This December marks 40 years since The Human League claimed a UK Christmas number one with Don’t You Want Me, the fourth single from the acclaimed 1981 release Dare. This month, the group will be performing at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff to celebrate four decades of a genre and era-defining record.
Dare marked a pivotal shift in the group’s sound and image, following a change in lineup that saw the departure of future Heaven 17 members and the arrival of Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley – and a move to a more commercially and classic synth-pop signature. With an unquestionable lasting influence on pop music, the impact of Dare can be traced in the decades since its release, and a 40th anniversary tour is a celebration not to be missed.
The record’s tracklist cannot be understated or overlooked, with multiple ubiquitous stand-out songs. Alongside the slickness of the superb Don’t You Want Me, the album also boasts The Sound Of The Crowd, Seconds and Love Action (I Believe In Love). The Dare 40 tour will see the album performed in full, alongside other tracks from the group’s extensive back catalogue.
The Human League have been frequent tourers in recent years, and each time demonstrate their enduring popularity and talent. Philip Oakey’s distinctive and broad-ranging vocals still lead the way, and are effortlessly complemented by the backing of Catherall and Sulley. Their collected songbook stands testament to impeccable songcraft – with popular appeal, to boot.
The legacy of Dare includes a triple platinum certification from the BPI and multiple music magazine accolades, including a place in the NME’s 500 greatest albums of all time. It’s a record that deserves the acclaim and celebration, and one that will surely be rightly marked by this December’s tour. Support on the evening will be provided by Altered Images and Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, to complete the trip back to the early 1980s.
Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Fri 17 Dec. Tickets: £47.30. Info: here
words CHLOË EDWARDS