REVIEW: Soft Cell say goodbye to U.S. audiences with magical show in NYC
Photo: Soft Cell played their final U.S. concert Aug. 30. Marc Almond, left, appeared at the gig, while Dave Ball, right, couldn’t make the trip due to an illness. Photo courtesy of the band / Provided by press site.
NEW YORK — Soft Cell, the electronic pop duo featuring vocalist Marc Almond and keyboardist Dave Ball, are a legendary band who rose to the top of the music world in the 1980s thanks to the still-marvelous album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, featuring the indelible hit single “Tainted Love,” among many other sexy, smooth, danceable tunes. Almond set out this past week on a final tour of the United States (Ball is overcoming an illness and couldn’t make the final goodbye), and the band’s last gig was at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, Tuesday, Aug. 30.
The concert was ostensibly a celebration of Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, but the assembled crowd were given several additional treats, including a career-spanning opening set, special guests and a heartfelt encore. If this is the final stand for Soft Cell — and most in the audience are hoping that’s not the case — Almond and company held nothing back, offering their art and memories for all to enjoy.
The gig started shortly after 8 p.m., which is much appreciated, especially for a Tuesday night concert. As Almond iterated during the set, he likes to be in bed by 10:30 p.m. nowadays. The opening 11 songs mixed in classic tunes with selections from Soft Cell’s latest album, *Happiness not included, one of the strongest recording efforts from the duo’s career and a candidate for album of the year (no joke).
“Torch” started things off on the right note, and the new tune “Bruises on All My Illusions” showcased Almond’s continued vocal range and utter command of the lyrical roller-coasters he can create with this toe-tapping, head-bopping music. Other highlights included “Monoculture,” a biting commentary on the grossness of sameness in everyday culture (cue images of fast-food burgers), and the dance-heavy “Nostalgia Machine,” which found Almond matching his strong vocals with infectious dance steps. This legendary musician still has it; he can do nothing but exude cool during a nearly three-hour concert.
The opening set closed with “Martin,” one of the strongest and strangest Soft Cell numbers — a haunting tune about a troubled boy. Almond and his band, including three backup singers, a saxophonist and keyboardist standing in for Ball, created a maelstrom of hurt, pain, confusion, horror and unbridled youth during the magnum opus.
After intermission, Soft Cell commanded the stage with a full run-through of Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret — that’s 10 songs, played nonstop and with the entire audience at the Beacon standing for every minute. How cool was it hearing Almond scream “F-F-F-F-F-rustation” to get things started, and they didn’t stop. “Tainted Love,” no doubt, received the biggest applause, but it was “Seedy Films” that seemed to groove the most for the concertgoers who sang along to every tune. “Seedy Films” is an exquisite trip into the dark alleys and seedy underbelly of city life. The song, along with “Sex Dwarf,” which is equally infectious, seemed to cement Soft Cell’s brand, which is a lyrical detailing of clubs, street life, neon lights and the shadows of 1980s culture.
And can we say this at last: Why did Stranger Things select Soft Cell’s “Youth” for Max’s pivotal song in season four?
Almond seemed overjoyed throughout the evening, especially on high-energy tunes like “Entertain Me,” where he got to play the part of ringmaster, and “Chips on My Shoulder,” which instigated a spirited sing-a-long with the audience. “Bedsitter” is still a strong entry in Soft Cell’s impressive oeuvre, while “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” served as an emotional sendoff as the final Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret tune of the evening.
Audiences were then treated to “Ghost Rider” with special guest J.G. Thirlwell, a remix version of “Tainted Love” and one final tune, “Memorabilia,” a fitting conclusion to Soft Cell’s story in the United States and especially New York City. Almond seemed genuinely thankful to the fans who have supported the duo over the years, and he relayed stories of visiting Studio 54, recording Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret in the Big Apple and the many memories he has had in the city. He even called New York the spiritual capital of the legendary album.
If this is the final U.S. concert of Soft Cell, audiences should be pleased with the strong sendoff, but hopefully Almond and Ball will keep the celebration going in future years. They are much-needed critics of monoculture and purveyors of the sultry goings-on in one’s secret life. They will be missed.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Click here for more information.
What an honor to be there last night seeing this set for the last time on US soil. Sad that Dave wasn’t there, but very glad that Marc decided to soldier on without him. The result, with or without Dave was magnificent.
Naturally, for me, the highlight was and always is “Martin” about the horror movie from the earth 80’s. I hope that if this is the end of Soft Cell, that Marc will continue to play it life in his solo shows from time to time.
To all American fans who only know Soft Cell and not Marc Almond’s solo work, I encourage you to explore (and adore) the scintillating and stunning (and miraculously diverse) body of work that he has produced since the mid 80’s. The word “prolific” does not begin to describe it!
L’Esqualita was an INCREDIBLE surprise though completely appropriate for a New York show. The second set was one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. Chips on my shoulder and Frustration were both amazing.
I wish the crowd would have been more engaged early on, because Martin was wonderful. Low point of the night was Heat which is really a shame. If they ever do tour again, I’d love to have Insecure Me and It’s A Mugs Game. Biggest mystery is where was “What?” on this tour?
This was such an amazing set, I hope I get to see more of them!