Adam Ant Concert Review Shubert Theatre Boston September 17, 2019

I have been a long time fan of Adam Ant, ever since the Friend or Foe album was released in 1982. The first time I heard the title track playing over the radio waves, I was mesmerized – I’d never heard anything like it. My brothers introduced me to Adam’s back catalog and I was immediately enthralled with the musical style, the tribal drumming, the intricate horns, and vocals that were unique and edgy. I was too young to attend the concert when the Friend or Foe tour came to Boston the following year, but finally on Sept 17, 2019 I had the opportunity to experience an Adam Ant concert live at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre in Boston.

I was invited to do a couple of interviews and to take photos of the show. I met up with Adam’s longtime bassist Joe Holweger and we chatted backstage. Throughout our discussion his love of music and performing, his focus on the show, his confidence in the band, and his loyalty to Adam Ant all but gave me a guarantee that I would love this show. And I did.

When the lights dimmed for the main event Adam Ant and his band hit the stage. This was a special show for so many and especially for me. One where the first half of the concert would be dedicated to playing the Friend or Foe album in it’s entirety – some songs that may never have been played before, or at least not in regular rotation for typical tours. This was the album that introduced me to the brilliance of Adam Ant, and here I was in the photo pit right in the middle of the action.

The title track Friend or Foe kicked right in, the band fully engaged, playing perfectly in synch, providing a solid foundation for a front man of Adam’s proficiency. Each band member played a critical role in this task to recreate quite a complex musical project that is the Friend or Foe album. Opting not to have horns as part of the tour, Adam clearly demonstrated his confidence in this band. Though I loved the use of horns on the albums and their contribution to Adams unique and innovative sound, I found myself not disappointed they were absent. With equal contributions from the whole band and very creative musicianship, it completely worked. While bass guitarist Joe Holweger and the dual-drumming team of Andy Woodard and Jola provided a solid rhythm section foundation, rhythm guitarist A.P. Leach and lead guitarist Will Crewdson filled in the musical landscape, made complete by backing vocals from Holweger, Woodard, and Leach.

Adam Ant was completely engaged with his audience and the band from the minute he stepped on stage to the last note of the three-song encore. I had no idea what to expect, apart from the teasers that Joe had mentioned when we talked. To see an artist who has been performing live for more than four decades for the first time was a thrill and even my best expectations were exceeded. The show not only featured a classic album in its entirety, but that was then followed by sixteen additional hits, singles, and deep cuts – everything you could have wanted to hear – twenty-eight songs in total. Adam’s vocals were strong and clear as he worked the entire stage with endless energy and signature Adam Ant shakes, shimmies, and cool slithering moves. He connected with audience members near and far, acknowledging and thanking every section of the theatre, making each and every audience member feel appreciated.

The band replicated every single song with a fresh sound and intricate live adaptations, never missing a beat. This was a thoroughly entertaining event with a lot of moving parts. With a band this size and the complexities of the instrumentation and vocals one could expect that the beauty of the songs themselves could get lost, but that was not the case at all. The sound was clear, everyone on stage was represented in the mix, and the energy of the band was at full throttle. The dual drumming was a pleasure to watch. Jola and Woodard worked together like a rhythmic duet, complimenting each other at times, then joining forces in perfect synch, working smoothly without getting in teach others way. On several occasions the tribal drumming styles that were a significant part of Adam’s classic albums were highlighted when Howleger and Leach each took over a large floor tom drum, one on each side in front of the drum risers. The guitar work was beautifully orchestrated, with Leach handling the varied rhythm elements and Crewdson taking lead, both filling in for the absence of the horns, and both effortlessly succeeding at that tall order.

Adam himself played a classic Les Paul on several songs, displaying the roots of his career as a true musician and rock star. Howleger held down the fort with tight and steady bass playing. He has a command of the instrument, stage and the music that would put any band member at ease, knowing they stand on solid ground. After playing with Adam for over a decade he knows the routine and completely commits. Joe mentioned to me that he wears out his bass strings every couple of shows. This was not surprising to me at all as I watched the passion and energy that pours out of him on stage. Grooving, bouncing, leaping, running, and even drumming – Joe, and each member of this band, gives 100%.

As the set progressed and the night went on, there was no noticeable decrease in energy or engagement from the band or from Adam. He demonstrated and reminded the whole venue that he is a true pro. He truly communicated with the audience, clearly through the songs, but also by engaging the audience between songs with stories, anecdotes, song introductions, jokes and funny comments, and rousing invitations for participation and noise from the onlooking fans. All evidence that the artist is actually present with us at the moment – the reason that live performances exist.

When I arrived at the venue that afternoon I was met by the opening band Glam Skanks’s manager. He quickly invited me in and immediately brought me up to the stage occupied by the Glam Skanks in full Rock ’n Roll motion making some pre-show adjustments. I only caught about two minutes of their sound check, but I was already impressed. These four women rock, with high energy and influences from 70’s classic rock, glam rock, and punk.

Opening the evening the Glam Skanks hit the stage with the pedal to the floor. They were full of energy, each one of them confident in their role and clearly having the time of their lives. They delivered what I was promised when I spoke with Millie Chan (her role as bass guitarist and backing vocalist) prior to the show – good old straight forward rock and roll, with high energy, classic influences, strong vocals, and great original songs. She was down to earth, a breeze to chat with, and excited and thankful for the opportunity to tour with her strong and talented bandmates on a tour of this caliber. The band had plenty of attitude, personality and presence on stage, but it was void of pretension and entitlement. They were the perfect opening act for this bill, working hard for every cheer, hyping up the audience, and getting everyones blood flowing for the main act, Adam Ant.

Jessica Goodwin is a passionate and lively drummer, heavy hitting and steady, head-banging and grooving with her bandmates, hair-flying with a smile larger than life. Guitarist Veronica Witkin is a flamboyant character with wild hair and classic retro styling, prancing around the stage working the crowd and throwing out classic rock riffs from her “flying V” guitar. The leader of the pack, lead vocalist Vanessa McNiel is the total package – entertaining, confident, glittery, and a force to be reckoned with. And all of those traits are supported by a great voice and contagious energy. She was in complete control, hyping up the audience like it was a stadium show. Millie Chan is a talented bass player, solid with great style and nice variety. She provides the foundation while keeping it interesting by exploring every area of the fretboard, throwing in well placed slides, and at one point even playing cowbell with her right hand while she played the bass line with her left – a classic nod to classic rock. After their set they were happily signing autographs and taking photos with fans. They were approachable, engaging, professional, and eager to connect.

Though I regret missing the Adam Ant tour in the 80’s, I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed this concert in 2019. There is something special about an artist who is truly dedicated to their music, that has decades of experience and still gives the performance what it deserves – 100%. And there is something equally special about the band that supports the music in such a committed and complimentary fashion. This Boston show was the kind of night that felt like it was the only date on tour. I expect that fortunate fans in every city will feel the same way.