On February 22, 2017, Adam Ant delivered a commanding performance at The Grand Ballroom in Webster Hall, New York, blending theatrical flair, new wave nostalgia, and rock ’n’ roll energy. The night showcased the breadth of his career, spanning Adam and the Ants classics as well as solo material, keeping fans engaged from the first note to the final encore.
Commanding Performance
From the opening chords of Dog Eat Dog, Adam Ant captivated the audience with his signature vocals and dynamic stage presence. His movements were expressive and energetic, perfectly complementing the tight and responsive backing band. Each song was performed with precision and enthusiasm, highlighting Ant’s ability to craft a setlist that was both diverse and cohesive. The intimate setting of the Grand Ballroom amplified the connection between performer and audience, making fans feel fully immersed in the experience.
The band’s performance was flawless, providing a strong rhythmic foundation while allowing Ant’s vocals and guitar work to shine. The combination of theatricality, musicianship, and crowd interaction made every moment feel electric, with the audience following every cue and participating in the sing-alongs with fervor.
Setlist – Adam Ant at The Grand Ballroom, 2017
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Dog Eat Dog (Adam and the Ants song)
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Antmusic (Adam and the Ants song)
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Feed Me to the Lions (Adam and the Ants song)
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Los Rancheros (Adam and the Ants song)
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Ants Invasion (Adam and the Ants song)
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Killer in the Home (Adam and the Ants song)
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Kings of the Wild Frontier (Adam and the Ants song)
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The Magnificent Five (Adam and the Ants song)
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Don’t Be Square (Be There) (Adam and the Ants song)
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Jolly Roger (Adam and the Ants song)
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Making History (Adam and the Ants song)
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The Human Beings (Adam and the Ants song)
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More Ant Music / Beat My Guest (Adam and the Ants song)
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Christian D’or (Adam and the Ants song)
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Stand and Deliver (Adam and the Ants song)
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Vive le Rock
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Cartrouble (Adam and the Ants song)
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Desperate but Not Serious
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Zerox (Adam and the Ants song)
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Never Trust a Man (With Egg on His Face) (Adam and the Ants song, followed by band introductions)
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Lady / Fall In (Adam and the Ants song)
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Goody Two Shoes
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Prince Charming (Adam and the Ants song)
Encore:
24. Red Scab
25. Get It On (T. Rex cover)
26. Physical (You’re So)
Highlights from the Night
Early tracks like Dog Eat Dog and Antmusic immediately energized the crowd, while mid-set classics such as Ants Invasion, Stand and Deliver, and Kings of the Wild Frontier had the audience singing along with fervor. Solo material like Vive le Rock and Desperate but Not Serious demonstrated Ant’s versatility and maintained the show’s high energy. Band introductions during Never Trust a Man (With Egg on His Face) added a personal touch, highlighting the camaraderie on stage.
The encore, including Red Scab, a spirited rendition of T. Rex’s Get It On, and the playful Physical (You’re So), concluded the evening on a high note, leaving fans exhilarated and fully immersed in the theatrical and musical world Adam Ant has created over decades.
Closing Thoughts
Adam Ant’s concert at The Grand Ballroom was a masterful blend of theatrics, musicianship, and fan engagement. With a setlist that balanced classic Ant-era hits and solo material, the performance captured both nostalgia and excitement. Every note, gesture, and interaction reinforced why Adam Ant remains a singular figure in new wave and rock, delivering a night that fans will remember long after the final chord.