Soft Cell live at Hampton Court 7th June 2023

By Deban Aderemi

Soft Cell — an 80s British electro-pop duo — are no joke! With a respectable string of Top 20 hits and radio staples, Marc Almond and Dave Ball have managed to keep their fans engaged for over 40 years. Their fifth album “Happiness Not Included” shot the pair to the Top 10 UK album charts last year, and re-ignited fan interest for their live performances.

The Hampton Court Palace festival is one of their summer stately home appearances — and a befitting set for seasoned pop stars that have earned their spot on the Royal Family’s honours list.

However, these men are not just resting on their laurels. They showed up on time and showed out. An hour into their set, lead singer Marc Almond tells the crowd “I’m just warming up”, Dave Ball on the other hand quietly soaked up all the love and good will from the audience. It was his first day back on stage after battling with a series of health complications for over 2 years, The crowd was delighted to see him, and his co-star was visibly happy to have him by his side.

Churning out an expansive set list consisting of hot tunes, rare LP cuts, extended mixes and die-hard fan favourites, there was something for everyone. Their toned-down stage presence was livened with complimentary screen graphics drawing from nostalgic postcards and scenes from their music videos.

“Torch” their 1982 hit single opened the set, followed by a self-penned 2022 fan favourite track “Happy Happy Happy”. The hits kept on rolling, with live versions remaining somewhat faithful to their studio cuts. Standout belters of the night were “Bedsitter”, and the achingly melancholic “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye”. Disappointingly, their hit cover single of “The Night” from their critically acclaimed comeback album “Cruelty Without Beauty” was omitted (cardinal sin!) “The Purple Zone” — a collaboration with The Pet Shop Boys, and their most recent single — closed the 100 minute set.

All in all, it was a fabulous night. Soft Cell aren't just a flash in the pan. Individually, they've built enviable careers creating a mixed bag of formidable art and self-indulgent vanity projects. Their Hampton Court concert celebrated their re-union and served as yet another reminder of their staying power, lyrical wit and lingering melodies.

Setlist:

Torch
Happy Happy Happy
Monoculture
Divided Soul
Loving You, Hating Me
Insecure Me
Vaporise
Youth
Last Chance
Nostalgia Machine
Soul Inside
Chips On My Shoulder
Bedsitter
Sex Dwarf
Memorabilia
Tainted Love / Where Did Our Love Go
Say Hello, Wave Goodbye
Purple Zone