Adam Ant

Adam Ant made a triumphant return in support of his first album in 18 years, Adam Ant Is The Blueblack Hussar in Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter....
Adam Ant : Live

Adam Ant : Live

Adam Ant made a triumphant return to Portland’s Roseland Theater on Sunday, September 8th in support of his first album in 18 years, Adam Ant Is The Blueblack Hussar in Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter.  Ironically it was also Ant’s first time back to Portland in 18 years.  In all, he played 30 songs from his 37-year career, and the six new songs he played worked seamlessly with his older tracks.  Decked out in a Napoleon outfit with a black “X” on his cheek, Ant was in fine voice as he twirled, played guitar and stomped about to the beat of his two drummers.  He opened with “Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter” and then got right into “Dog Eat Dog” with the crowd singing along to the appropriate line, “We’re gonna move real good – yeah right / We’re gonna dress so fine – OK.”  And with that he proceeded to play three classics in a row, “Beat My Guest”, “Kick” and the eerily spectacular “Ants Invasion”.

“Stand and Deliver” was easily one of the most wildly received songs of the night, but a surprise was how great “Strip” sounded live.  It was much better than the recorded version, which stalled on the charts when it was released and started his slide in popularity.  New song “Shrink”, which chronicled his time seeking therapy, was cheeky and could have been released at any point in his storied career.  With lines like “Is it just me or is it just medication?,” Ant proved he had no problem addressing what he’s gone through, dealing with what doctors referred to as mental illness.  He was not showing any signs of that, just a comfortable performer doing what he does best.

Ant’s energetic set just rolled on and on.  When an artist can keep the crowd mesmerized through the first 19 songs and then end the set with “Zerox”, “Vive Le Rock”, “Antmusic”, “Goody Two Shoes”, “Car Trouble” and “Prince Charming”, you know you’re in the presence of a genius.  Ant came back for an encore and treated the fans to some rare and rarely preformed Adam and the Ants tracks.  “Lady” was the b-side to their debut single ”Young Parisians” and “Fall In” was the b-side to “Antmusic”.  Ant wrapped up the night with “Physical” and it was easy to see that he is back in full force and his Ants Invasion should continue for many more years to come.  Adam Ant has and always will be a true star of his own design.

Set List

Adam AntMarrying the Gunner’s Daughter
Dog Eat Dog
Beat My Guest
Kick
Ants Invasion
Hard Men Tough Blokes
Stand and Deliver
Shrink
Room At the Top
Kings of the Wild Frontier
Wonderful
Whip In My Valise
Vince Taylor
Stay In the Game
Cool Zombie
Strip
Desperate But Not Serious
Cleopatra
Never Trust a Man With Egg On His Face
Zerox
Vive Le Rock
Antmusic
Goody Two Shoes
Car Trouble
Prince Charming
encore
Press Darlings
Lady/Fall In
Red Scab
Physical

Adam Ant

Categories
Concert Reviews
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