Next: Culture Club, Today 8 p.m. August 20, Saturday, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino, Rancho Mirage, Calif.

CONCERT REVIEW By George Paul

Culture Club, Berlin
Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa, Calif. 

Listening to Boy George’s witty between-song banter is among the best parts of a Culture Club concert. During a thoroughly enjoyable 80-minute, 13-song set in Costa Mesa, the British singer opined about his musical influences, astrological signs, life lessons, love songs, the recent Elton John/Dua Lipa collaboration, and more.

The London pop band was initially formed in 1981. It was part of the second British invasion that took America by storm in the early Eighties alongside Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and many others. Over five years, Culture Club amassed nine top 20 hits on Billboard's Hot 100. The quartet – still featuring original members Roy Hay and Mikey Craig alongside George O'Dowd – has broken up and reformed sporadically since then, most recently in 2014. The studio album "Life," their first since '99, emerged in 2018.

This Pacific Amphitheatre concert took place 37 years to the day that Culture Club last performed on the same stage (with this writer in attendance). Several fans in the O.C. audience sported variations on young George's signature hat, and dreadlocks look.

Following a montage of past video clips and imagery, the group emerged clapping and opened with the joyous positivity of the new song "The Next Thing Will Be Amazing.” The nine-piece backing band's power was instantly felt during a strong 1-2 punch: first, "It's a Miracle," which was heightened by a jaunty sax solo, and the fun "I'll Tumble 4 Ya,” given a mini salsa break. 

Hay moved from electric guitar to white grand piano for the sleek “Move Away,” where George’s soulful delivery was bolstered by the four backup vocalists. George’s solo U.K. reggae hit cover of Bread’s “Everything I Own,” complete with dub interlude, was a highlight. Bassist Craig was smiling ear to ear.

A completely revamped “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” had a surprisingly airy vibe that recalled 10cc (think: “I’m Not in Love”). George started it a capella before being joined by piano, acoustic guitar, lush backing vocals, and a sax solo.

“I love this country. You’ve always been there for us,” said George, in introducing another new track, the tribal rhythm-driven “Planetary Karma.” The evening’s major high point came amid a medley containing “Church of the Poisoned Mind” and Wham!’s “I’m Your Man.” The sax player adeptly subbed for Judd Lander’s wicked harmonica work on the recorded version. 

Later, “Time (Clock of the Heart)” traded luxuriousness for a more disco-fied arrangement. The same held true for an even more danceable “Miss Me Blind.” Everyone in the crowd was out of their seats. Come encore time, Culture Club performed a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil” (George said, “I always said when I grew up that I wanted to be Mick Jagger – in my own way”) that worked fairly well. The band closed with its best-known hit, "Karma Chameleon.” Pure fun, all around.

Berlin opened the Pac Amp concert with a solid 40-minute set. Kicking things off with "Masquerade," singer Terri Nunn was often an exuberant presence. The band - a mainstay on KROQ/106.7 FM during the new wave era - started in Orange County in the late '70s, where classical Berlin period keyboardist/guitarist David Diamond hails from. Both said this gig felt like a homecoming.

“No More Words,” with Nunn’s fierce delivery, prompted a roar of approval from the crowd. She was equally riveting on “The Metro” as swirling synth sounds dominated. The title track of 2013's "Animal" had a more intense, industrial-tinged undertow as Nunn dramatically gestured and showed her camaraderie with the other musicians.

Before paying tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John, Nunn admitted to not being a big fan until Livvy released "Magic" in 1980, "then, I suddenly got it. So, Olivia, thank you for gracing us with your love and talent for 73 years.” She and guitarist Carlton Bost sat on stools and did a mesmerizing acoustic guitar cover of the track. 

The success of "Top Gun: Maverick" has prompted renewed interest in the 1986 film. Its successful soundtrack contained "Take My Breath Away," Berlin's No. 1 single written by Giorgio Moroder. In Costa Mesa, Nunn ventured out into the crowd to sing it with emotional depth. The group concluded the set with "Sex (I'm a)," Nunn's sext duet with bassist John Crawford. The latter appended a wail worthy of a hard rock frontman at the end. 

Photo Credit: Miguel Vasconcellos for OC Fair