've liked her from the 80s and am so happy I've finally seen her live. She was on top form with her vocals sounding better than I thought she would, she also had a seemingly endless supply of energy which boomed through the crowd.
The set list was cleverly picked and was truly amazing.

Toyah looked great and her vocals were fabulous. She still had an edge and the crowd were treated with all her classics as well as some new songs. Toyah interacted with the crowd in between intervals which pleased us all as we waited a while to see her.

Although an 80s star, her songs still seem as fresh and inspiring as when they were first released, blending implausible lyrics together with truly emotive and almost heart thumping melodies. Toyah is for sure a must see gig for anyone. Highly recommended.

If seeing a class 80s act is next on your bucket list then Toyah is the woman for you.

We haven't been to this venue before and will definitely be coming back. Great place and Hue and Cry were fantastic, The overall sound was exceptional. Would definitely recommend and will be coming back.