Acclaimed musician, producer and Ultravox frontman, Midge Ure, brought his visionary A Man Of Two Worlds Tour to Cliffs Pavilion at Southend on Tuesday. This bold new live concept offered fans a rare and deeply personal concert experience. For the first time, Ure seamlessly blended his iconic hits and fan favourites with the atmospheric instrumentals that have long featured on his solo albums - many of which have never been performed live. The result was a rich, immersive show designed to take the audience on an emotional journey, both visually and sonically.

Midge explained: “Almost every album I’ve made over the past 40+ years has featured at least one instrumental track. For this album I wanted to explore that further, showing two sides of what I do. The Man Of Two Worlds Tour reflects this idea, combining instrumentals I’ve written over the years with songs, album tracks and fan favourites side by side, taking the audience on a journey.”

The tour follows a remarkable run of live activity in recent years, including a sold-out 70th birthday celebration at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2023 and an extensive UK tour in 2024. Continually evolving as a performer, Ure once again challenged expectations with a production that balances reflection with reinvention.

Few artists can claim such creative longevity. From his Glam Rock days with Slik, through the Punk-tinged energy of The Rich Kids (alongside Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols), to defining the sound of the '80s with Ultravox and Visage, Ure has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. His role in co-writing and producing the global anthem 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?' and helping orchestrate Live Aid remains one of the most significant moments in modern music history. With Ivor Novello, Grammy and BASCAP awards to his name and a legacy of gold and platinum selling records, Ure now brought fans something completely new.

Known for their atmospheric soundscapes, emotive lyricism and electrifying live performances, tonight's support act Scenius have been steadily building momentum across the electronic music scene. This tour marks a major milestone for the band, offering them the opportunity to perform alongside one of the most influential figures in British music. Sounding at times distinctly like Depeche Mode and at others Kraftwerk (quite a feat from one musician), the duo composed of Steve Whitfield from Leeds and Fab Nau from Angers, France, offered up an interesting set of perfect length. 'Cookie Cutter' and the excellent closer 'Chinese Room' were particular highlights. Their sound is a combination of Synth-Pop, Dark Wave and Post-Punk and was an ideal aperitif for the upcoming main course.

Midge Ure entered the fray more than ably supported throughout by Band Electronica - featuring the youthful Cole Stacey (bass and keyboards), Joseph O’Keefe (keyboards and violin), and Russell Field (electronic drums). An amusing start, 'A Different View', saw three of them on one keyboard supported by air drumming/composing (take your pick) from Field, that started slowly before the band broke away and built the momentum to a fine crescendo.

Whilst the songs in this first section could be individually identified, they formed a non-stop 45 minute medley reflecting on a career synonymous with well written classic songs. One of the standouts being the wonderful 'Your Name (Has Slipped My Mind Again)' from Ultravox’s 'Rage in Eden', lyrically stunning and musically magnificent, telling the story of the down slide of dementia sufferers. This section culminated in Britain’s best ever no.2 hit 'Vienna' which from the instantly recognisable introduction to a superb violin solo. Midge’s voice might not soar as once it did, but it still beautifully delivered power, depth and understanding throughout the show.

Speaking for the first time, he mocks his ageing to an audience, who looking around at them, more than understand where he is coming from, duly inviting the decrepit many to rise and have a bit of a jig, which they willingly do in best Dad Dance fashion!

The band now embark on a series of Visage and Ultravox hit singles. 'Fade To Grey' epically delivered, 'If I Was' and 'The Voice' were also great, but my personal favourite from this collection was 'Dancing With Tears In My Eyes'. What a great tune that is as well wonderfully delivered tonight. The encore duly followed, an instrumental take on Phil Lynott’s 'Yellow Pearl' and finally 'Hymn', another Ultravox masterpiece.

Cue all the Dad Dancers limping to the exits, having been fully entertained by an absolute master of his craft….

Review and photos: Les Linyard