August 3, 2023
Review and Photos by Anita Maree
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A beautiful August summer night was glowing hot as three legendary bands hooked up for the “Letting It Go Show” tour and they rolled into Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL to showcase their hits to a sea of fans at the outdoor music venue.
Up next performing nine classics was the band Berlin. Berlin is an American new wave/synth-pop band that achieved significant success in the 1980s. The band has a few original members touring with them and Terri Nunn still showcases her sultry distinctive lead vocals. The band performed all their hits including “Masquerade”, “No More Words”, “The Metro”, and during the song “Take My Breath Away” Terri left the stage and joined her fans in the arena seating area to sing with them the chorus. The band ended their set with their breakthrough hit single “Sex (I’m A…). During many of their songs the band played on the large video screens their timeless music videos from the 80’s and it was great to see these again. More bands should incorporate these into their shows.
Then, the band everyone was waiting for emerged. Boy George and Culture Club graced the stage bringing their vibrant energy and timeless hits to an ecstatic crowd. The air was filled with anticipation as fans of all ages gathered to witness the legendary band perform their classic hits.
As the lights dimmed, the unmistakable silhouette of Boy George emerged, adorned in his signature eclectic fashion, sending the audience into a frenzy of cheers and applause. The band kicked off the night with “Next Thing Will Be Amazing” and from the first note, it was evident that their musical prowess had not diminished over the years.
Boy George’s unique voice, with its velvety and soulful tones, soared through the venue as he effortlessly performed hits like “It’s A Miracle”, “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya”, and their break out hit “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me”. Boy George still has amazing stage presence as he engaged the crowd with his charismatic charm and witty banter between songs.
Culture Club’s musicians showcased their virtuosity, effortlessly transitioning between the infectious rhythms of their classic hits and the occasional surprise rearrangement like covering Bread’s “Everything I Own”. The skillful interplay between the band members was a testament to their years of camaraderie and musical collaboration.
One of the standout moments of the night was during “Time (Clock of the Heart),” where the crowd became a sea of waving hands and swaying bodies, singing along with heartfelt nostalgia. It was a beautiful reminder of the band’s enduring impact on multiple generations of music lovers.
Boy George told the audience he just celebrated his 62nd birthday. It was great to see Mikey Craig on bass and Roy Hay on guitar and keyboard. The band had two incredible backing vocalists performing on most songs.
The band’s set list also included crowd favorite “Church of the Poison Mind” and they intermixed the Wham hit “I’m Your Man” which was fun to hear. They also performed flawlessly “Miss Me Blind.”
The encore was nothing short of spectacular, with Boy George returning to the stage delivering a soul-stirring rendition of The Rolling Stone’s “Sympathy for the Devil”. The crowd erupted during “Karma Chameleon” and they ended the night with the T.Rex cover “Bang a Gong (Get it On)”.
Boy George and Culture Club proved, once again, that their music remains as relevant and enchanting as ever. Their timeless melodies and message of love and acceptance united the audience in a memorable evening of joy and camaraderie. As the lights came up, fans left the venue with beaming smiles, dancing in the aisles, and cherishing the unforgettable experience of witnessing this iconic tour of three top notch bands.
Boy George Website | Facebook | YouTube | Twiter | Instagram | Tik Tok |
Howard Jones Website | Facebook | YouTube | Twiter | Instagram |
Berlin Website | Facebook | YouTube | Twiter | Instagram | Tik Tok
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