The Steelhouse, along with its exclusive promoter Live Nation, has once again brought world-class entertainment to downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The venue is committed to providing a phenomenal experience for all attendees and hosting renowned bands like Howard Jones and ABC is instrumental in fulfilling this commitment.
The music of both of these bands is distinguished by its accessibility and widespread airplay on mainstream radio, underscoring their ability to merge strong songwriting with commercial success. They exhibit a knack for crafting memorable songs that resonate with listeners, as seen in hits like “Things Can Only Get Better”, “Everlasting Love”, “The Look of Love” and “Poison Arrow.” Both Howard Jones and Martin Fry have distinctive voices that are a central element of their sound, delivering powerful and emotive performances that are both catchy and heartfelt.
The evening began with DJ Richard Blade of KROQ and SIRIUS Satellite Radio fame. His trademark enthusiasm instantly captivated the audience as he spun a mix of hits that spanned the decade. Opening with an infectious blend of synth-pop classics, he set the tone for a nostalgic journey through time. Kicking off with a band that he believed started the synth sound, Kraftwerk. He then played Donna Summers’, “I feel Good” which he believes introduced the English-speaking world to synth. The story of OMD’s “Electricity”, Factory Records first release was fascinating. Then a wonderful story of how Gary Numan and what some consider the greatest synth song of all time; “Cars”, opened many avenues for other artist. Tracks from artists like The Go-Gos, and the Police had the crowd singing along and dancing with reckless abandon. Next was the story of how Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and Humans League’s “Don’t You Want Me Baby” opened the American door. He explained to us how the creation of MTV really brought the British Invasion to America. Duran Duran was especially chosen to make videos specifically for the new network. He played “Rio” and the crowd erupted in unison, all singing to the top of their lungs. The song that epitomizes the 80s in his opinion was “All I ever Wanted”, by Depeche Mode. The song that he said ended the 80s was Nirvana’s, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. When that song hit the airwaves, it changed music forever. What sets Richard as an opener apart from other typical opening acts was Blade’s unique ability to engage the audience. He shared personal stories and memories from his days as a DJ, weaving anecdotes that connected listeners to the music in an intimate way. His charisma shone bright, and it was evident that he genuinely enjoys interacting with his fans, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. For fans of ’80s music, Blades’s time on stage was a dream come true, and his enduring legacy continues to shine brightly. He can be heard on SIRIUS radio on 1st Wave, weekdays from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern.
The iconic new wave band ABC graced the stage at The Steelhouse, delivering a vibrant performance that transported fans back to the ’80s. The atmosphere was electric, filled with die-hard fans and newcomers alike. They all gathered to experience the magic of one of the era’s most stylish acts. From the moment front man Martin Fry stepped onto the stage in his trademark suit, the audience erupted in applause. His charismatic presence and distinctive voice set the tone for the evening. The opening number, “When Smoky Sings,” instantly captivated the crowd, its lush melodies filling the venue, reminding everyone why ABC remains relevant in today’s music landscape. The band showcased their impressive catalog, including hits like “Poison Arrow,” and “Be Near Me,”. Martin Fry’s interaction with the crowd was a highlight; he shared stories about the songs and expressed genuine appreciation for the audience’s unwavering support over the years. Musically, the group was tight. Special shout-out to Robert “Bobby” Hughes on keyboard, who would pop out of the shadows and hit us with superb and clean sax solos. Toshi Yanagi-guitar, Brian Farmer-keys, Jimmy Keegan- drums and Andy Carr-bass make up the remainder of the exquisitely talented ensemble. The arrangements stayed true to the original recordings while also breathing fresh life into the classics, a testament to their musical evolution. As the set reached its climax, the band closed with the anthemic “The Look of Love” it left the audience on a high note, solidifying ABC’s status as masters of their craft. Overall, the ABC portion of the show was a nostalgic journey that beautifully balanced their classic sound with a modern flair, making it clear that their musical legacy is alive and well. For anyone who admires catchy melodies and stylish performances, this set was a reminder that ABC’s magic transcends time—a must-see for both fans of the era and new audiences.
