Gig review: HOWARD JONES – Indigo O2, 20 February 2015

February 21st, 2015 by jason

Howard Jones had this London show to promote his latest creation ENGAGE, an interactive event that is released on the 9th March on interactive CD/DVD, digital and interactive book format. The fans tonight could join in via an app on their phones and a few had day-glow gloves to join in on one part of the show. In fact one group had come in full 80′s regalia and each had a letter from Engage on the backs of their coats!

The first set tonight was the Engage work, which is a celebration of arts seen through Howard Jones’ eyes, using music, ballet, contemporary dance, cinema and philosophy. It was a very impressive show with the visuals projecting onto a see through curtain with Howard Jones and his two band members playing live behind the curtain.

Musically it veered from the late 1980′s music of Tangerine Dream through to full on rave/techno music. He has always been known for being at the cutting edge of electronic/synth music and this is a natural progression for him. Howard Jones seemed to be having a ball resplendent in an all white suit. The visuals worked well with the music and the audience seemed to enjoy it.

After an interval Howard Jones was back for a greatest hits set, this time in a dazzling pink suit which the crowd loved and they enjoyed every minute of the greatest hits set. He hinted he had a landmark birthday coming up soon and to think he will be soon sixty you would not think it from his sheer joy and enthusiasm at performing for his fans.

He is full of positive messages and of course that is reflected in his music with songs like ‘Like to Get to Know You Well’ and a new song to these ears, ‘Don’t Always Look At The Rain’, which has an uplifting chorus and lots of synths.

He does like to add some techno/dance to his older songs as he added more synth on ‘Everlasting Love’ replacing the guitar. Mind you he did play a keytar and a snippet of some Jimi Hendrix too! There was a great version of ‘What Is Love?’ showing his voice is in fine fettle still.

I have always had a soft spot for synth pop and Howard Jones, along with Ultravox, is one of the best there is and I would urge you to see him live. He is back in London at the end of June for an 80′s festival.

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)