Midge Ure has played in a number of bands such as Slik, Thin Lizzy, Rich Kids and Visage, but he is most known (especially in the WLIR world) for his role as lead singer of Ultravox. Speaking of WLIR, DJ Andre (Dredog) was in the house spinning classic LIR tunes in-between sets.
Opening bands included The Ritualists, Color Film and Richard Lloyd of Television. At 11:30pm, it was time for who everyone was waiting for. I have to admit, as much of an LIR listener as I was (and still am), I had never seen Ultravox live in concert, so I wasn't sure what to expect.
He broke out all the hits, even giving hints of what was to be played next so everyone could guess. We heard everything from Vienna, All Stood Still and Dancing with Tears in My Eyes. Most of these songs are over 30 years old, yet he still sounded like you were listening to the CD (ok cassette tape).
From the minute Midge Ure took the stage, I don't think he ever stopped smiling. He even cracked an occasional joke here and there. You could tell he was truly enjoying himself and seeing everyone's reaction to his songs. Even though he kidded about having to do the encore rituals, he walked off stage and when he returned, blew everyone's mind when he paid tribute to the late great David Bowie, performing Starman.
If this show is any indication of what the rest of the tour will be like, I highly recommend going to see him.