ABC Band Members:
Martin Fry – Vocals
Robert “Bobby” Hughes – Sax, Keys, Flute, Vocals
Toshi Yanagi – Guitar
Brian Farmer – Keys
Jimmy Keegan – Drums
Andy Carr – Bass
Setlist:
1. When Smoky Sings
2. Show Me
3. (How to Be A) Millionaire
4. Viva Love
5. Poison Arrow
6. King Without a Crown
7. That Was Then
8. Valentines Day
9. Vanity Kills
10. Night You Murdered Love
11. All Of My Heart
12. Be Near Me
Encore:
1. Tears Are Not Enough
2. Look Of Love
Richard Blade came back out with more stories and his listeners poll of the top 6 80’s bands.
1. Depeche Mode
2. The Cure
3. Duran Duran
4. The Smiths
5. New Order
6. INXS
The fans at The Steelhouse came to experience the iconic sounds of Howard Jones, a synth-pop pioneer whose career spans over three decades. Known for his catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, Jones did not disappoint, delivering a vibrant performance that took the audience on a nostalgic journey through his extensive catalog. The concert kicked off with a powerful rendition of “Like to Get to Know You Well,” immediately reeling in the crowd. Jones, accompanied by a talented band, seamlessly blended his classic hits with newer material. His enthusiasm was palpable, as he beamed at his fans and encouraged sing-alongs, creating an inclusive experience that made everyone feel part of the performance. Throughout the night, Jones showcased his impressive keyboard skills, expertly navigating between different synthesizers, each producing unique sounds that contributed to the richness of the music. The arrangement of “New Song” was particularly engaging, infused with fresh energy that kept the audience on their feet. Howard took the time to introduce his bass player Nick Beggs of Kajagoogoo fame. Nick, it seems, wrote Kajakookoo’s biggest hit, “Too Shy”. Howards cover of this song may have been the highlight of the night. As the night went on, Jones interacted warmly with the crowd, sharing personal moments and expressing gratitude for the enduring support from his fans. His humility and genuine nature added a unique touch, making the concert feel intimate despite the large venue. One standout moment was when Jones performed a heartfelt acoustic version of “Everlasting Love.” The emotional depth in his voice captivated the audience, drawing a poignant connection that allowed for a moment of reflection amidst the upbeat tempo of the evening. The crowd erupted when he played “What Is Love?” — a quintessential anthem that has stood the test of time. In the closing set, he delivered a rousing performance of “Things Can Only Get Better,” a fitting anthem for the times. The audience joined in with fervor, and the energy in the theater reached a crescendo, leaving everyone with a lasting sense of joy. Overall, Howard Jones’ concert was a testament to his musical legacy, showcasing his ability to evolve while staying true to his roots. His passion for music shone through every note, and the evening felt like a celebration of not just his work, but also the moments and memories shared by his fans over the years. As the lights dimmed and the final song concluded, it was clear that Jones continues to be a significant figure in the landscape of modern music. Fans left the theater buzzing, already eagerly anticipating his next visit.
Howard Jones Band Members:
Howard Jones – Synthesizers/Vocals
Nick Beggs – Bass
Phil Jones – Keys
Doug Yowell – Drums
Rory Harvey – Guitar
Setlist:
1. Pearl In the Shell
2. Like To Get To Know You Well
3. New Song
4. Eagle Will Fly Again
5. Too Shy (Kajakookoo Cover)
6. Life In One Day
7. No One Is To Blame
8. Hide and Seek
9. The One To Love You
10. You Know I Love You
11. Everlasting Love
12. What Is Love
Encore
1. Things Can Only Get Better
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Wasn’t good enough to be on stage as a performer, so the next best thing was to photograph the people who are. Shooting my R6’s is nearly as great as holding my Strat. Getting up close to an artist and feeding off the crowd is exhilarating. Concert photography allows me the opportunity to capture a once in a lifetime live moment and then share it socially.
