ABC in concert at El Mocambo

No matter how much time moves on, the 80s refuse to die.

As I arrived for ABC’s concert at El Mocambo, the last time they visited Toronto was in 2009 when they played Pride, I saw two punk twentysomethings hanging out on the corner of College and Spadina. Siouxsie and the Banshees aren’t on the bill, I wanted to tell them. I should have just embraced them for looking so 80s.

I entered the venue and proceeded to secure a spot by the stage, if you are a photographer you’ll understand, and waited patiently until the start of the show. The place was packed, I believe sold out. Then it happened. The music from the speakers suddenly came to the forefront and the lights dimmed. As the lights dimmed the man himself, Martin Fry, ABC’s front man and only original member of the band walked up on stage, casually strolling forward with a sly grin on his face. He was met with thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd. His opening words when things calmed down were “You lot are from the 90’s right. That chap Kurt Cobain” Laughter and another round of applause.

I was very surprised about him opening up with ‘Show Me’. The band played the first chords and I thought “Oh WoW!”. Hearing it live once again just made it clear that no matter what, it is always amazing to hear it live. It’s odd how that works. It was a smart move opening with it, as the crowd immediately got into the show and from there on Martin was in total control. He followed with ‘Millionaire, and then the show began proper. He mixed songs from all his major releases. From 2016 The Lexicon of Love II, ‘Viva Love‘ to 1982 The Lexicon of Love “Poison Arrow” and many more in between. All the classics where there, ‘The night you murdered Love‘, ‘When smokey sings‘, ‘Ocean Blue‘. What an amazing night!

Martin is a master showman who knows exactly what to do to keep everybody’s attention and get a reaction. Hearing the song ‘The look of Love‘ live was one of the highlights of the night to me. I came away from the evening with the following conclusion. The 80’s are here to stay.

They are playing again tonight at El Mocambo. A legendary venue for a legendary band. I recommend that you don’t miss this opportunity and go see them.

Until Next time