Hello once again, Adam Roxby here.
I had the pleasure of going to Camden Town, London to witness Front 242 as they finish off their ‘Blackout’ tour. This has been called their last live tour.
Anyone who has even the slightest interest in electronic or industrial music will know of this band. They pioneered the emerging electron body music scene with their first album back in 1982. While only having 8 studio albums they have managed to be a major influence on countless artists who have followed. Their sound is iconic and the vocals of Jean-Luc De Meyer and Richard Jonckheere.
It was great to be back at the Electric Ballroom which has a nice intimate feel. I was last there to see ‘IAMX’ (which was also amazing). The support was ‘Rein’, someone who hadn’t appeared on my radar before but I was rather impressed. Such a young artist who managed to merge the classic industrial soul with a modern sensibility. I have to check out more of this Swedish singer.
Of course, Front 242 racked through their hits with ease and energy. Despite the songs being almost as old as I am they sounded great live with the visceral base and Dad dancing!
There was no way that their set wasn’t going to end with their most iconic song; ‘Headhunter’ and it didn’t disappoint. A song from 1988 but still with the timeless quality to make a crowd jump. What I wasn’t expecting was a little retrospective video at the end with a look back at some of their highlights over the years. The crowd were warmly thanked and it did stir something inside me that I was here to witness the end of something truly special.
I saw Front 242 in the early 2000s in their home country of Belgium and have been a fan ever since. They are the sound of the previous times I spent in France with friends. No party is complete without a Front 242 track. I salute them for their service to good music and thank them sincerely for the memories.
1. You lock the target
2. You bait the line
3. You slowly spread the net.
4. You catch the man!
Great gig and well reviewed by Adam. Full of energy and passion.
Believe it or not I was a fan of Front 242 even before Adam and the Euro Rock fest in Belgium was a birthday present to Adam. As a kind of symmetry, this gig in London was a birthday present, from Adam to his brother Ashley!!!
I agree with Adam – thanks to Front 242 for your amazing contribution to our pleasure and happiness via your music. Thanks and respect, and good luck for your futures xx