Midge Ure: Band in a Box 2024
Photos by Steve Satzberg
Perspective by Mickey McCarter
A few years ago, Midge Ure told us at Parklife DC how his cover of “The Man Who Sold the World” by David Bowie gained new prominence as a viral stream.
Japanese video game creator Hideo Kojima visited Midge Ure at a show and expressed his interest in using the song as the theme for Metal Gear Solid — and a few years later, the proposal became reality. “The entire opening sequence of this final installment of a five-game series was based on ‘The Man Who Sold The World.’ It tapped into an entirely different audience,” Midge told Parklife.
It was thrilling then to see the cover resurface in Midge Ure’s setlist for his recent performance at Rams Head on Stage, which our contributor Steve Satzberg photographed.
On August 13 at Rams Head on Stage, Midge headlined on his Band in a Box 2024 solo tour. He was accompanied only by his longtime keyboardist, Charlie Round-Turner. Together, the duo arranged versions of hits by Midge and Ultravox that boomed throughout the venue, much to the excitement of the audience.
In his most recent interview with Parklife, Midge told us that he developed the Band in a Box concept while on tour with Howard Jones two years ago. During the USA tour with his old friend Howard, Midge puzzled out a way to bring the complex electronic sounds of Ultravox to life by joining his expertise with that of one of Howard’s synthesizer players, and audiences were bowled over by the results. Pleased with how it all came together, Midge and Charlie put their heads together upon Midge’s return to the UK, and they developed the Band in the Box.
Midge began his show at Rams Head on Stage with a couple of solo faves — “Dear God” and “Answers to Nothing” (both from 1988’s Answers to Nothing). He soon slipped in a few covers — including “Fade to Grey” (from Visage’s 1980 self titled album – but hey he co-wrote it, you know) and the aforementioned Bowie tune.
It wasn’t long before the songs of Ultravox, the New Romantic standard bearers and sonic sophisticates of the 1980s, dominated the set. This stunning string of songs included “Sleepwalk” (from 1980’s Vienna), “Vienna” (the title track itself), and “Reap the Wild Wind” (from 1982’s Quartet).
Watch the official music video for for “Reap the Wild Wind” by Ultravox on YouTube:
Midge continued this streak with other Ultravox faves — “The Voice” (from 1981’s Rage in Eden), “Lament” (from 1984’s album of the same name), and “Hymn” (a perennial performance favorite from Quartet) to close the show, among others.
After a grand response, Midge and Charlie returned to the stage for a two-song encore of Midge solo songs — “Fragile” (2014) and “If I Was” (his most famous solo track, dating from 1985).
Midge Ure remains a powerful and erudite performer, unmatched in his keen musical acumen and his gentlemanly good nature. Catching a concert performance by Midge will put cheer you immensely, and you’ll understand immediately why his songs — even his cover songs — withstand the test of time.
Catch Midge Ure on tour near you!
Here are some photos of Midge Ure performing at Rams Head on Stage on August 13, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
