More than four decades after Dare transformed The Human League into international stars, the trio at the heart of the band remains remarkably intact—and as vibrant as ever.
Phil Oakey continues to be a marvelous frontman. With his shaved head and distinctive beard, he now looks more like a stylish futuristic traveler than the poetic young singer who broke hearts during The Human League’s early years. Whatever his appearance, however, his charisma has never faded. At his side are longtime vocalists Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley, who joined the group during the Dare era and have remained indispensable ever since. The chemistry among the three is unmistakable, and on June 30 at Wolf Trap they sounded every bit as vibrant as the music that made them icons of British synthpop.
The night itself was nothing if not iconic. Joined by Alison Moyet and Soft Cell, The Human League headlined a package that celebrated the enduring legacy of the Second British Invasion. For many in attendance, these songs have been faithful companions for more than four decades, still speaking to outsiders, romantics, and anyone who has ever found solace on a crowded dance floor.
Across several costume changes — from shoulder-padded time traveler to a cool blue suit — Oakey sang with remarkable clarity and passion, inviting the audience to celebrate “The Sound of the Crowd,” embrace life’s possibilities in “The Things That Dreams Are Made Of,” believe in love through “Love Action,” and, of course, revel in the theatrical tension of the immortal “Don’t You Want Me.”
Oakey glided effortlessly from one side of the stage to the other, looking every bit the enigmatic messenger delivering “The Black Hit of Space” — sadly, not performed. Joanne and Susan served as emotional anchors, their harmonies and stage presence giving Oakey fixed points around which his restless stage presence could orbit. Susan stepped into the spotlight for a delightful rendition of her signature “One Man in My Heart,” while later drawing squeals of delight with her unforgettable declaration, “I was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar,” during the triumphant closing performance of “Don’t You Want Me.”
Watch the official music video for “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League on YouTube:
“One Man in My Heart” afforded Oakey time for another costume change, just as his commanding performance of Dare’s “Seconds” had earlier given Joanne and Susan a well-earned breather. One welcome late-set surprise was “Keep Feeling (Fascination),” long one of my favorite Human League singles and still one of the band’s most irresistible grooves. The encore reached back even further with the groundbreaking 1978 single “Being Boiled,” a reminder that before Dare made The Human League global pop stars, they were fearless electronic pioneers helping define an entirely new sound.
Prior to The Human League’s set, Alison Moyet followed with a sublime 10-song performance, roughly half of which was devoted to the music of Yazoo, the groundbreaking synth-pop duo she formed with Vince Clarke in the early 1980s. For longtime fans, it was a welcome opportunity to hear those songs performed by the voice that made them unforgettable. Having been fortunate enough to attend Yazoo’s remarkable reunion performance at Washington’s 9:30 Club in 2008, I was especially grateful to experience this music live once again.
Moyet opened with “Footsteps,” a dramatic selection from her 1991 solo album Hoodoo, immediately showcasing the rich, soulful voice that has only grown more expressive over the decades. She then turned to the Yazoo catalog with the wistful “Nobody’s Diary,” the lead track from 1983’s You and Me Both, delivering its aching lyrics with the emotional depth that has long defined her performances. Before long, Wolf Trap became a dance floor as she launched into the irresistible four-on-the-floor pulse of Yazoo’s debut single “Situation,” followed seamlessly by the equally enduring “Don’t Go” from the classic 1982 debut album Upstairs at Eric’s. More than four decades after their release, these songs remain timeless showcases for Moyet’s remarkable voice.
Watch the official music video for “Don’t Go” by Yazoo on YouTube:
Her solo material proved equally compelling. “Love Resurrection,” from her 1984 debut solo album Alf, was delivered with confidence and conviction, recalling the standout performances from her 2025 tour in support of Key and her memorable appearance at the 2025 Cruel World Festival.
Yet this may have been the most commanding performance from Moyet that I’ve witnessed. There was a renewed determination and grit to her delivery that elevated every song. Several friends who have seen her perform multiple times agreed, remarking afterward that she had stolen the show. Considering she shared the bill with two of the defining acts of the synth-pop era, that is no small achievement.
Soft Cell opened the evening with a stylish reminder that few bands have blended synth-pop, soul and theatricality quite like they have. Frontman Marc Almond, joined by a touring lineup featuring two backing vocalists and a synthesist, immediately drew the Wolf Trap audience into the band’s unmistakable world.
The opening number proved one of the set’s strongest moments, as Almond seamlessly stitched together “Memorabilia,” the group’s enduring 1981 dance-floor classic, with “Danceteria,” the title track from Soft Cell’s forthcoming album. The record is expected to be the duo’s final release following the death of Almond’s longtime creative partner, Dave Ball, last year. Ball rarely toured with Soft Cell in recent decades, so the live lineup continued the band’s legacy with confidence while respectfully honoring his memory. A touching tribute to Ball closed the performance.
Watch the official music video for “Danceteria” by Soft Cell on YouTube:
Throughout the set, Almond’s expressive voice remained as captivating as ever, bringing emotional weight to fan favorites including the soaring “Torch” and the bittersweet “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” from the landmark 1981 debut Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret. By the time Soft Cell launched into its explosive, crowd-pleasing cover of Gloria Jones’ “Tainted Love,” the audience was on its feet, enthusiastically singing along to the song that introduced millions to Soft Cell’s irresistible blend of electronic pop and soulful melancholy.
By the time the final notes faded into the summer night, it was impossible not to appreciate just how extraordinary this bill had been. Soft Cell, Alison Moyet, and The Human League each delivered truly memorable performances, making this one of the most satisfying concert lineups to come through the Washington area this year. For me, it stands as the best show I’ve seen in 2026 so far. More importantly, it was the rare concert whose joy lingered long after the lights came up — a celebration of timeless songs, remarkable artists, and the enduring magic of MTV-era English new wave that lifted my spirits for days afterward.
Here are some photos of The Human League performing live at Wolf Trap on June 30, 2026. All pictures by Mickey McCarter.
Here are some photos of Soft Cell performing live at Wolf Trap on June 30, 2026. (Sadly, we did not get photos of Alison Moyet! :() All pictures by Mickey McCarter.
