Roxy Music performs at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 19, 2022.
It’s been five decades since Roxy Music released their eponymous debut album and on Monday, Sept. 19 Chicago fans got the chance to celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary with Bryan Ferry (vocals, keyboards), Andy Mackay (saxophone), Paul Thompson (drums) and Phil Manzanera (guitar) during a highly-anticipated tour stop at the United Center.
Opening the night was St. Vincent and Annie Clark was quick to win over all the Roxy Music fans as her seventies-inspired Daddy’s Home tracks perfectly set the stage for a night of incredible music. From striking down the theremin during “Digital Witness” to coming out in to the crowd – posing for photos and even modeling one fan’s glasses – in “New York” to ending “Cheerleader” by unleashing deadly dueling riffs with Jason Falkner (guitar) and Justin Meldal-Johnsen (bass) as drummer Mark Guiliana beat his kit within an inch of its life, Clark and company did what it takes to earn the rare occasion of an opening act standing ovation.
St. Vincent performs at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 19, 2022.
“Thank you, Chicago. This is our last song and we will leave you to the wonder that is Roxy Music,” said Clark before playing “The Melting of the Sun.” “Its been an honor and a pleasure so thank you.”
Roxy Music began their set exactly as one would hope, starting at the very beginning with “Re-Make/Re-Model,” track one, side one of their very first release. “Out of the Blue” and “The Bogus Man” soon followed on the setlist, which can be a difficult thing to create, explained Ferry, noting that it’s hard to please everyone, but they do try.
“It’s so great to be back in Chicago,” he said when introducing “If There Is Something.” “I hope you like the setlist we’ve wrote for you tonight.”
Throughout the performance, Ferry alternated between singing at center stage or from his perch while playing his Wurlitzer. On the above-mentioned tune, he added plucky notes that accentuated Manzanera’s twangy guitar and Mackay’s tonal shades.
Roxy Music performs at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 19, 2022.
To use the parlance of the sports stadium setting, Roxy Music played together as a championship winning team. Each member bringing the exact right move at the perfect moment. If there were to be an MVP, the case could be made to give the title to Manzanera as his vast versatility was highlighted from song to song. The twangs of “If There Is Something” transformed into pretty phrases on “Oh Yeah” – during which the band played in front of screens depicting the Roxy Music Drive-In – and he reached full rock god status manically shredding through the explosive climax of “In Every Dream Home a Heartache.” On second thought, Ferry with his patient build, Thompson and his unrelenting rhythms as well as Mackay’s wondrous sax sweeps earned them each MVP status as well.
“More Than This,” “Avalon” and “Love Is the Drug” also appeared on the evening’s setlist.
Roxy Music’s 50th Anniversary Tour continues through Oct. 14. Click here to pick-up tickets and head over to Roxymusic.co.uk for more information.
A full list of upcoming shows at the United Center can be found at Livenation.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
