Wang Chung, the British New Wave act that found their greatest success in North America - with five Top 40 hits here alone - tonight ramped up their greatest hits package and brought it to Michigan. Having watched Cutting Crew open for them, and they themselves the meat in the musical sandwich before headliners ABC took to the stage, Wang Chung (Jack Hues and Nick Feldman) take to the stage. Smiling broadly, the grey-haired duo may not look like they once did but man, can they play like they ever did!

The bouncy 'Don't Let Go' is first out the bag and is quickly followed up with the brilliantly-paced, 'Wait.' Afterwards, and with a wonderful play on words, Jack looks into the unfortunately sparce outdoor arena crowd, "What are you people waiting for? Come on, Let's Go!". And so, the totally fantastic, uplifting beats to that very same named song are then pumped out to a very appreciative gathering.

"This is a new song we have and as we have more time to play tonight [due to Missing Persons, well, missing!] we thought we'd play it for you. It's from our new album, 'Abducted By The '80s' which means you will now all rush out and buy it next year. Or, I guess, you'd stay in and download it these days! Anyway, it's called, 'Driving You'." With comments floating around the crowd that the song has a real 'nice beat' to it, it's a great introduction to a forthcoming album that has been beyond highly anticipated for years now!

"How y'all doin'? Cheers!" Nick asks and then thanks the crowd. "This is a song from a soundtrack we did in the '80s. This is called, 'To Live And Die In L.A.'. With a stool now brought out for Jack to sit and strum on, the band performed a stripped down acoustic version of the darkly atmospheric song.

With Jack's vocal tones as sweet and as dusky as ever, and Nick's bass playing as controlled and as English as ever, the group with a fine musical legacy behind them then spring forth into another of their huge hits. "After all that melancholy sound," Jack announces, "here's a song that needs no introduction." 'Dance Hall Days' is that song and quickly has everyone back up on their feet, dancing and clapping along.

After the huge amount of applause has died down, Jack makes his final speech of the night. "Thank you all for coming out. This last song is for all you guys here at Meadowbrook tonight. And by a process of elimination, I think you all know what it will be!" And with that, and a slightly funky bass intro, the chords are struck for the arrival of 'Everybody Have Fun Tonight.'

And trust me, with everyone up on their feet, singing so loudly it could plainly be heard from the stage, both Jack and Nick knew they hadn't lost a stride in the music business. Sure they should have played their '89 hit, 'Praying to a New God,' but why quibble over the little things! For, having listened to the audience after their set, their fans are already eagerly awaiting that upcoming new album (circa 2010), as once they always did.

Review and Photos by: Russell A. Trunk

www.WangChung.com

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www.RegenerationTour.com

Check Out The Reviews Of Cutting Crew and ABC!

CUTTING CREW CONCERT REVIEW