Wales Millennium Centre – Nov 22nd
Caerphilly born new romantic pop icon Steve Strange has left many memories and this evening celebrated his colourful life. Some of his closest friends and pop legends appeared in a one off concert in aid of increasing access to the arts for the elderly. This was a truly magical evening down memory lane. The late 70’s/80’s was a Technicolor, synth driven decade which Steve embraced and twisted to create his own unique sound and style.
Who can ignore the anthem-esque Fade to Grey, which was his trademark song. Boy George took on this massive hit and in fairness did it justice, and crooned his way through Do You Really Want to Hurt Me and Karma Chameleon with more of a bluesy sound to his voice than back in the day, but unmistakably the sound of George.
Kim Wilde, donned in leather and feather boa, sang a couple of her 80’s hits, Living in Cambodia and Kids In America, and despite becoming a landscape gardener of late, her vocals were pretty good and she looked amazing. Daphne Guinness artist/singer and heir of Arthur Guinness appeared decked in glitter and ridiculous boots, which defied gravity, sang, well talked through a song and did what she did best: look interesting. T
he highlight of the night for me was Jimmy Sommerville (Communards), although I wasn’t a massive fan back then, but his voice was incredible, he effortlessness belted out Never Can Say Goodbye and Don’t Leave Me This Way and of course the epic Small Town Boy, where the crowd were leaping up and down and singing furiously. Unfortunately his sidekick (Richard Coles now a vicar and a regular on the Chris Evans breakfast show) was not on hand to accompany him – shame. Other artists on the night included, Howard Jones, sporting a splendid pink suit and yes, Got to get to Know You Well, which was a pleasant blast from the past, and Lloyd Daniels.
Great show, brilliant performers and a crowd who didn’t want it to end!
words Antonia LeVay