SLC Show 7/08/2009

Alright, here is my review of the show last night at The Depot in Salt Lake City:

First of all, my camera basically stinks, but they will have to do.

The night didn't start out too well when we got to the ticket window, only to find that Missing Persons was....well, missing. They bagged the show. I had seen them in LA in 2004 and they stunk (I guess before the show, Dale was in her trailer smoking dope, but whatever...) but I was more than willing to give them a second chance as I have always loved their music. Obviously that didn't happen. Then, once we bought our tickets, we found out from friends inside that the day before, there was a 2 for 1 sale. Most of us had either already bought tickets or had no idea they were on that sale. Ughhh.

The Depot was nearly empty when we got in. Whereas on the 2008 show, it was nearly packed, it was just the opposite with this year. Personally, as much as I still enjoyed the show (more on that in a moment), I don't think the bill was strong enough to bring out a significant crowd. Rick, if you put on the club tour in the fall, please don't let attendance discourage you. I'm sure a different line up would bring in a larger audience.

First on was Cutting Crew:




To tell you the truth, I know one song from them, maybe two, but they did a commendable job. I don't have the set list, since I don't know their tunes, but they did inclucde a new song or two (average at best) and it did end with "Died In Your Arms Tonight," and the "crowd" was really into it.

Next up was Wang Chung:







Wang Chung consisted of two of the original band members, the same synth player that Cutting Crew used, and it may have been the same drummer. We weren’t entirely sure. Their setlist was the following:

Don’t Give Up
Wait
Let’s Go
New Song?
To Live And Die In LA
Dance Hall Days
Everybody Have Fun Tonight

While entirely too short, in my opinion, the audience was really into them. Wang Chung gave back with enthusiasm and warm banter. Not having seen them before, I was thrilled. They did play a new song (I didn’t catch if their new album is out, or coming soon), though I don’t remember the name.

Finally, ABC:







ABC’s set list was:

Show Me
How To Be A Millionaire
Date Stamp
Love Is Strong
Ride
All Of My Heart
Tears Are Not Enough
Be Near Me
When Smokey Sings
Look Of Love

I know I’m missing a couple of songs there…I’m positive they did Poison Arrow and 2 Gether 4 Ever. They had a killer sax player on a few songs and the fact they played “Date Stamp,” arguably my favorite ABC song of all time, made my night. Martin was right on, and though David Palmer wasn’t there, everyone from the drummer to the other musicians really sent the audience into a frenzy.

So the show was a success, in my mind. Had a fantastic time, even with the negatives I mentioned. Turnover between sets was really short, and the tunes they had playing between groups was right on target for the 80’s theme and those attending.

By the say, did I mention my camera sucks?

Nice write up. Tomorrow night will be the fourth time that I see ABC so I'm delighted to hear that they continue to be in top form. Martin & company are truly outstanding. Professional, first class and really into it.

As far as I'm concerned, they can be on every single Regen tour. Would love to see some new bands added, but I will buy tix every time for ABC.