Heaven 17 do Human League
Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2021 4:46 pm
I spent yesterday evening in the splendid city of Sheffield at the City Hall, watching a live performance of two of the cheesiest, yet oddly brilliant albums I have ever owned; The Human League's 'Reproduction' and 'Travelogue'.
I'll be honest, when I discovered that Phil Oakey didn't fancy the idea and that Glenn Gregory was taking the mic, I was more than a little disappointed, but...
Glenn Gregory was amazing throughout. Martyn Ware, original HL member, was brilliant.
Reproduction and Travelogue, both pre-date Dare! which saw them hit mainstream, and they sound 'naive' to a certain extent. But I love them. The links between the two bands are obvious and Gregory constantly reinforced his love of the early material throughout with anecdotes which raised more than a few smiles in a sizeable audience.
Martyn Ware made this happen. He'd been asking Phil Oakey for some considerable time, but he constantly declined the invitation. Fortunately Glenn Gregory stepped in and it happened. After COVID, with no gigs, no footie and restrictions leaving the house for life's simple things; shopping... this was a fabulous evening. An enthusiastic crowd and the chance to get up and 'dad-dance' with the other pensioners to Being Boiled made it all go away.
I've never been a fan of Heaven 17 if I'm honest, but I have a new-found respect for Glenn Gregory.
Another life experience box ticked. Thanks Martyn.
I'll be honest, when I discovered that Phil Oakey didn't fancy the idea and that Glenn Gregory was taking the mic, I was more than a little disappointed, but...
Glenn Gregory was amazing throughout. Martyn Ware, original HL member, was brilliant.
Reproduction and Travelogue, both pre-date Dare! which saw them hit mainstream, and they sound 'naive' to a certain extent. But I love them. The links between the two bands are obvious and Gregory constantly reinforced his love of the early material throughout with anecdotes which raised more than a few smiles in a sizeable audience.
Martyn Ware made this happen. He'd been asking Phil Oakey for some considerable time, but he constantly declined the invitation. Fortunately Glenn Gregory stepped in and it happened. After COVID, with no gigs, no footie and restrictions leaving the house for life's simple things; shopping... this was a fabulous evening. An enthusiastic crowd and the chance to get up and 'dad-dance' with the other pensioners to Being Boiled made it all go away.
I've never been a fan of Heaven 17 if I'm honest, but I have a new-found respect for Glenn Gregory.
Another life experience box ticked. Thanks Martyn.
