ABC The Lexicon of Love 2025 5 star performance at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Pop band ABC released their groundbreaking album, *Lexicon of Love*, produced by Trevor Horn, back in 1982.
This iconic album featured four top 20 hits in the UK: "Poison Arrow," "Tears Are Not Enough," "The Look of Love," and "All of My Heart." It achieved remarkable success, peaking at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and reaching number 24 on the US charts, where it remained for an impressive 50 weeks.
On November 17th, 2023, singer Martin Fry brought his band, accompanied by a full orchestra, to a Sold- Out packed Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for a special concert celebrating the *ABC songbook* and the complete *Lexicon of Love* album.
The orchestra, known as the Lexicon Orchestra, was masterfully conducted by Anne Dudley, the original arranger of the album and a key figure in ABC’s sound.
The concert opened with the orchestra performing a captivating overture, setting the stage for an exhilarating night.
They were soon joined onstage by the ABC band, culminating in an electrifying entrance by Martin Fry, who was impeccably dressed in a stylish black and white dinner suit.
The evening kicked off with "When Smokey Sings" from their fourth album, *Alphabet City*. With the orchestra and band delivering a vibrant and tight performance, Fry showcased his extraordinary vocal talent, engaging the audience from the very start.
The first half of the show presented a diverse mix of classic hits and fresh material, which delighted long-time fans and new listeners alike. Notable tracks included beloved favorites such as "Viva Love" and "The Night They Murdered Love." The blend of romantic ballads and more provocative songs like "Flames of Desire" electrified the crowd, causing enthusiastic audience members to rise and dance as the first act reached a spirited conclusion. Following a brief intermission, the atmosphere in the hall buzzed with anticipation.
Anne Dudley reappeared on stage, radiating brilliance in a striking gold lame jacket, while Martin Fry dazzled in an eye-catching electric blue suit. Together, they embarked on the second set, which featured the full *Lexicon of Love* album in its entirety—a collection celebrated for its innovative sound and rich emotional depth.
As Fry recounted the story of creating the album, he painted a vivid picture of their early days, recalling how they recorded it in a modest studio nestled in a basement on Brick Lane. He shared anecdotes about the band's camaraderie with other up-and-coming musicians like Def Leppard and The Human League, emphasizing their rapid ascent from aspiring artists to chart-topping sensations in mere weeks.
Second half song list was nothing short of spectacular, beginning with "Show Me" and culminating in a raucous rendition of "Poison Arrow." The energy in the hall peaked with "Tears Are Not Enough," sending the audience into a dance frenzy that continued through the rest of the set, with standout performances of "Valentine’s Day," "The Look of Love (Part I)," "Date Stamp," "4 Ever 2 Gether," and "All of My Heart." The evening reached a crescendo with the encore featuring "The Look of Love (Part IV)," nearly bringing the roof down with its fervor. In a delightful twist, the band reprised this song as a second encore, leaving the audience elated and fulfilled after an unforgettable night of music.
This performance marked the first time I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing ABC alongside an orchestra performing this seminal album, following their 2022 tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of *Lexicon of Love*. If anything, this concert was an even more powerful and polished experience, reinforcing ABC’s enduring legacy in the world of pop music
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