Adam Ant – Boston April 2024

On the evening of April 1, 2024, a palpable sense of electric anticipation settled over Tremont Street as a generation of “Antpeople” descended upon The Wilbur Theatre in Boston. This was not merely another stop on a legacy tour; it was a high-stakes return for Adam Ant, a pioneer of the New Wave movement whose influence on fashion, rhythm, and visual storytelling remains unparalleled. As the lights dimmed in the historic venue, the air vibrated with the heavy, tribal resonance of his iconic double-drummer configuration, signaling the start of the “ANTMUSIC” tour. For the Boston crowd, many of whom had followed the “Dandy Bandit” since the late 1970s, the performance promised a journey through the evolution of post-punk—from the raw, angular art-rock of his London roots to the flamboyant, chart-topping pop-sensibility that defined the early 1980s. This sold-out show would ultimately prove that Adam Ant’s theatrical magnetism and rhythmic precision haven’t just survived into the 2020s—they have matured into a masterclass of stagecraft.

The concert’s defining characteristic was its relentless, tribal energy. From the moment the first beat of “Antmusic” echoed through the theatre, the dual percussionists—Jola and Marc Slutsky—locked into a synchronized, high-impact groove that breathed new life into classic tracks. Adam Ant took the stage with a visual flair that nodded to his “Prince Charming” era without feeling like a costume. Sporting a tailored hussar-style jacket and his trademark headband, he moved with a lithe, calculated energy that signaled he was here to work.

The setlist was a comprehensive journey through his discography, emphasizing the rhythmic power of the Ants’ early years and the hook-heavy solo era.

While some attendees noted that the vocal mix at the Wilbur could occasionally be buried by the sheer power of the triple-guitar and double-drum assault, Ant’s performance was widely praised for its sincerity and stamina. He engaged the audience not through long speeches, but through sharp, stylized choreography and a commanding stage presence that transformed the intimate theatre into a grand arena.

The evening was bolstered by a high-energy opening set from The English Beat (featuring Dave Wakeling). Their set of ska and 2-tone classics, including “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Save It for Later,” primed the Boston audience with a celebratory atmosphere that complemented Ant’s more theatrical style.

The 2024 Boston show was more than just a nostalgia trip; it was a demonstration of why Adam Ant remains an unmistakable pillar of the new wave genre. By focusing on the primal rhythms and visual aesthetics that defined his career, he delivered a performance that felt both timeless and vital. For the “Antpeople” in attendance, it was a reminder that “Antmusic” is a genre of its own, still vibrant and defiant decades later.