Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Few artists were as identifiable with the 1980s as Thomas Dolby, though the electronic innovator went on to explore a multitude of projects as a singer, songwriter, keyboard player, producer, composer, author, software engineer and educator in the subsequent decades.

However, he certainly still holds a fondness for those formative years and the surrounding MTV era, so much so they comprised the “Iconic 80s Recollections” Tour, which filled both the seated floor and standing room sections of the similarly emblematic House Of Blues.

Alongside an all-star band comprised of vocalist/bassist/opener Gail Ann Dorsey (David Bowie, Tears For Fears), guitarist Andrew Lipke (who is also a classical orchestrator and conductor) and drummer Mat Hector (Iggy Pop, Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Dolby set out to create a virtual symphony comprised of the decade’s hugest hits.

A personalized version of New Order’s “Blue Monday” introduced the intimate, 90-minute night, followed by the headliner’s own “Evil Twin Brother” and “The Flat Earth,” each presented solo before bringing out the supporting musicians.

From there came three colossal movements featuring Dolby, Dorsey and Lipke swapping lead vocals, yet the creator requested the audience keep their lips sealed as to what they entailed, other than to use as many superlatives as possible.

All humor aside, the lengthy segments were ingeniously intertwined and sounded sublime, as were standalone editions of a few extra surprises that definitely lived up to “Iconic” reputations.

Originals continued to abound, including “Hyperactive!” in its quirky, funky glory, and of course, an especially spirited “She Blinded Me With Science” as the classic music video resurfaced on the screen above.

There was almost as much singing along during “Europa And The Pirate Twins,” in addition to “Airwaves,” plus Dolby did a fantastic job in general carefully recreating yesteryear’s radio regulars, yet in a refreshed format that felt fully alive for the right here and now.

For additional information on Thomas Dolby, visit ThomasDolby.com.

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

Upcoming concert highlights at the House Of Blues include Bellaire (Apr. 23); Boulet Brothers’ Dragula (Apr. 24); R&B Only Live (Apr. 25); Biffy Clyro (Apr. 26); Panchiko (Apr. 28-29); Feid vs. Ferxxo (Apr. 30); Elmiene (May 1); Bloodywood (May 2); The Pharcyde (May 3); Cozy Worldwide (May 9); fakemink (May 10); Wage War (May 12); The Paper Kites (May 14); Qveen Herby (May 15); Free Throw (May 17); Arm’s Length (May 21); Archspire (May 22); Trap Bingo (May 23); Esteman and Daniela Spalla (May 26); Sam Yo (May 27); Here Come The Mummies (May 28); The Knocks, Dragonette and Aquaria (May 30). For additional details, visit HouseOfBluesChicago.com.

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