NOSTALGIA: A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past.
We love it, don’t we?
Let’s remember 1981… a time when Adam Ant, with his dandy, pirate chic (Johnny Depp anyone?) and unique musical style, ruled the (air)waves, the charts, and seemed to be on Top Of The Pops every other week.
On this auspicious occasion of Adam Ant’s birthday – he’s 71 – highwaymen and their wenches convened at the wonderful Brighton Dome for an evening of nostalgia (see above!), thigh slapping, and a hearty sing along to a fantastic back catalogue of classic pop hits.
Held in obvious affection by his army of loyal fans, Adam (Stuart Goddard on his passport), seems surprised and genuinely touched by a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ between an early couplet of songs.
A set list, including the deeply satisfying, ‘Dog Eat Dog,’ ‘Ant Music,’ ‘Goody Two Shoes’ and ‘Kings Of The Wild Frontier’ remind us of a time when personality, uniqueness, imagination and real talent were the main criteria for being a pop superstar.
Backed by a snotty, edgy, punky, perfectly suited (and booted?) band that included two exceptional drummers, Adam and his army of ants can’t fail.
Memories of this writer doing the ‘Prince Charming’ across the front room surfaced many a time during the evening, thinking to myself how buying these records was precious pocket money well spent.
A finale of ‘Stand & Deliver,’ maybe The Ants’ crown jewel, brings an excellent night to a fitting close.
Let’s hope it is indeed, many happy returns, and that Adam plays for us all again soon.
