Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Between the 40th anniversary of Howard Jones’ breakthrough album, “Dream Into Action,” and the fact that Haircut 100 hasn’t been to the Chicago area in at least as long, The Event Center At Rivers Casino sold out so fast, resale tickets were at one point nearing a thousand dollars!

Regardless of what anyone paid, seeing two of England’s finest new wave-era exports in the intimate showroom setting was a jackpot combination, enhanced by international radio personality Richard Blade’s fascinating new wave history lesson and a few DJ spins.

Given his consistent and considerable presence in America, Jones naturally took the top slot for 100 minutes, performing the most familiar moments of the main event, plus several surrounding singles from the 1980s still capable of maintaining their electronic pulse today.

They included “Pearl In The Shell,” “New Song,” “Like To Get To Know You Well” and “The Prisoner,” each backed by four musicians who often bravely stretched outside of the studio arrangements.

Merging the striking “The One To Love You” and a bit of “Assault And Battery” was one such example, alongside a bluesy introduction to the otherwise more soulful “Everlasting Love.”

The ballads “No One Is To Blame” and “Hide And Seek” were placed back to back, followed by a return to the dance floor, culminating in “Things Can Only Get Better,” which simultaneously served as Jones’ optimistic mantra for a weary world.

For about 45 minutes, the extraordinary Haircut 100 pulled extensively from its primary project “Pelican West,” courtesy of original members Nick Heyward (vocals, rhythm guitar), Les Nemes (bass) and Graham Jones (guitar), joined by Mark Whitfield (drums), Felipe Fournier (percussion), Nick Gomez (sax) and Ben Caiazza (trumpet).

Together, they applied a jazzy, funky approach to such contagious favorites as “Kingsize (You’re My Little Steam Whistle),” “Nobody’s Fool” and “Love’s Got Me In Triangles,” even debuting “Dynamite” in the group’s bright and sunny tradition.

It was a “Fantastic Day” indeed as fans finally got to experience the enormous “Love Plus One” and “Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)” live, both prompting hearty sing-a-longs that suggested Haircut 100’s absence only made the heart grow fonder.

For additional information on Howard Jones and Haircut 100, visit HowardJones.com and Haircut100.com.

Upcoming concerts at The Event Center At Rivers Casino Des Plaines include Chicago Comedy Superstars (Sept. 26); Dave Attell (Oct. 11); Air Supply (Oct. 24); Kansas (Nov. 7); Grand Funk Railroad (Nov. 15) and Leann Rimes (Nov. 22). For additional details, visit RiversCasino.com.

Related Articles

“Love Plus One” when London’s Haircut 100 joins Howard Jones in rare Rivers Casino return The synths of Howard Jones’ “Everlasting Love” and ABC’s “Poison Arrow” pierce the Genesee Ravinia launches with summer soundtrack from Barenaked Ladies, OMD and Howard Jones Duran Duran’s fab “Future Past” 40th, Bastille’s “Bad Blood” and Chic’s “Good Times” fill Northerly The revolutionary Grace Jones, fellow visionary Janelle Monáe rivet pride-filled Ravinia “Things Can Only Get Better” when synth-pop pioneer Howard Jones joins ABC at the Genesee Romantic R&B, Shalamar grooves and the gospel praises of Howard Hewett please City Winery Howard Jones: “Last Summer On Earth” Tour at Ravinia