Thomas Dolby and Martin McAloon

With a career spanning four decades, Thomas Dolby is one the UK’s foremost electronic musicians and producers. Famed for his use of electronic instruments in the early days of the technology being available, Dolby rose to prominence on the back of the digital revolution that swept through music in the 80’s. This led to his early shows being large productions encompassing all sorts of music technology on stage. These days, however, Dolby’s performances are a simpler affair. Playing with just three other musicians on his most recent tour he performed tracks from his most recent album A Map of the Floating City as well as performing his hits from the previous four decades.
In terms of a show, the performance is technical and apart from the sing along hits the crowd appear to be content to listen, rather than dance. This creates a special atmosphere as Dolby, clearly revered by his fan base, can orchestrate the ambience at his will, moving between slow numbers and then instantly creating a large amount of energy in the venue with a single song.
Overall, I feel his performances could be perceived as a technical exercise. However, the vast amount of hits he has produced over the years and his fan base’s respect and adoration for him create a wonderful atmosphere of which any music fan would enjoy.