The seminal glam rockers Roxy Music ended their 50th anniversary tour at East London’s O2 Arena, and I was there to see them.
This was the climax to a tour that after the US took in some of the UK’s biggest venues including Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, and Manchester’s AO Arena.
Backstory
Back in the day Roxy Music were front runners in the UK glam movement alongside acts such as David Bowie, T. Rex and Slade.
The band’s eponymous debut album – released 50 years ago – was a blend of glam and art rock that had never been heard of before. The album cover looked as if it had come straight out of a fashion catalogue, and the music was just as glamorous. The album was produced by King Crimson songwriter and one time synth player Peter Sinfeld.
Even without a single to promote the album, the album rocketed to No. 10 in the UK charts.
This success was quickly followed up by the single Virginia Plain, which won them a precious spot on Top of the Pops, helping establish the band as one of the UK’s biggest acts of that era.
Now, 50 years on from Virginia Plain and that first Roxy Music, the band are back on stage together for the first time in ten years.
At the O2
The lineup consisted of Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson.
The show started with the instrumental track India played over the PA system, followed by a collection of tracks from their early years. I should point out that all the material was brought down a couple keys to accommodate Ferry’s ageing voice.
Re-Make/Re-Model was the perfect early-years track to start with, and Out Of The Blue carried on the momentum. The Bogus Man was a bit slower, but still managed to perk up the die-hard fans.
Then came Ladytron from that Roxy Music debut album, accompanied by my favourite lightshow of the night.
Bringing Back The 80s
Next up were two tracks from the 80’s reunion era. Oh Yeah was pretty cool, but I was a tad disappointed with how the aging glam rockers handled those “Ohhhhhhhh” refrains.
Then it was back to the debut album for If There Was Something, which was one of the weaker tracks of the evening. In Every Dream Home A Heartache however was one of the strongest tracks of the evening.
Although it’s short, the instrumental track Tara was immaculately performed, and an absolute highlight.
The collection of 80’s tracks that followed included the monster hits More Than This, Avalon and Dance Away, which sounded beautiful in its new key. More Than This is the essential Roxy track and Avalon was played brilliantly. Bryan also introduced the additional band members afterwards.
The band did not leave the stage before the encores kicked off with of Roxy’s biggest hits Love is the Drug,.
This was followed by Editions of You and Virginia Plain, two classics from their early years that sent the audience into a frenzy.
Then there was a deliberate change of pace with Jealous Guy, their cover of John Lennon’s 1971 classic. This song was exceptionally well arranged and performed, and was probably my favourite track of the evening.
The evening ended with Do The Strand, which sent the fans home happy.
Edited by Clarisse Cornish.
Photos taken by Hamish Mackenzie.