The Human League • Alison Moyet • Soft Cell • June 11, 2026 • Red Butte Garden
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre provided the perfect setting for an evening devoted to three of the most influential names in synth-pop. The Generations US Tour brought together The Human League, Alison Moyet, and Soft Cell for a night that celebrated music spanning more than four decades. The tour provided timeless songs that never lose their ability to connect with an audience. With the Wasatch Mountains serving as the backdrop and a crowd filled with longtime fans and younger listeners alike, the concert became a celebration of an era that forever changed pop music.
Soft Cell
Soft Cell opened the evening with a performance that balanced nostalgia with energy. Marc Almond immediately established a connection with the audience, bringing his unmistakable voice and theatrical stage presence to every song. Rather than simply racing through familiar hits, the band allowed each selection to breathe, giving fans an opportunity to appreciate the emotion and atmosphere that have always been part of Soft Cell’s music.
The audience responded enthusiastically throughout the set, particularly during “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye,” which transformed the amphitheater into one giant sing-along. It was one of those moments where the crowd carried as much of the performance as the band itself.
Of course, the excitement reached another level when the opening notes of “Tainted Love” echoed through the venue. The iconic song had nearly everyone dancing or singing along. It created an electric atmosphere that served as the perfect lead-in for the night’s headliner. There was a moment in the song where I couldn’t help but sit back and be amazed that I was actually getting to see this band and hear this iconic song in person. Soft Cell was the perfect opener to the show.
Alison Moyet
If I’m being honest, Alison Moyet was the one I was most excited to see. Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled to see this lineup and could not wait to see Soft Cell and The Human League. That should tell you just how much I was looking forward to seeing ALF. I’m a huge Yazoo fan. When they reunited in 2008, it was a dream come true. To get to see Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke together was something I never thought I’d get to see. And yet, there they were. While I knew that the tour was a one-off, I was excited to get to see Moyet on subsequent tours. But for some reason, I was never fortunate enough to see her since the Yazoo reunion. So this show was a long time coming.
The anticipation was very real. As I drove to Red Butte Garden, I wondered what she would play. I knew, as a support artist for The Human League, her set would be shorter than I would prefer. So would she play a lot of Yazoo songs? Some of her solo hits? Some new gems? I could not wait to find out! I must say that I was excited to discover that Moyet would play the middle slot of the lineup. In the billing, it looks like she goes on first. But from what I looked into, it seems that Alison and Soft Cell switch off each night on who goes on first. Judging by the crowd and my heart, I was very pleased with the order of the lineup at Red Butte. It just flowed so well.
When Alison Moyet walked out, I just stood there, camera in hand, frozen and frankly, star-struck. I have loved her music since childhood, and even when I get the Apple Music end-of-the-year statistics, her music still ranks high on my most listened to songs. So while I most definitely should have been shooting, I just watched for a moment. I came to my senses and began taking photos, which I’m sure you can imagine was as surreal as it gets.
Alison perfectly curated her setlist. She played way more Yazoo songs than I expected. And her solo songs were absolute crowd favorites. She told the crowd that she was delighted to be with us. “I can’t believe what a beautiful view this is. How brilliant to have this at your doorstep.” She thanked The Human League for having her. She then told us that the next song was a song she wrote when she was 16. I was ecstatic when she began “her second song, saying “Nobody’s Diary.” The amphitheatre went ballistic. The song is so good, and she sounded incredible.
She continued with her Grammy-nominated “It Won’t Be Long.” I did not anticipate that song, but I was so glad to hear it. Speaking of a song not being anticipated, my jaw hit the garden flowers when ALF began “Midnight,” a classic from her Yazoo catalog. I would have never expected it. Especially on a solo tour. I was so happy.
She did not hesitate to play the trifecta of great Yazoo songs. “Only You” had the crowd swaying, and “Situation” and “Don’t Go” had the crowd dancing as if they were the final shows of the night. They could have been, and I would have been content. In between the two Yazoo dance tracks, she included her own solo classic, “Love Resurrection.” It was as good a setlist as I’ve experienced from a support act at Red Butte. Alison Moyet did not disappoint. Not even a little. Her voice has been well preserved, and these songs are timeless. My hope is that she sees just how beloved she is here in Utah and returns as a headliner. This needs to happen!
The Human League
As darkness settled over Red Butte Garden, anticipation continued to build before The Human League finally emerged to roaring applause. First, the backing band with their keytars took to the stage and the drummer started the beat. Then Philip Oakey walked out looking comfortable and confident as he took center stage, joined by Susan Ann Sulley and Joanne Catherall, whose harmonies and synchronized choreography remain an essential part of the band’s identity.
From the opening song, “The Sound of the Crowd”, it was clear that The Human League wasn’t interested in simply revisiting old material. Every performance felt vibrant and full of life, with crisp electronic arrangements and polished vocals reminding everyone why these songs became classics in the first place. Oakey’s distinctive voice remains instantly recognizable, and the chemistry between the trio made the show feel both polished and genuinely fun.
The band moved effortlessly through a collection of fan favorites that showcased the depth of their catalog. Songs like “Mirror Man,” “The Things That Dreams Are Made Of,” and “Love Action (I Believe in Love)” kept the audience moving, while slower moments offered a chance to appreciate the songwriting that helped define an entire generation of electronic pop music.
One of the evening’s emotional highlights came during “Human.” Rather than relying on flashy production, the performance allowed the song’s heartfelt lyrics to take center stage. The audience responded with warm applause before quickly returning to their feet for the upbeat numbers that followed.
The beauty of Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre added another layer to the experience. As the sun disappeared behind the mountains and the lights illuminated the stage, the venue created an intimate atmosphere despite the large crowd. The natural surroundings complemented the music perfectly, making the concert feel less like a massive production and more like a shared summer celebration.
As the performance entered its final stretch, the excitement reached its highest point. “(Keep Feeling) Fascination” had fans dancing throughout the amphitheater. So many flashbacks ran through my head. Thinking about when this song came out and how much my sister listened to it. I loved looking through the audience and watching them attempt to match Oakey’s deep voice. Spirits were high as everyone danced along.
As much as we all loved “(Keep Feeling) Fascination,” it was “Don’t You Want Me” that brought everyone together. Thousands of voices filled Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre. Creating one unforgettable chorus that echoed across the garden. It was impossible not to smile while watching generations of fans sing every word together. “Don’t You Want Me” is one of those all-time songs that you can’t help but sing along with. Even people who think they don’t know the lyrics, know the lyrics. I have never seen The Human League live before, and I was glad to have finally seen them. If only to see “Don’t You Want Me” Live.
The Generations US Tour was a nostalgic trip through the past. But it also serves as a reminder that truly great music continues to inspire long after it first reaches audiences. All of these artists performed with enthusiasm, professionalism, and an obvious appreciation for their fans. Their songs remain as catchy, emotional, and relevant as ever, and Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre proved to be the perfect venue for an unforgettable summer night filled with classic synth-pop. I would absolutely see any of these bands again. I hope I get to!