Break out the pirate gear and the face paint, and dance to that Burundi beat! Well, participation rates of sartorial and cosmetic choices were a bit spotty for Adam Ant's sold out show January 24 at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston, but dancing was never in short supply as the musician revisited his 1980 breakout record Kings Of The Wild Frontier. A throng of deep-pocketed VIP holders got their groove going instantly as the familiar pounding floor toms of "Dog Eat Dog" filled the room, a blueprint that Bow Wow Wow would later appropriate to great renown.
Once "Ant Music" and the rest of the record was played, Ant -- looking slim and dapper in leather trousers and a Napoleonic-style hat; no face paint, natch -- and his crack band dug into some deep cuts such as "Lady," the b-side from his first single, as well as favorites "Stand And Deliver," "Desperate But Not Serious," and of course, "Goody Two Shoes."
A triumphant display, sadly underscored by the untimely passing of guitarist and musical director Tom Edwards. The Wilbur show would be Edwards' last.
Los Angeles' Glam Skanks were the hand-picked opener, a quartet of females who must have The Runaways, Slade, and New York Dolls on constant rotation in their tour van. Good fun, and an inspired choice for a well-balanced bill. Check out our full gallery from the show below.
