Things Can Only Get Better Tour • Howard Jones • Wang Chung • The English Beat • Modern English • July 29, 2026 • Maverik Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
There are a lot of retro packaged concerts going around these days. Some are better than others. With the lineup on the Howard Jones, Things Can Only Get Better Tour, this one lands on the better side, as in one of the best. The Things Can Only Get Better Tour, led by Howard, also includes Wang Chung, The English Beat and Modern English. From the get-go, this was a night packed with nostalgia and great music.
Richard Blade
Adding even more authenticity to the evening was legendary DJ Richard Blade, who served as the concert’s host. For fans who remember the glory days of new wave and alternative radio, having Blade involved felt like the perfect touch. Growing up in Southern California, Richard was the voice for my musical upbringing. As a DJ on the alternative radio station, KROQ, Blade was a major influence on me. Bands such as Depeche Mode, Erasure, OMD, and more were introduced to me by this man. I was glad to see him on this tour. His connection to the music and the era helped set the tone for a night that was all about celebrating the sounds that defined a generation.
In between sets, Richard Blade would do some music trivia and give us some of the best new wave music from each year of the 80s. People ate this up! It was a fun journey down memory lane, and some of the songs even got people dancing. It was a really fun way to spend the set changes. Blade also introduced the bands, giving them a great lead-in. This was a show I was looking forward to, and the way Richard Blade would lead into each band made things all the more exciting.
Modern English
Modern English got the night started. They set the tone for what would become a nostalgic musical evening. Their presence on the bill was a great reminder of just how much variety existed within the ’80s alternative and new wave scene. This was the only band on the ticket that I had yet to see live. It was great that they went first. I had been anticipating seeing them, and it was perfect to just get to it. I thought the Salt Lake City crowd was very welcoming to them. Apparently Modern English has never played here before. I hope they come back.
There are just some songs that define a time in life. “Melt With You” is easily one of those songs. I had waited so long to hear it live, and it did not disappoint. It could be argued that this was the best song performed all night. And we had a lot of hits yet to hear. I’m not saying it was, but I’d enjoy listening to that debate. What a great opening set.
The English Beat
The English Beat brought a completely different energy. Their ska-influenced style practically demands audience participation. It took very little time for the audience to get involved. Once the infectious music began, fans were moving.
The English Beat features founding member and songwriter Dave Wakeling. He is joined by a deep roster of fine musicians. They honored former members who have passed with their talented performance. Antonee First Class handled the toasting in place of the late Ranking Roger. His energy was so fun, and he had the crowd hyped up.
The English Beat had a brief but impactful set. They played the General Public song, “Tenderness,” which Wakeling also fronted. And they wouldn’t have been allowed to leave the stage without playing the song, “Save It For Later”, one of my favorites. They ended with “Mirror in the Bathroom”. The way the crowd responded, you would have thought they were the headliners. And yet, we still had two bands to go!
Wang Chung
Wang Chung took the stage and added another layer to the evening’s celebration. Their performance helped keep the momentum going. It was remarkable to see all these different bands take the stage and give us so many different flavors of pop and new wave music. What an awesome time for music. So much of it was encapsulated within this show.
Wang Chung made great use of their time on stage. They opened with “To Live and Die in L.A.,” an underrated Wang Chung hit. That was followed by a huge crowd favorite, “Let’s Go.” People were dancing and singing back to the band throughout the song. They followed “Let’s Go” with my favorite Wang Chung song, “Dance Hall Days.” Throughout this song, it was very clear just how good the band still sounds together.
And to no surprise, but understandably so, Wang Chung finished their set with the party anthem “Everybody Have Fun Tonight.” Everyone was dancing. They were taken back to the place where they were when the song was released. It was a great set and a lot of good vibes throughout.
Howard Jones
The audience still had more than enough energy when it was time for Howard Jones. The Maverik Center went dark, and I could see these lasers shooting out from the back of the stage. It was Howard with these amazing sunglasses. With keytar in hand, he began “Stand Up.” It immediately got the crowd excited. Richard Blade said it earlier. Howard Jones would pack amphitheaters and arenas throughout this tour, but there was always something special about coming to Salt Lake City. Howard Jones’ connection with the fans always feels like a level up from everywhere else. I can attest that through the many times I’ve had the opportunity to cover Howard Jones in concert, there is a deep connection and love for him here in Utah.
