Glancing Back and Looking Forward
Clip from my Instagram Live outside Webster Hall
This past Friday (May 2), I had the opportunity to go back in time to the 1980s via a concert by the inimitable Alison Moyet at NYC’s Webster Hall. Those who think they are unfamiliar with Alison will recognize her from the hit Only You by Yazoo (named Yaz in the USA due to a conflict with blues label Yazoo). Over the years, it is amazing how many ‘fights’ I have had with people over who sang vocals on that song. Most take the stance, “Ah yes, I remember the song, but it was definitely a guy who sang on the original version.” Ah, no, that was the incredible Alison Moyet.
I was a fan of Alison’s from the moment I was given a copy of Yazoo’s debut album, Upstairs at Eric’s, to review for my music column. Yazoo were formed in 1981 by former Depeche Mode member, Vince Clarke, and Alison Moyet. Although the duo split in 1983, they produced two albums, the aforementioned ‘Eric’s’ and ‘You and Me Both’. They did, however, reunite briefly for a tour in 2008.
When it was released in March 1982, Only You rose to number 2 in the UK singles charts. Upstairs at Erics was recorded in Blackwing Studios in Southwest London, where Clarke had recorded ‘Speak & Spell’ with Depeche Mode the previous year.
‘Upstairs at Eric’s’ was a classic album of the time. Its opening track, Don't Go made it impossible not to dance to its beat no matter where you were. The powerhouse vocals of Moyet driving it forward and engraving it on your memory. Side two opener, the now familiar, Only You, sounds just as powerful today as it did over 40 years ago – wow, where does the time go?
Suffice it to say, I was a fan the minute the needle hit the vinyl. When Alison began her solo career, her debut solo album (released in 1984), named ‘Alf’ (her nickname from her punk days), was one I eagerly awaited, and I was not disappointed. The album featured such classics as Invisible (written for Moyet by none other than Lamont Dozier), Love Resurrection, and All Cried Out. It was a career-defining album and heralded the beginning of a solo career that sees her still playing sold-out shows to this very day.
Moyet also performed at Live Aid in 1985 with Paul Young and returned to the stage in an unscheduled appearance with Bob Geldof, David Bowie, and Pete Townshend to provide back-up vocals for Paul McCartney on Let It Be
Funnily enough, one of Moyet’s most successful singles was actually a cover version of Billie Holiday’s, That Ole' Devil Called Love which reached number 2 in the UK in 1985.
I first saw Alison in concert in 1985 at the Oxford Apollo, which I reviewed for national and local publications. I have followed her career from the sidelines over the years and so naturally when I saw that she was about to play NYC’s Webster Hall I was elated.
Now I have to say that stand-up venues and GA events are NOT my favorite, and the crowd at Webster Hall were, shall we say, a little feisty when it came to jostling for a spot with a view of the stage. However, seeing Alison again after all these years was magical and her voice has lost NOTHING over the years.
I missed all the sensationalism, I believe took place over her weight loss in the UK – she has indeed slimmed down dramatically. Oh and this weight loss occurred long before the popular weight loss drug explosion of recent years. I am not going to waste time talking about that here.
The fact is her voice remains as strong and resonant today as it was back in the 80s, and her ability to entertain a crowd and hold them captive is a true gift. The crowd at Webster Hall were singing along with every song and their roars were surely heard by passers by outside.
I’m going to add some footage taken by YouTubers from the night to give you an idea of how amazing the evening was. Her tour is still in full swing, so if she is coming near you, I urge you to go; you will not regret it!
However, before I leave you to the clips, let me remind you that my guest on this Sunday’s Live Substack broadcast of INTRODUCING will be Malcolm MacWatt. I will be compiling a little bio and some of his music tracks for this weekend before our broadcast, so I hope you can join us live or on reruns.
Well done Lee and your tired arms 👏🏻
That brought back a few happy memories for me, thank you 🙏🏼