Howard Jones

Seeing Howard Jones live was an amazing experience. It was the first time I've been to one of his shows, but I've been following his music all my life, so I'm familiar with just about all of the fan favorites, and had been listening to the most recent album, Engage, frequently since it became available on the internet, and was excited to be able to see him perform on the tour for that project.

Electronic music is an interesting medium for live performances, because there are so many ways of doing it, varying degrees of "is this happening organically in front of me or is this prerecorded". The first half of the show was purely material from Engage, and took place primarily with the band on stage behind a semi-transparent curtain that allowed them to be seen while accompanying visuals were projected onto the curtain. There were also visuals synced to attendee's phones if they had an app installed, but I didn't know about that ahead of time, and was fine without it because I was enjoying watching the stage. The lighting and curtain visuals help add atmospheric interest during this portion, as a majority of the music was being generated from table stations with laptops, MIDI controllers, and other equipment that was difficult to see from the GA floor. The main vocals were live, and the overall effect was quite engaging. Things kicked up a couple of notches with the performance of The Human Touch, which has a much more energetic, electro-disco feel. At this point in the show, the curtain had already been pulled aside and Mr. Jones was able to come closer to the audience while singing, truly engaging :) His vocals are flawless and his musical affinity is nothing short of skilled brilliance.

After Hold On To Your Heart (and possibly another?) the band took a short break to refresh, and when they returned, out came the keytar and all of the classic favorites that many of the older fans had been anxiously waiting for. Having enjoyed many of these songs for such a long time, it was every bit as awesome as you'd hope to see them done in person, and I truly enjoyed the live variations. Audience participation was a must, and it was enthralling to be singing along and following Mr. Jones' direction. His anecdotes about the songs were enjoyable and funny, and it was great to get a bit of insight on how he feels about some of his biggest hits decades later. Highlights for me were a high-energy rendition of The Prisoner, Everlasting Love, and an additional extra-awesome performance of The Human Touch that made up for some technical errors the first time around. I was happy to see much more of the crowd dancing this time! It's an incredible track, and deserves the attention.

After another very short break, Howard spoke to us about how it felt to get involved in Live Aid, and played a magnificent piece for us. Following that, the crowd urged him to play Things Can Only Get Better, and he obliged, closing out the show.

I am so glad that I went, it was entirely worth it! I wish I had sprung for the VIP ticket, which was obviously more expensive, but gave you admission to exclusive things like a Q&A and Meet & Greet after the show. The people that did go VIP seemed entirely satisfied and were happily showing off their photos/selfies and autographs afterwards. I would definitely take advantage of that offer next time, and can't wait for Howard Jones and his band to come back to NYC!

Howard never ceases to amaze me. As I celebrated seeing him for the 25th time last night, I'm always blown away, not by the obvious, that he's an amazing musician and pianist of the highest caliber, but that after 30 years, he's still loves to play the hits as much as the new tracks, he's always warm and interactive with the audience, and he always finds new interpretive ways to update the hits so it's not just a retread. And last night was even more special.

Unlike the big shows he's been doing lately (that i LOVE) with lots of tech equipment to really make the shows big and dynamic, but also to make the older songs sound close to their originals, last night was just Howard and the piano. And what a treat. Not only does it prove once again that his music is created first and foremost by a classically trained musician, but that it can be played and presented just as emotionally, with just a piano and a voice. And given that it was just Howard and the piano, the stories about each track were even more in-depth. Plus, as he explained last night, every other song between the "hits" were his most favorite deep album tracks that you often don't get the backstory on. So it was great to learn even more about the origins of tracks like "City Song", 'Someone You Need", and "Back In Your Life." A real treat for an avid fan like myself.

Last year (2014), Howard pulled out the big guns and toured the entire first two albums, Human's Lib and Dream Into Action, playing every song off the two albums, some for the very first time. That was no small feat and took almost two years of preparation as only synths needed to be located, original sounds digitally recorded in, and of course practice singing and performing tracks that have never been played live. Then in 2015 he launched the ENGAGE experience. A unique album, app, and social media experience that allows the people in the show to be part of the show while it's happening. It's such a huge undertaking that it can't be taken everywhere yet. And has only be done in big tentpole cities like London, Los Angeles, New York etc. But if I know Howard, he's working on a way to bring it everywhere. And I look forward to experiencing it firsthand.

So even if you were just a fan of a handful of his biggest #1's like "No One is To Blame," "Things Can Only Get Better," "New Song," 'What is Love," "Life in One Day," 'Everlasting Love" (i could go on with the list), or loved his groundbreaking appearance on LiveAid . . . Do yourself a favor and see him live. I'd say "at least once," but once you see him, you'll want to see him time and time again. And check out his HowardJones.com website.

I promise I am not a paid sponsor (or a stalker ...lol). Just a lover of fine crafted music and great musicianship.

