Adam Ant returned to the stage at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pennsylvania, on August 15, 2013, delivering a concert that was a masterclass in theatrical flair and energetic performance. From the first note of Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter to the encore of Physical (You’re So), Ant led the audience on a thrilling journey through his career, blending Adam and the Ants classics with solo material to create a show that was both nostalgic and vibrant.
Commanding Stage Presence
Adam Ant’s charisma and stagecraft were on full display throughout the night. He moved fluidly across the stage, balancing dramatic gestures, playful theatrics, and tight musicianship. The band provided a rock-solid foundation, allowing Ant’s vocals and storytelling to shine. Each song was performed with precision, yet the energy felt spontaneous, keeping the audience engaged and fully immersed in the experience.
The Keswick Theatre’s intimate setting amplified the connection between performer and audience. Fans were immediately drawn in by Ant’s presence, singing along to every chorus, cheering for each instrumental flourish, and responding to his playful stage antics. Costume changes and expressive movements added to the spectacle, making each performance feel like a theatrical event as much as a rock concert.
Setlist – Adam Ant at Keswick Theatre, 2013
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Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter
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Dog Eat Dog (Adam and the Ants song)
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Beat My Guest (Adam and the Ants song)
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Kick! (Adam and the Ants song)
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Ants Invasion (Adam and the Ants song)
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Hardmentoughblokes
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Stand and Deliver (Adam and the Ants song)
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Shrink
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Room at the Top
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Kings of the Wild Frontier (Adam and the Ants song)
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Wonderful
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Whip in My Valise (Adam and the Ants song)
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Vince Taylor
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Stay in the Game
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Cool Zombie
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Strip
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Desperate but Not Serious
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Cleopatra (Adam and the Ants song)
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Never Trust a Man (With Egg on His Face) (Adam and the Ants song)
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Zerox (Adam and the Ants song)
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Vive le Rock
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Antmusic (Adam and the Ants song)
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Goody Two Shoes
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Cartrouble (Adam and the Ants song)
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Prince Charming (Adam and the Ants song)
Encore:
26. Press Darlings (Adam and the Ants song)
27. Lady (Adam and the Ants song)
28. Fall-In (Adam and the Ants song)
29. Red Scab
30. Physical (You’re So)
Highlights from the Night
Early tracks like Dog Eat Dog and Beat My Guest set a lively pace, immediately getting the audience on their feet. Midway through, Ant delivered fan-favorite Ant-era songs including Kick!, Ants Invasion, and Stand and Deliver, which were met with enthusiastic sing-alongs. Songs like Room at the Top and Wonderful showcased his solo material, blending rock energy with melodic sophistication. The encore, featuring Press Darlings, Lady, Fall-In, and Physical (You’re So), closed the night with theatrical flair and high energy, leaving fans exhilarated and satisfied.
Closing Thoughts
Adam Ant’s performance at the Keswick Theatre on August 15, 2013, was a vivid reminder of his enduring influence on new wave and post-punk rock. The night was a perfect mix of theatrics, musicianship, and fan engagement, delivering a show that was both nostalgic and electrifying. From start to finish, Ant proved why he remains a singular figure in rock, captivating audiences with his unique style, storytelling, and unapologetic energy.