Photos by Andy Argyrakis

When Roxy Music debuted in 1972, the English group broke every mold imaginable by blending art rock, glam, proto-punk, progressive and experimental sounds with the blue-eyed soul sophistication of front man Bryan Ferry.

Along with guitarist Phil Manzanera, saxophone/keyboard player Andy Mackay and drummer Paul Thompson, this continues to be the case on the “50th Anniversary” Tour, which included a stop at the United Center after 19 years away from the area, accompanied by opener/alternative veteran St. Vincent.

The band that also birthed super producer and ambient innovator Brian Eno (who has yet to participate in any reunions) went back to the very beginning with “Re-Make/Re-Model” and spent the next 100 minutes or so winding through all the main attractions.

Even though everyone is now in their ‘70s, age wasn’t even remotely a factor as the guys exquisitely rocked and swung their way around “Out Of The Blue,” “While My Heart Is Still Beating,” “Oh Yeah” and “In Every Dream Home A Heartache.”

“Tara” turned into a tribute for the recently departed Queen Elizabeth, whose picture was shown the enormous screen, which also switched between atmospheric projections and beamed the performers to the back of the arena.

As the evening settled further into the late 1970s and early ‘80s, new wave arrangements surfaced during “Dance Away,” alongside the lush ballads “More Than This” and “Avalon,” all further vehicles for Ferry’s super smooth vocals.

Yet it was the troupe’s primary hit in America, “Love Is The Drug,” that ultimately brought down the house, thanks to its relentlessly funky grooves, plus a series of call and response chants from fans, many of whom were surely around since the early days.

Of course, Roxy Music is regarded all over the globe by the avant-garde, but are finally getting some much-deserved mainstream attention with a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, though regardless of how the vital act gets re-discovered, it’s imperative to catch this retrospective now in case it never happens again.

For additional information on Roxy Music, visit RoxyMusic.co.uk.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include The Killers (Sept. 21); Mary J. Blige (Sept. 25); Gorillaz (Oct. 3); Iron Maiden (Oct. 5); Harry Styles (Oct. 6-15); The Who (Oct. 12); Lizzo (Oct. 16); Smashing Pumpkins (Nov. 5); Blackpink (Nov. 10-11); Arcade Fire (Nov. 12) and Dave Matthews Band (Nov. 15). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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