(Hard Rock Live, Orlando FL) Culture Club kicked off its 2016 North American tour Tuesday 7/5/16 at Orlando’s Hard Rock Live venue.
Concertgoers excitedly greeted Boy George, Roy Hay, Mikey Craig, and Jon Moss – the 4 original members when Culture Club debuted back in 1981 – who promptly took to the stage with no opening act. Backing the core members, tonight’s performance also featured a myriad of instrumentalists playing a slide trombone, trumpet, saxophone, and an additional percussionist. George was the last to take the stage, adorning a bright rainbow stripe-colored suit, matching top hat, and stylishly similar patterned walking staff. The first song of the 19 performed tonight was ‘Church of the Poison Mind.’ Immediately following this song, George immediately opened up to the crowd stating, ‘Orlando, we stand with you’ quickly acknowledging the tragic shooting mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub only 3 weeks prior, causing an eruption of applause and supportive screams from the standing-room only Hard Rock venue.
A few songs later, George made reference to his heavy touring schedule as of late citing that he had just finished visiting Japan, Manila (Philippines), and Mexico. He spoke about how an unauthorized video of his Mexican performance had been recorded and already in circulation, and then joked about putting more Mexicans into government ‘here’ (the US) in order to start getting some shit done.’
Concertgoers excitedly greeted Boy George, Roy Hay, Mikey Craig, and Jon Moss – the 4 original members when Culture Club debuted back in 1981 – who promptly took to the stage with no opening act. Backing the core members, tonight’s performance also featured a myriad of instrumentalists playing a slide trombone, trumpet, saxophone, and an additional percussionist. George was the last to take the stage, adorning a bright rainbow stripe-colored suit, matching top hat, and stylishly similar patterned walking staff. The first song of the 19 performed tonight was ‘Church of the Poison Mind.’ Immediately following this song, George immediately opened up to the crowd stating, ‘Orlando, we stand with you’ quickly acknowledging the tragic shooting mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub only 3 weeks prior, causing an eruption of applause and supportive screams from the standing-room only Hard Rock venue.
A few songs later, George made reference to his heavy touring schedule as of late citing that he had just finished visiting Japan, Manila (Philippines), and Mexico. He spoke about how an unauthorized video of his Mexican performance had been recorded and already in circulation, and then joked about putting more Mexicans into government ‘here’ (the US) in order to start getting some shit done.’
About 5 songs in, the music started transitioning into more of a reggae-feel with George opening this portion of the show stating ‘if you want someone to love you, you have to let yourself be loved.’ Continuing with this loving thought, he introduced the first of his band members, Roy Hay, commenting that Hay had fallen ill the day prior while golfing. George jested about the rock style lifestyle image and suggested that maybe he should have said that Hay had been throwing televisions out of hotel windows. George then went on to dedicate the next song (‘Black Money’) to the visitor who had traveled the furthest for tonight’s show, which happened to be a fan from Argentina. During this song, George made a wardrobe change into a festive black and white patterned ensemble.
George addressed the audience frequently in between songs. At this point he began to speak of his song-writing evolving from his previous state of having been an ‘obsessive maniac’ to now being more ‘relaxed’ and ‘mental’. He then spoke about previously bad relationships in which he used to be involved, fittingly transitioning into the band’s next song ‘Like I Used To’.
George addressed the audience frequently in between songs. At this point he began to speak of his song-writing evolving from his previous state of having been an ‘obsessive maniac’ to now being more ‘relaxed’ and ‘mental’. He then spoke about previously bad relationships in which he used to be involved, fittingly transitioning into the band’s next song ‘Like I Used To’.
Culture Club is one of those carefree bands listening to which, as I was growing up, put you in a happy state of mind. But, to George’s comments earlier in the evening, many of their earlier songs were written while he and the band were younger and at less-than-wise stages in their lives. Watching the show this evening as I could hear the setlist progressively evolve into more sophisticated sounds, which was a compliment to the band’s growth over the years thereby contributing to the maturation of the content of their songs. It’s always a joy watching bands like this live and in person, because it provided such nostalgic reminders of where I was, at various points in my life when those songs were originally released.
This was the first Culture Club show I have attended, but future show-goers should be aware that the group’s concerts really make you feel like you’ve achieved a ‘Culture Club experience’ as George was comical and engaging, fully welcoming the crowd into the group’s world. It felt like the band appreciated everyone’s attendance, and George’s honest reflections throughout the night (which included tears being shed at one point) made you feel that much more thankful to be able to see the vulnerable side of this group.
Great show tonight in Orlando!
Hoping to see everyone again the next time Culture Club comes through here!
Photo credits: Lisa Bower Lisa Claire Photography
Write-up by Bailey Guinigundo
Tags: Boy George & Culture Club Boy George Fabulous LifeCulture Club OrlandoUnited.com
This was the first Culture Club show I have attended, but future show-goers should be aware that the group’s concerts really make you feel like you’ve achieved a ‘Culture Club experience’ as George was comical and engaging, fully welcoming the crowd into the group’s world. It felt like the band appreciated everyone’s attendance, and George’s honest reflections throughout the night (which included tears being shed at one point) made you feel that much more thankful to be able to see the vulnerable side of this group.
Great show tonight in Orlando!
Hoping to see everyone again the next time Culture Club comes through here!
Photo credits: Lisa Bower Lisa Claire Photography
Write-up by Bailey Guinigundo
Tags: Boy George & Culture Club Boy George Fabulous LifeCulture Club OrlandoUnited.com
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