Roxy Music – 50th Anniversary tour’s final night at London’s 02 Arena

Reunited and celebrating the 50th anniversary of their eponymous debut album, the reigning kings of art rock are wrapping up their UK tour with stupendous show at London’s 02 Arena.

One of arguably the greatest and most wildly creative bands of the 1970s, Roxy Music still have a lot to celebrate half a century on from their first album, most obvious being that it’s no longer just fellow London art and design students who come to their shows. Tonight’s gig sees them filling up the o2 Arena for what many are whispering will be the last tour if not the last show.

Still looking every inch the most achingly suave frontman that popular music has to offer, Bryan Ferry appears fantastic and the fact that he is now 77 years old and still singing with Roxy Music almost beggars belief. Between singing and playing keys, he leads proceedings with a light touch, introducing the band members and thanking the audience for “coming to our little celebration”. With other original Roxy members Andy Mackay on sax, Phil Manzanera on guitar and the rock-solid beat of Paul Thompson on the drums, it feels like a privilege to see them playing together once again. Tonight’s set leans heavily on the first two albums with `Re-Make/Re-Model` opening the night, quickly followed by `The Bogus Man` and `Ladytron`.

The haunting avant-garde electro intro of `In Every Dream Home A Heartache` still has the power to send chills around the arena before the song bursts into life for the thunderous pay-off. It’s one of the highlights of a superb set that manages to blend the two extremes of Roxy Music’s sound – the early and wildly experimental proto glam/punk artrock and the latter day smooth and rich yacht rock albums like Avalon. It’s a brilliant mix and, even though we are left wanting to hear more of their mid 70s albums like Siren and Stranded, the overall effect is a setlist to keep everyone happy and marvelling at the variety of Roxy Music’s songwriting genius.

Back-up singers, percussionists and keyboard players all lend to a very full and arena ready sound that lends itself especially well to songs like `While My Heart Is Still Beating, `Oh Yeah` or the lush `More Than This`.  The dance really starts with `Love Is The Drug` and `Editions Of You` before a fabulous sing along of `Virginia Plain` which brings the crowd to its feet. Roxy Music return for an encore that starts with their gorgeous cover version of `Jealous Guy` before `Do The Strand` ends things with a big bang. as a band of musical innovators, they’re still near the very top. As a live act, they still have the magic even after 50 years together and apart. Roxy Music delivered a tasteful masterclass of a concert tonight. If there is something to be sad about, it’s the fact we may never see the likes of them again in popular music.

Setlist:

Re-Make/Re-ModeOut of the Blue
The Bogus Man (Short version)
Ladytron
While My Heart Is Still Beating
Oh Yeah
If There Is Something
In Every Dream Home a Heartache
Tara
The Main Thing
My Only Love
To Turn You On
Dance Away
More Than This
Avalon (with band introductions at the end)
Love Is the Drug
Editions of You
Virginia Plain
Jealous Guy (John Lennon cover)
Do the Strand