The air inside the House of Blues Anaheim crackled with excitement on Thursday night. Hundreds of fans from all over the Southland lined up early to experience a shared history, one brought to life by three titans of the ‘80s new wave and synth-pop scene—Howard Jones, Haircut One Hundred, and the legendary KROQ DJ (and new wave music historian), Richard Blade. The evening wasn’t just a concert; it was a time capsule unlocked, a vibrant celebration of melodies that have defined a generation—my generation. And it didn’t take long for the sold-out Anaheim crowd to ride that magic carpet back in time to a place in history where all that mattered was the music itself.
KROQ’s legendary DJ Richard Blade kicked off the show in fine fashion and primed the capacity crowd, spinning a masterful set of era-defining tracks that seamlessly transitioned the audience from the present day back to the neon-soaked dance floors of their youth. Whether you were a fan of synth pop, darker wave, or anything in between, Blade pulled out all the stops to energize Orange County.
He spun tracks from heavyweights like O.M.D., Tears for Fears, The Cure, and of course Depeche Mode, while simultaneously sharing stories of old from the glory days of KROQ here in Southern California. And just when you thought it could get no better, out comes Terri Nunn from Berlin. Just incredible (and she looked amazing)! Her smile and presence alone was a significant nod to the evening’s authenticity, setting the stage for a night of pure, unadulterated musical joy.
First to the stage were Haircut One Hundred, and any notion that this would be a simple trip down memory lane was immediately dispelled. With frontman Nick Heyward at the helm, his boyish charm seemingly untouched by time, the band launched into an 8-song set bursting with infectious energy that engulfed the House of Blues.
Flanked by original members Les Nemes on bass and Graham Jones on guitar, the group felt as tight and spirited as they did in 1982. The crowd erupted for “Love Plus One,” its buoyant rhythm and signature saxophone lines sending waves of delight through the venue. Heyward, ever the engaging showman, led the audience through favorites like “Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)” and the impossibly cheerful “Fantastic Day,” their crisp arrangements and complex rhythms proving that this was a band built on formidable musicianship, not just catchy hooks.
As the stage was reset, a sense of reverence filled the room for the main event. Howard Jones, the architect of some of synth-pop’s most enduring anthems (and arguably the 80’s New Wave scene as a whole), appeared from the shadows donning a killer set of laser glasses and his signature keytar. Joining him were the familiar faces of Rory Harvey on bass, Robin Boult on guitar, Doug Yowell on drums, and Howard’s Nephew, Phil Jones on keys. Many of these cats are longtime collaborators with Howard and their musical chemistry is simply undeniable. The 16-song setlist was a masterclass in career-spanning excellence, with a special focus on the 40th anniversary of his landmark album, Dream into Action. The night got underway with “Pearl in the Shell” and there was no looking back from that point.
Jones moved effortlessly between the keytar and his standard keyboards, his voice as clear and powerful as ever. He delivered a stunning rendition of “No One Is to Blame,” its heartfelt lyrics resonating deeply with the audience who sang along to every word with true conviction. Throughout the evening, HoJo shared simple stories behind his songs, offering insights into his creative process along with his unwavering belief in positivity and human connection.
Tracks like “What Is Love?” and “New Song” felt less like retro hits and more like timeless philosophical statements that hit hard in the turbulent times we all seem to be facing these days. The show wrapped with arguably one of Howard’s most recognizable tracks, “Things Can Only Get Better.” The iconic opening synth line transformed the venue into a unified sea of dancing fans, a moment of pure collective euphoria. I had goosebumps throughout and am sure most in attendance were in the same boat.
But what was my favorite song of the evening, you may ask? Well, that one is pretty simple—“Hide and Seek.” I have absolutely loved that song since I first heard it on Jones debut Human’s Lib in 1984, and Thursday’s rendition in Anaheim was nothing short of spectacular. It speaks to me because its spiritual in nature and highlights the interconnectivity we all have as humans. While it seems like many fall woefully short of this premise in this day and age, I still believe it to be true and hold out hope that we will all find our shared humanity once again.
Hope you find it in everything, everything that you see
Hope you find it in everything, everything that you see
Hope you find it, hope you find it
Hope you find me in you
There was a time when there was nothing at all, nothing at all
Just a distant hum
I literally teared up a bit as the song came to an end because of Howard’s simple yet enduring message that’s encapsulated within the song. I’ve heard it performed live over 40 times since I was 15 years old, and it just gets better each and every time.
The Dream into Action 40th Anniversary Tour is more than just a concert or performance; it’s an essential experience for anyone who has ever been moved by the optimistic and inventive spirit of ‘80s music. Howard Jones proves once again that his message and his music are as relevant today as they were four decades ago. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these legendary artists in person and be reminded that, indeed, things can only get better. Check the tour dates and get your tickets now.
HOWARD JONES
HAIRCUT ONE HUNDRED
RICHARD BLADE