I remember once he opened for the Barenaked Ladies at Red Butte Garden. There was such a demand for him that he added his own show the next day at The Complex just so everyone who wanted to would have the chance to see him. If memory serves, that show sold out.
“New Song” followed. When that familiar synth-pop melody plays, feelings rush back to why this music was so exciting in the first place. The production and technology may have changed since the ’80s, but the songs themselves remain incredibly effective.
Jones continued with “Like to Get to Know You Well,” giving the audience another opportunity to sing along. “The Prisoner” and “The One to Love You” kept the set moving while showing the different sides of Jones’ songwriting.
One of the most entertaining moments came during “Everlasting Love.” Jones began the song in a stripped-down version with just him on his piano. But then it became a big dance party and sing-along when the rest of the band and synths joined in. He also gave us a surprising snippet of “Twist and Shout.” It was exactly the kind of moment that makes live music special. An already familiar song became something a little different, and the crowd was more than happy to go along for the ride.
The mood shifted when Jones performed “No One Is to Blame.” After the more upbeat portions of the set, the song provided a chance to slow down, appreciate, and take in what is my favorite Howard Jones song. He reminded us of last year when Brandon Flowers of The Killers joined him on stage at America First Ball Park. I was there, and it was a very special moment. I’m not going to lie, I was kinda hoping Flowers would return and perform with Howard again. That being said, I loved this performance of “No One Is to Blame.” It was perfectly placed in the set, and Jones sounded great.
“You Know I Love You, Don’t You?” followed before Jones brought out “What Is Love?” The songs served as a reminder that his catalog wasn’t built solely around catchy synthesizers and memorable hooks. There has always been a thoughtful and emotional quality to his music as well.
Howard Jones had the longest set time out of everyone, yet it felt like his set went the fastest. He departed the stage to thunderous applause. We knew he’d come back. Everyone knew there was one song left. Jones returned for an encore with “Things Can Only Get Better.” It was an appropriate ending.
The live version of this song ensures that the audience will go home on a high-energy note. “Things Can Only Get Better” turns from an 80s anthem to a club-style dance track. People were jumping and clapping to the very end. Fans who had spent the evening reminiscing about their younger years were now celebrating in the present, singing along to a song whose message still feels remarkably fitting.
Things Can Only Get Better
Yes, this tour is meant to bring nostalgia. But it feels more than that. It felt like it gave fans a chance to experience what those songs still mean to them. Music has a strange ability to freeze moments in time. A few notes can bring back a place, a person, a relationship or an entire period of your life.
I loved watching the crowd throughout the night. It was obvious that they were enjoying themselves. People weren’t just standing around politely listening to songs from their past. They were smiling, dancing, singing and sharing the experience with friends and fellow fans.
This lineup also deserves a lot of credit. Modern English, The English Beat, and Wang Chung each brought something different to the evening. They’re all part of a great decade of music. But their distinctive styles remind me of how much variety there was in the 80s. And once again, I loved having Richard Blade there to host the festivities.
I think the biggest takeaway from the Things Can Only Get Better Tour might be that, of course, nostalgia is great, but nostalgia is even better when the music still holds up. I’ve seen these types of tours and festivals, and it’s not as good when an artist has lost a step and should probably retire. I thought everyone sounded really good on this tour. Like I heard Howard mention in various interviews, it was like a festival they took on the road. If I had any criticism, it would only be that I would have loved to have seen at least one female artist on the tour.
Howard Jones’ Things Can Only Get Better Tour was a great way to spend a summer evening. I loved the bands he invited to join him. He mentioned that he worries that he might come to Utah too often. But then suggested that if we keep having him, he’ll keep stopping by. My feelings are united with those in the crowd. We’ll definitely keep having him! Here’s to next time, Howard! Well done!!