3 stalwart 80's post-punk bands that I haven't seen since the eighties performed starting with Jay Astin's Gene Loves Jezebel. All I can say is Michael Astin who? Jay carried all the parts extremely well and doesn't look to have aged much at all, still lithe and theatrical, GLJ put on a great set, despite it being the shortest of the 3 bands. They delved into their hits with some new material as well that held up well. Would have loved to hear a song or 2 from "Immigrant" and their early hit "Shaving My Neck", but all in all they did not disappoint. Hardest working man of the evening (Guitarist James Stevenson, he of Chelsea, Generation X fame) played his 1st set with panache (he's also The Alarm's bassist/guitarist).
Modern English were next, and last having saw them on their "Stop Start" tour in the 80's, I thought this set seemed a bit labored, although still great. Was super pleased they did multiple tracks off of their debut "Mesh & Lace" (No, After The Snow was NOT their debut), as well as several off of After The Snow. Robbie the singer was as enthusiastic as ever and the band (consisting mainly of original members, a remarkable feat) were tight, was just wishing to hear a few tracks they didn't play (Welcome To The Gladhouse and Night Train), but all in all a great performance capped off with their hit I Melt With You.
The Alarm, a stripped down version from their 80's heyday was the surprise for me. I didn't know what to expect being Mike Peters was the only original member and the band consisted of just him, bassist/guitarist James Stevenson (the legend), a drummer and Mike's wife on keyboards. All I can say is the band killed it! Rousing and entertaining, Mike was all over the stage and his voice survived the decades intact! The Alarm played all their hits as well as new material, the songs remained beautiful and poignant and Mike Peters stage banter was positivity unbound!
If you get a chance to see this tour, do so! Each band was amazing and the music has survived the wear and tear of 30+ years.
The ONLY negative about the show was the fact that it was so poorly promoted. I could barely find it on the venue's own website. Labelled the Sigma LXXXV (85) tour and not with the band's names. 400 at most people turned out, this led the concert to have an intimate club-like feel and it didn't deter the bands at all, but everyone I know was talking about the Keswick Theater show as they didn't even know this one existed. Maybe if the promoted it better the turnout would've had at least 1000 more people. Sad for the bands as they gave an amazing effort and show!