Howard Jones, ABC, & Richard Blade

February 19, 2025 – Steelhouse – Omaha, NE

On a blistering cold Wednesday night, February 19th, in Omaha, NE, 80s icons ABC and Howard Jones brought the heat to Steelhouse. Fans packed the venue for a night of nostalgic hits and feel-good music, turning back the clock to an era of timeless tunes.

The night kicked off with Richard Blade, a legendary DJ and music personality best known for bringing new wave and alternative music to the masses. Born in England in 1952, he developed a love for music early on, but it was in the U.S. where he really made his mark. In the 1980s, Blade became a household name as a DJ on KROQ in Los Angeles, where his smooth British accent and deep knowledge of the new wave scene made him a fan favorite. If you loved bands like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, or The Cure, chances are you heard them first on his show.

Blade didn’t just spin tracks like a regular opening dj would—he took us on a full-blown time-traveling adventure through the 80s. With his extensive knowledge and infectious passion for the era, he turned his DJ set into something way more than just music. Between song snippets, he shared stories and fun facts about iconic bands like The Go-Gos, Soft Cell, and INXS, giving the crowd a behind-the-scenes look at the decade that defined a generation. It wasn’t just about playing hits—it was about reliving them. Blade made the night feel like a guided tour through 80s music history, and by the end of his set, you weren’t just dancing—you were reminiscing, learning, and fully immersed in the magic of the decade. Fantastic way to open the show!

Next to the stage was ABC, with frontman Martin Fry. ABC is one of the defining bands of the 80s new wave and synth-pop era, known for their slick sound, sharp fashion, and timeless hits.

Formed in Sheffield, England, in the early ‘80s, the band—fronted by the ever-stylish Martin Fry—burst onto the scene with their 1982 debut album The Lexicon of Love. Packed with lush orchestration and catchy hooks, the album became a massive success, featuring classics like “Poison Arrow,” “The Look of Love,” and “All of My Heart.” It hit No. 1 on the UK charts and is still considered one of the greatest albums of the decade.

Though the lineup of the band has changed over the years, Fry remained the heart and soul of the band. His smooth vocals and dapper suits became his trademark, and his influence on the genre is undeniable. While ABC never took home a Grammy, they were nominated for a BRIT Award and left a lasting impact on the music world.

From the moment they stepped onstage, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands.

Martin Fry sounded absolutely incredible—his voice as smooth and powerful as ever, proving that time has done nothing to dull his iconic sound. Dressed to impress, he commanded the stage with effortless charisma, bringing every song to life just like he did decades ago.

The band was on fire, nailing every note with energy and precision, but a special shoutout has to go to the saxophone player—because wow! Those sax solos were pure gold, adding that signature ABC flair that made tracks like “The Look of Love” and “Poison Arrow” even more electric. The crowd was completely into it, singing along and dancing like it was 1982 all over again.

ABC didn’t just put on a show—they threw a full-blown celebration of their music, their legacy, and the fans who have loved them from the start. With over a million monthly listeners on Spotify, the band continues to keep their legacy alive by releasing remixed and reimagined versions of their iconic hits—definitely worth a listen!

ABC Setlist:

When Smokey Sings
Show Me
(How to Be a) Millionaire
Viva Love
Poison Arrow
King Without a Crown
That Was Then but This Is Now
Valentine’s Day
Vanity Kills
The Night You Murdered Love
All of My Heart
Be Near Me

Encore:

Tears Are Not Enough
The Look of Love

After another amazing set from Richard Blade and a set change, it was time for Howard Jones!

In case you’re not familiar, Howard Jones s a synth-pop legend who helped define the sound of the 80s with his uplifting lyrics and signature electronic style.

Bursting onto the scene in 1983, the British musician quickly made a name for himself with hits like “What is Love?,” “Things Can Only Get Better,” and “No One Is to Blame.”

Jones saw massive success in the 80s, racking up multiple top 10 hits in both the UK and the US. His debut album, Human’s Lib, went straight to No. 1 in the UK, and his follow-up, Dream Into Action, cemented his status as a global star. While he never took home a Grammy or BRIT Award, his impact on music is undeniable—his songs have been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials for decades.

As the lights dimmed and a red haze swept across the stage, his silhouette emerged, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Decked out in sleek shades and pops of bright neon, Jones and his band ignited the stage, instantly getting the audience on their feet.

Jones may be small in stature, but he commands the stage with incredible energy. His vocals were spot-on, and classics like “Things Can Only Get Better” and “No One Is to Blame” sounded just as fresh as ever.

He worked the stage with ease, engaging the audience and making the show feel like a big singalong. With tight band performances and stunning visuals, Jones proved that great music and true showmanship never fade.

What a fun show!

Howard Jones Setlist: