Photos by Andy Argyrakis

In the 15 years since electronic innovators The Human League last came to town, its legend has only expanded, which alongside the similarly influential likes of Soft Cell and Yaz singer turned solo star Alison Moyet uniting for the “Generations” Tour, meant for a slam dunk of a sell out at the landmark Chicago Theatre.

It turns out the classic line-up comprised of Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley is just as weirdly wonderful as ever, combining theatrics and other worldly tunes, many of which had their origins in the 1980s or ’90s, yet still sound fantastically futuristic.

They included such warm up tracks as “The Sound Of The Crowd,” “Mirror Man,” “The Things That Dreams Are Made Of,” “Louise” and “The Lebanon” as the primary trio and their backing band delivered one harmony-filled heavyweight after the next.

The soulful “Human,” a chart-topper in America produced by frequent Janet Jackson collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, was another fine (and blissfully extended) example, while “Love Action (I Believe In Love),” “Tell Me When” and “(Keep Feeling) Fascination” once again directed the audience towards the dance floor.

Everyone obviously remained there come the icy, cool and iconic “Don’t You Want Me,” culminating in Oakey and “Father Of Disco” Giorgio Moroder’s “Together In Electric Dreams,” presented in all its anthemic and communal glory.

Singer Marc Almond kept the Soft Cell flag flying in memory of multi-instrumentalist and producer Dave Ball, tracing the heights of the new wave era’s “Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret” confections through their comeback collection “*Happiness Not Included,” plus a promise of the posthumous “Danceteria” project (out September 25).

In the meantime, the live edition turned in colorful, delightfully campy versions of “Memorabilia,” “Nostalgia Machine,” “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye,” “Tainted Love / Where Did Our Love Go” and more underground pleasures.

Moyet continues to make compelling new recordings, including the “Key” retrospective of sorts, featuring both singles and rarities reinterpreted with contemporary production or perspectives.

“Footsteps,” “Changeling” and “Love Resurrection” were on hypnotic display next to Yaz’s beautiful ballad “Only You,” in addition to the textbook synth-pop meets house bangers “Situation” and “Don’t Go” to bring this truly multi-generational affair full circle.

For additional information on The Human League, Soft Cell and Alison Moyet, visit TheHumanLeague.co.uk, SoftCell.co.uk and AlisonMoyetMusic.com.

For a list of upcoming Jam Productions concerts, visit JamUSA.com.

Upcoming shows at the Chicago Theatre include Djo (Jun. 26); America (Jun. 27); “The Loveable Reunion” Live (Jul. 26); Rick Ross (Jul. 17); Buddy Guy (Jul. 25); Woodz (Aug. 6); CeCe Winans (Aug. 16); Jill Scott (Aug. 20, 22-23); Gary Clark Jr. (Sept. 17); Atsuko Okatsuka (Sept. 18); Laura Ramoso (Sept. 25); Bassem Youssef (Sept. 26) and Sara Bareilles (Sept. 27). For additional details, visit TheChicagoTheatre.com.

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