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September 16, 2019

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Adam Ant brought a touch of the '80s to the Masonic Auditorium on Saturday night.  Playing his breakout 1982 album Friend Or Foe in it's entirety, leaving no surprises in the first half of the set.

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However, long time fans were happy to hear songs performed live that they haven't heard in many years.  The people in the pit were having a great time singing and dancing along with Ant, flashing back to their middle and high school days.

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Backed by a tight five-piece band that featured two guitarists, two drummers and a bassist, Ant and his army plowed through the entire album without a break besides an occasional "thank you" or "Cleveland!" shout out.

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"Desperate But Not Serious" really got the fans up on their feet and Ant's cover of The Doors "Hello, I Love You" closed out side one.  

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His biggest hit, "Goody Two Shoes" opens up side two but fell a little flat in concert because it was missing the iconic horn section.  

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After "Man Called Marco" closed out the album, it was time for more deep cuts and greatest hits.

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"Viva Le Rock," "Antmusic" and "Strip" highlighted the second set.

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Ant was a bundle of energy as he danced, twirled and strutted across the stage all evening long.

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The set came to a close as he performed "Stand And Deliver."  Ant and his crew returned to encore with "Press Darlings," "Red Scab" and "Physical (You're So)."  The only thing missing from the 28 song set was his 1995 Top 40 hit "Wonderful."

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It was great walk down memory lane with a true MTV icon.

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Glam Shanks opened the show with an inspired set.

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Photos and review by Greg Drugan

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