Ameristar Casino in Kansas City Hosted Howard Jones on his “Transform” Tour with Men Without Hats and All Hail the Silence on June 22, 2019
In one extremely anticipated Kansas City concert, English electro-legend Howard Jones returned with his “Transform” tour featuring Men Without Hats and All Hail the Silence at Star Pavilion inside of Ameristar Casino on June 22, 2019. The outing was in support of his brand new album by the same name—which was released in early May—as well as the 35th anniversary of his “Human’s Lib” record. Jones last came to KC in 2016 as a part of the “Last Summer on Earth” tour with Barenaked Ladies at Starlight Theatre. That was his first time performing here in 30 years, thus making this his first headlining tour to make a stop in town since the mid-’80s.
All Hail the Silence, featuring the duo of English singer-songwriter Christian Burns and American DJ mixer Brian Transeau (BT)—who collaborated with Jones on three of the new tracks—opened the show with the progressive sounds of modern electronica. Fellow ’80s new wave and synthpop icon Ivan Doroschuk took the stage next with his band Men Without Hats. Finishing the set with staple hit of the decade “The Safety Dance,” fans were as animated as ever setting the tone for Jones’ set.
After a brief intermission to prepare the stage, Howard Jones opened up with a seated performance of “Hide and Seek,” a node to his “Human’s Lib” album and having played it at Live Aid inside Wembley Stadium back in 1985. The curtains were then drawn back to reveal the vibrant setup and bandmates Robin Boult (guitar) and Robbie Bronnimann (keyboards). Jones jumped straight into that new record’s title track and intersected other new tunes along with singles from “Human’s Lib” and his more monumental hits.
Howard Jones undoubtedly embodies everything we love about the 1980s and this show was the epitome of what Kansas City fans were yearning. His following and the new wave culture of the decade are alive and well in KC, and we are all hopeful for another one of his tours to touch down here in the future. Fans were on their feet throughout his entire set and never were so many smiles and merry faces seen at a night’s closing. Jones is absolutely still at the top of his game and the genre in recording and producing live shows and most definitely has a message that needs to reach every one of us.
Setlist for Howard Jones at Ameristar Casino Kansas City on June 22, 2019:
“Hide and Seek,” “Transform,” “Take Us Higher,” “Equality,” “No One is to Blame,” “Beating Mr. Neg,” “Everlasting Love,” “Hero in Your Eyes,” “Human’s Lib,” “Life in One Day,” “Like to Get to Know You Well,” “Tin Man Song,” “One to Love You,” “What is Love?” and “New Song”; Encore – “Things Can Only Get Better”
Setlist for Men Without Hats at Ameristar Casino Kansas City on June 22, 2019:
“Moonbeam,” “Where Do the Boys Go?,” “Antarctica,” “I Got the Message,” “I Like,” “Pop Goes the World,” “Head Above Water,” “The Girl With the Silicon Eyes,” “SOS” (ABBA) and “The Safety Dance”