If nothing else, Howard Jones deserves a certain level of kudos just for managing to make it as a successful pop star with a name as completely unremarkable as that one; he emerged from unremarkable surroundings, too, hailing from Rhiwbina in South Wales, but that didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most consistent pop singers of the eighties; after appearing at Live Aid in 1984, the same year he released his debut record Human’s Lib to sales that would ultimately take it to multiple platinum status, he continued to turn out solid pop records, including Dream Into Action, One to One and Cross That Line, throughout the rest of the decade, tapping into the popular new wave stylings of the era and marrying them to his own brand of electropop. He’s continued to record and tour since, and retains a significant cult fanbase as far as the latter practice is concerned; he gave them a real treat two years ago, too, when he played Human’s Lib and Dream Into Action in their entirety across eight dates in the UK, backed by a full live band. He’s managed to shake off being entirely associated with his eighties heyday, though, and plays his own shows rather than line up alongside other nostalgia acts at bigger gigs; he’s one of British pop’s real originals.

What a super show Howard Jones put on in Worcester on Saturday night the sound was perfect for his superb voice bringing back memories from early years .my only disappointment was when I phoned up the box office to ask what time the show would Finnish I was told he would be on stage at 9 and off by 10.30 hence me deciding to get the train down and being able to get the last train back at 10..47 but when I arrived at the gig I was told the gig would Finnish at 11 approx thus meaning I had to leave the gig a good 20 mins early I was upset to say the least because if I had been told this I would have driven down and parked my car near to venue make sure you find out from someone who actually knows the right times before travel arrangements are made . I forgot to mention I was told 10..30 on the phone as they said they had to Finnish gigs by this time so can someone please explain why I was told different thanks Jon read

I recently saw Howard Jones in Portland, OR during the US leg of his Transform tour. What a fantastic show! Howard has an excellent stage presence. Whether he was discussing points of his career, encouraging the audience by reiterating the positive ideals in his music, or artfully manipulating a synth while singing with impeccable tone, the audience felt completely enveloped by and a part of Howard's musical aura.

I was a little skeptical that the songs would sound as authentic as they did back in the 80s, but was pleasantly surprised by how clear and original they sounded. Howard encouraged the audience to sing often and loudly, resulting in a very happy and engaged crowd.

The opening bands, All Hail the Silence and Men Without Hats were also excellent. Men Without Hats has such a high level of energy and enthusiasm, it's impossible to be still while listening!

His performance was perfect! He tells stories, plays all the songs you would want to hear from Howard Jones and engages the audience, a pleasure to watch. See him live if you ever get the chance, he had the whole audience singing along!

Unfortunately, the venue was terrible. The sound was so bad that people more than 20 feet from the stage couldn't understand what he was saying (and he talked a lot). The staff were banging doors shut and clanking glasses behind the bar, which didn't help with the sound issue. They also did a really weird set up with folding chairs on the dance floor, and not enough of them, so more than half the people there couldn't see the stage. I managed to wiggle my way pretty close to the stage, but I feel sorry for all the people that paid to see this show and couldn't see or hear it!

What can I say, but I have always wanted to see Howard Jones in concert! Last night, I got my wish at the Best Buy Theater on 44th street in Manhattan. Not only did I have the privilege of watching Mr Jones perform but four other artists that were extraordinary in there style of music during the 70s and 80s: Midge Ure from 'Ultra-Vox'/'Visage',Tom Bailey(Thompson Twins),Katrina from 'Katrina and the Waves' and 'China Crisis'. All performances were great and it was a treat to hear Midge Ure's powerful voice sing 'Vienna'! The Best Buy Theater is a smaller venue! Great sound quality and arrangement. Seating in the back as well as VIP seating on the sides, close to the stage. I have seen 3 performances, including this Retro Futura concert,at the Best Buy and it won't be my last!

Firstly, I love China Crisis who were the support act. I felt very melancholic listening to them play their greatest hits, especially the song Christian, which is imho one of the most beautiful and original songs from the early 80s synthpop period.

Howard put on an amazing show. The venue (London Palladium) allowed for a more intimate atmosphere between him and us. The venue was clearly filled with superfans (one of whom sang very loudly behind me throughout). I was a great reminiscing session for me, remembering the spikey hair and mohair jumpers of my youth. The new music sounds a bit dated though.

Great concert though!

Howard Jones' voice has not changed since I last saw him back in November 1985; he sounded great! His 1.5 hour set was a great mix of the classics and some of his newer stuff. He had a wonderful banter with his audience, and was in a great mood! I would definitely recommend his show to everybody. From "Like to get to know you well" at the start to "Things can only get better", I thoroughly enjoyed Howard's show! I had brought the tour program from the 1985 show in he hopes he would autograph it, but there was no meet & greet after the show as the band had to rush to the airport. Oh well, hopefully next time!

It’s simply amazing how this man can still do what he does and still be relavent after all these years.I have and will continue to go and see Howard whenever I can, fingers crossed he does at least one more British tour so we can watch and listen in awe to a musical genius who has stood the rest of time and shaped part of my life and I’m sure many others with his music and and overflowing personality and stories along with his showman gigs and sometimes intimate shows. I will never tire of seeing and watching Howard Jones.Thank you for getting to know us well Hojo and long may it continue.