SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MIDGE URE – LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL 04.10.23

MIDGE URE
LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL 04.10.23
CHRYSALIS RECORDS

Midge Ure needs no introduction, as he is a legend who has been at the forefront on the music scene for many decades. From his early days with Thin Lizzy, Slik, and Rich Kids, to his time with Ultravox and Visage, to his solo career, Ure has established himself as a true icon and he has written some of the most important and brilliant songs of all time.

Ure has released several live albums in the past, but this album is different from his other live recordings. While the other ones are brilliant and a joy in which to listen, this one is a vast overview of his career. Here is Ure at one of the most famous venues in the world, the Royal Albert Hall, playing to a very appreciative sold-out crowd. One cannot help but be struck by the classics that he has written over the years.

Opening with just an acoustic guitar for a stripped down “Dear God”, Ure breathes new life into the classic by giving the song the space and passion it deserves. He then brings out Caroline Dale and Ty Unwin for a sparse, yet beautiful piano arrangement on “Breathe”. The subtle use of strings and piano is absolutely stunning.

Of course, Ure does his solo hits and classics, but he also digs deep into the well for some deeper cuts, such as “The Maker” and “Guns And Arrows”. He even brings out his collaboration with Phil Lynott, “Yellow Pearl” as a musical introduction for “If I Was”. This is a stroke of genius, as the songs fit so well together.

Ure then performs the entire Vienna album from beginning to end. Vienna was the first album in which Ure played with Ultravox in 1980. Again, hearing some album cuts such as “Private Lives” or “Western Promise” performed live is an absolute treat. Ure, along with his band, brings that live energy.

Following the Vienna interlude, Ure brings out hit after hit after hit. “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes”, “The Voice”, “Hymn”, and Visage’s “Fade To Gray”, have never sounded better. It must have been incredible to be in the audience and hear Ure perform these classics.

Ure sounds great. His voice is strong, and his guitar work is absolutely mind blowing. He is one of the most underrated and talented guitarists of any generation, and he does not receive nearly enough credit for his musical abilities. His guitar instrumentation throughout is fantastic, and as he encourages the audience to participate, he is clearly having the time of his life.

Live At The Royal Albert Hall 04.10.23 is an incredible album. Often albums of live shows fall short of expectations, but not this one. Ure delivered one hell of a show, and thankfully, he captured it on tape. Ure has always kept himself busy, whether it is touring, recording, producing, or his Backstage Lockdown Club Shows. He tours relentlessly and shows no signs of slowing down. Live At The Royal Albert Hall 04.10.23 is just one show, but it is an extra special show, and as a result, one of the best live albums ever released.

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