I mean, what a show right?
To say people were excited for the double bill of New Order and Pet Shop Boys would be an understatement. I arrived at Budweiser Stage area around 5:00 so that my friends and I could do some public drinking before entering the venue, which charges a nice 18 bucks for a big tall boy of beer. Even then, there was a gigantic lineup already waiting to enter the venue. This was by all means, a super show – two heavyweights that ushered in electronic music in the UK in the ’80s uniting for one giant show. Either of them probably could have played Budweiser Stage on their own (New Order played there before the Pandemic) but together, it was going to be a NIGHT.
At 7:25, the nostalgic sounds of “Surburbia” started up and Pet Shop Boys took the stage. Playing under two “streetlights”, the duo quickly got the people moving and kept the momentum going throughout. This was a greatest hits party – making full use of the gigantic stage, PSB played behind a very large screen, projecting different images and designs to each of their songs. Around halfway through, the screens lifted to reveal a very energetic live band. Neil Tennant sounded great and his voice seems to not have aged since the ’80s.
The highlights of PSB’s set, for me anyway, were “Always On My Mind”, “Domino Dancing” and “It’s a Sin” but really, it just depends on what your personal fave is. Kinda sad they didn’t play “Go West” but considering they had a nice 1:40 to play, they were quite economical.
After a short Paul Oakenfold-revisiting-the-early-90s DJ set break of 20 minutes, the night’s headliner (I believe they alternate each night) took the stage
Starting with “Regret,” New Order’s set was just banger after banger. The crowd was joyous and singing along to every song. New Order’s light show game has really gone up in quality from the first time I saw them and it definitely added to the show. Having blue lights pulsating during the “Blue Monday” intro added to the experience and made you feel like you were in a really large night club for 40+ adults.
New Order ended the set with the following
Bizarre Love Triangle
True Faith
Blue Monday
Temptation
Love Will Tear Us Apart.
I mean, how can you not be elated after that? There are no complaints about the show; whatever musical weaknesses that the bands may have had, nostalgia filled in. It was a fantastic 3.5 hours and if you have a chance to see this tour, pony up the cash and grab some tickets.
