Boy George reunites with Culture Club for an 80’s music extravaganza at Ravinia
Ravinia, Highland Park, IL, USA, September 1, 2018
by Anita Maree
Even though the fall season was approaching, the outdoor music venue Ravinia located in Highland Park, IL was heating up as fans came in droves to hear a night filled with classic pop songs from the 80’s. Up first was Tom Bailey from the British pop band, Thompson Twins. They performed their hits such as “Lay Your Hands On Me,” “Doctor! Doctor!” and “Hold Me Now.” During their song “You Take Me Up”, Tom tossed out to the crowd a huge red balloon for the audience to keep pushing around, but within a few seconds the balloon exploded unexpectedly…just like their set. The band seemed off and even the pre-recorded music they used could not save this performance.
Up next were the B-52’s, an American new wave, dance rock band from Athens, Georgia. The lively and colorful band performed many of their hits like “Roam”, “Love Shack”, and “Rock “Lobster’. Vocalists Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson showcased flawlessly their “call and response” style of singing.
The main event was next – the reunion of Boy George with Culture Club. This band did not disappoint. The band launched with Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”, and then flew into the band’s hits including “Time (Clock of the Heart),” “Miss Me Blind,” “Church of the Poison Mind,” “It’s a Miracle” and the new “Let Somebody Love You. They also performed “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya,” “Karma Chameleon,” Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love”, and Prince’s “Purple Rain.”
It was great to hear so many classic pop songs from the 80’s – and it was get to see Culture Club back in super form. We sure did “Miss You Blind”.
