Went to see Heaven 17 as they are doing the 35th Anniversary Tour of the “Luxury Gap” album.
Support was by the rather splendid Propaganda (named on the bill as X Propaganda because I think Mertens would not allow Claudia Bruken and Susanne Freytag to use the full name.)
Loads of synths. Propaganda had a live drummer (Never sure of those with synth bands, see Depeche Mode) and a guitarist/bassist. They covered much of the “Secret Wish” album. With Susanne flaying gracefully at some electronic drum bands which looked a bit weird!
Heaven 17 had just keyboards and some excellent backing singers. Consummate professionals Glen Gregory had the audience in the palm of his hand. Martyn Ware came on with a bizarre “penguin” jacket, changed to a glittery lame suit and even donned a Phil Oakey wig when they did a few Human League tracks! As a tribute to Pete Shelley they did a cover of “Are Everything” (originally a B-side of I’m Your Money)
A wonderful evening, I’m still smiling from it.
Top Pic courtesy of John Montague (Monti a.k.a The Junta)
myvinyldreams 
Nice and sounding superb I’m sure!! – Good One they seem to have trouble trying to make to the states, let’s hope they pull it off for this one!!
Martyn’s Jacket is a replica of the one Malcolm McDowell wore in the record store scene of A Clockwork Orange when he picked up the two girls by asking them if hey had heard the new one from The Heaven Seventeen.
I flew to London for the Shepherd’s Bush Empire show and both bands were brilliant! It only took 37 years, but I finally got to see Heaven 17!!!
Now that explains a few things! Cheers for the info I thought he was wearing it for a bet 😀
How long was their performance – 1hr and a half ? With extra’s I’m sure!!
About an hour and half, played the whole album in sequence, then extras and encores. Great stuff !
I *really* envy you, man!
JEALOUS!!!!