By Eleni P. Austin
The Show at the Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage Casino has always excelled at showcasing New Wave acts that first made waves in the 1980s. From artists like Rick Springfield, Duran Duran, the Pretenders and The Psychedelic Furs, to irresistible co-headlining bills featuring Elvis Costello and Daryl Hall, or Squeeze and Boy George. The most recent pairing happens on February 7th with the compelling match-up of ABC and Howard Jones.
Of course, Howard Jones is responsible for massive hits like “What Is Love,” “New Song” and “Things Can Only Get Better.” He’s been called one of the defining figures of ‘80s Synth-Pop, performed at Live Aid and released 15 albums since his 1984 debut.
From the ashes of the band Vice Versa, ABC formed in Sheffield, England in 1980, the brainchild of frontman, Martin Fry. The original line-up included Martin on lead vocals, Mark White on guitar and keys, Stephen Singleton on saxophone and David Palmer behind the drum kit.
Released in 1982, their debut album The Lexicon Of Love spawned indelible hits like “The Look Of Love,” “Poison Arrow,” “Tears Are Not Enough” and “All Of My Heart.” It shot to the top of the charts in the U.K., becoming a critical and commercial hit on both sides of the pond. Their sound was an elegant synthesis of Post-Punk, Disco Funk and New Romanticism. Their sophomore effort, Beauty Stab, rocked a little harder. 1985’s How To Be A….Zillionaire salted the mix with hints of Electro-Pop and contained hits like “Be Near Me,” “How To Be A Millionaire” and “Ocean Blue.”
In the ensuing years, they continued to record hits like “When Smokey Sings,” “The Night You Murdered Love, “One Better World” and “King Without A Crown.” All told, ABC has released nine studio albums, including The Lexicon Of Love II, a sequel of sorts to their debut. Throughout myriad line-up changes, Martin Fry has remained the band’s guiding light and primary songwriter. He was kind enough to answer a few burning questions.
ELENI: When ABC first burst on the scene, your music encompassed a plethora of styles: Disco, Funk, New Romantic and Post-Punk. What were your earliest musical inspirations?
MARTIN: Earliest inspiration came from David Bowie and Roxy Music when they each appeared on Top Of The Pops. I’d watch that show every week without fail. “Starman” and “Virginia Plain” was music from another planet. Bowie defined a whole generation, me included. My other musical education came not from singing in a choir, but on the terraces of Old Trafford, supporting Manchester United. Singing songs on the Stretford End in the ‘70s.
ELENI: ABC is currently on a co-headlining tour with another ‘80s music legend, Howard Jones. How did that come about?
MARTIN: We toured through America together last September and it was phenomenal. Those were some incredible nights. It’s a good fit musically and getting this show together with Howard and his team has been a lot of fun.
ELENI: Lexicon Of Love and How To Be A….Zillionaire remain favorites, but I really love Lexicon Of Love II. What was the impetus for creating a sequel?
Martin: For years, people had been asking me for a sequel to our debut record. In 2016, it felt right to make a big sounding album that was very polished and fully orchestrated. I played a show at The Albert Hall in London with the band and orchestra. So, I felt confident to move into the studio and try something ambitious. ABC on steroids. Bigger, bolder and better than ever.
ELENI: The tour with Howard Jones brings you to Rancho Mirage on February 7th. Have you ever played in the desert before, or spent time here?
MARTIN: Yes! I love the desert, especially at night. I’ve been trekking in the Kalahari in Namibia and the Sahara in North Africa. I’ve been to Joshua Tree and I love Palm Springs too. Rancho Mirage is going to be something very special.
ELENI: Your new project is an orchestral tour happening later this year, playing Lexicon Of Love in it’s entirety, accompanied by the Lexicon Sinfonia Orchestra, which will be conducted by Anne Dudley. Can you tell me a little bit about that? Also, will you include any other hits like “Be Near Me” and “When Smokey Sings?”
MARTIN: In the U.K., we head off on an orchestral tour later this year. The show is over two hours long. We perform The Lexicon Of Love, plus many songs from the rest of the ABC catalogue. Some new songs as well. It feels great to be onstage with 55 incredible musicians. It’s epic. It would be great to come and play it here in the U.S.
ELENI: It’s been almost a decade since you released The Lexicon Of Love II, is there any new music in the works?
MARTIN: Yes. We have been playing two new songs, “The Luckiest Man Alive” and “Never Get To Be King” on some recent shows. I guess it’s time I get back in the studio. Even though today is all about streaming, I still love albums. The best albums are soundtracks in search of an unmade film.
ELENI: As someone who still has around 4,000 CDs and 3,000 LPs, who never streams anything, I concur completely. Also, what a deft and compelling way to describe albums.
ELENI: Finally, where do you find inspiration these days? Are there any books, music, movies or television series that you are passionate about?
MARTIN: Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes, in the people I love, the faces I meet and the places I go. Fallout was the last TV show that truly inspired me. Amazing, I’m waiting for season two. Last killer tune I listened to was Horace Silver, Song For My Father.
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Howard Jones With ABC and Special Guest Richard Blade At The Show, Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage Casino February 7th 2025, 7pm. 32-250 Bob Hope Dr. Rancho Mirage www.ticketsonsale.com.
