For fans new and old, Midge Ure’s Live At The Royal Albert Hall is an essential piece of synth-pop history, a chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime performance by a legend who, at 70, still has much more to give.
Celebrating a seven-decade career that’s as resonant as ever, Midge Ure commemorated his 70th birthday in grand style with a sold-out show at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall. On October 4th, 2023, Ure delivered an unforgettable performance, now captured in the lavishly produced mediabook Live At The Royal Albert Hall. The package, split across four distinctive sets on three CDs and limited-edition vinyl - makes it as monumental as the evening itself, taking fans on a trip through every facet of Ure’s storied career.
Overseen by Ure and mixed by engineer Richard Whittaker (who’s worked with everyone from Ultravox and Thin Lizzy to the Who), the concert is split into four electrifying segments. The acoustic and electric sets showcase Ure’s versatility, diving deep into his solo repertoire and classic tracks from his days with Visage and Ultravox. Longtime fans will revel in the full live performance of Vienna, Ultravox’s seminal album, which served as the concert’s emotional core. And if that weren’t enough, the encore is a full-on hit parade, rolling out one classic after another, spanning every corner of Ure’s catalog.
Accompanying Ure was his trusted Band Electronica, along with special guests cellist Caroline Dale and composer Ty Unwin, who collaborated with Ure on his acclaimed Orchestrated album. Together, they delivered a masterclass in musical artistry that kept the crowd at Royal Albert Hall entranced from start to finish. Each note felt like a carefully placed brushstroke on the canvas of Ure’s career, one that took him from Glasgow’s rough edges to the heights of international acclaim.
The mediabook packaging adds even another layer with previously unseen photos from the concert, immersing listeners visually as well as musically. Ure’s tireless work ethic and inventive spirit have made him a beloved figure in the world of synth-pop, and this glorious pacakage is a reminder of his relentless dedication to his craft. Ure’s
From fronting Ultravox and Visage to co-writing “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” for Band Aid, and from BBC appearances to culinary competitions on Celebrity Masterchef, Midge Ure has seamlessly navigated decades of change in the music industry and beyond. This latest release, marking his 70th, proves that his creative spark is far from extinguished and burning brighter than ever.