Concert Review: Midge Ure (1/18/2015)

Starting things off right for 2015, Midge Ure played the historic Cactus Cafe in Austin last night (January 18, 2015) to a sold out crowd. What took place was easily a brilliant (see what I did there?) show and one that if you missed you should kick yourself over.

Midge Ure

Midge Ure, known for his work with Visage and Ultravox as well as a nice solo career, played Austin for the first time last night, opening to cheers with Waiting Days from his 1991 album Pure. Between songs, Ure told plenty of jokes, making fun of how certain Ultravox songs became big hits everywhere in the world except in the United States, and how audience members seated on the side of the stage were getting to enjoy a rather interesting view of his "enormous backside" and should receive a refund.

The twenty song set included newer Ultravox song Brilliant and classic favorites such as Hymn and Vienna, all arranged for a one man acoustic show. Considering the rich instrumental complexity behind many of the Ultravox songs (as in guitars, bass, drums, synth, etc.) it sounded like an impossible feat to convert those favorites into faithful acoustic renditions, yet, somehow Ure accomplished this feat perfectly. One such shining moment of this was when Ure performed the Visage dance club sensation Fade to Grey (which I dare say I think I enjoyed this version a bit better than the original!).

Prior to the encore, Ure joked about how he could run out the door next to him and freeze his backside, walk through the crowd and stand outside pretending like he may or may not come back for an encore, or just act like an adult and stand in the corner for a second before doing an encore. After playing an expertly done acoustic version of the Ultravox hit Dancing With Tears In My Eyes, Ure did exactly as promised, standing in the corner of the stage for a bit while the audience gave him a standing ovation.

Ure finished the night with the title track to his newest album, Fragile, followed by an impromptu performance of Do They Know It's Christmas for the two young kids in the audience who were enjoying the show with their family (the group having made a 500 mile drive to see Midge Ure perform, no less!). The night ended with the audience singing along to The Voice.

Following the show, Ure came out to greet fans, take pictures, and sign autographs. He was in no rush and spent ample time talking with each fan, sharing stories and happily taking multiple photos.

Personally, I don't know which was better - the performance or the jokes. Both were great and show Ure's absolute comfort and domination of the stage. The other good news of the night? Ure hinted that Ultravox may yet be touring the United States in support of Brilliant. A perfect night with a wonderful musician. Ure heads to Florida next to continue his tour. Don't miss out on this great performer!

Note: I know it's been a while since I last wrote here. Been very busy, but I've made a resolution to write more, even if it isn't always about brand new albums or shows I've been to. It's just really fun to do! First few articles may be a bit rusty, but it'll get there again. Thanks for the continued support everyone!