Usher Hall, Edinburgh,
14/12/24
On a mild December evening, Midge Ure and his band brought their ‘Catalogue of Hits’ Tour to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall for a night of classic tunes and memories.
James “Midge” Ure, a legend in his own right within the musical decades of times past and present. From Cambuslang (on the outskirts of Glasgow) to Top of the Pops; from the 1970s to 2024, Midge Ure has presented the world of music with some of the most iconic songs off our times.
Songwriter, producer, vocalist and a self-taught guitarist, Midge learnt and applied his skills to many a project over the years. His creative talents proved to be in much demand throughout the 1970s and 1980s, which catapulted his career to another level.
His genres are wide-spread; hard rock, post punk, art rock, synth pop and new wave to mention but a few. Midge had stints in bands like Silk, Thin Lizzy, Visage and Rich Kids before ultimately becoming the frontman of the renowned band Ultravox. Midge also collaborated with Bob Geldof on the timeless classic “Do They Know Its Christmas” which must be one of the highlights of his career, selling 3.5 Million copies in the UK alone.
As Midge grew in the music scene, so did his catalogue of influential songs. Working with Steve Strange (Visage), Midge wrote Fade to Grey, which became the theme for 1980 and still holds its own as a classic synth pop masterpiece – well, until he went and wrote “Vienna” with Ultravox. The rest is history…
I have always believed that music is the medicine for the soul. It heals, it talks to us, it warms us, it comforts us, it enlightens us, but most of all it makes us feel whole, complete and gives a sense of belonging. That goes without saying its a two way thing. Thus the giver and the receiver are equal, both feeding from the same bowl and therefore achieving the bond that music creates. I maybe sentimental or nostalgic, or maybe just human but music sets a time scale and memories begin to attach themselves to these periods in your life and Midge Ure tonight did just that.
He “Reaped The Wild Wind” from the start and showed “No Regrets” throughout his 2 hour set. The stalls were all seated, and I did wonder how long that was last going to last… not long was the answer, as “Dancing With Tears in my Eyes” had the new-wave synth pop punters jumping about like little Joeys seeing an outback spring for the first time.
Midge didn’t disappoint. With “Passing Strangers” being followed by “Sleepwalk”, the first Ultravox song Midge perform’d on the night attracted much appreciation. Engaging with the audience Midge warned us about ” Vienna”, which he only plays when all toilet breaks are done. Nothing worse than missing your favourite song over too many drinks.
The hits never stopped coming, “Fade To Grey”, “The Hymn” “No Regrets”, “If I Was”, even a little “Supernatural” ( Santana) for good measure. The eerie, but thought-provoking “Lament” was then followed by the encore ” The Voice” with a percussion finally like no other. The years may have passed but Midge Ure continues to do what he loves and does it brilliantly.
Raymond Speedie
themumble.uk 