The Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, became a time machine of sorts as Boy George and Squeeze took the stage, delivering a night steeped in nostalgia, charm, and undeniable energy. Both acts, icons of the British new wave scene, gave fans exactly what they came for: timeless hits, vibrant personalities, and a few surprises along the way.
The evening began with Squeeze, the legendary British rock band fronted by Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook. Opening with their classic “Take Me I’m Yours,” the band quickly settled into a groove, with Tilbrook’s unmistakable guitar work and Difford’s smooth vocals blending seamlessly. Squeeze’s set was a mix of their beloved hits from the 80s and tracks from their more recent albums. Songs like “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)” and “Up the Junction” sent waves of recognition and excitement through the crowd, who sang along with every word. The band was tight, clearly showing that their chemistry and musicianship had only deepened over the years. Tilbrook, in particular, showcased his guitar prowess, moving effortlessly between intricate riffs and solos that had fans cheering.
One of the standout moments of Squeeze’s performance came during “Tempted,” perhaps their most recognizable hit. Tilbrook’s voice, as smooth and soulful as ever, drew the audience in, while the band’s harmonies created a lush, warm sound that filled the room. The crowd swayed and sang along, completely immersed in the moment. Squeeze closed their set with “Black Coffee in Bed,” a quirky, fast-paced tune that had the audience on their feet and dancing, proving that their brand of offbeat storytelling and catchy hooks still holds up decades later.
After a brief intermission, the excitement in the room built as Boy George (not with Culture Club) prepared to take the stage. When the lights dimmed and Boy George appeared, dressed in one of his signature flamboyant outfits—complete with a bold pink hat and colorful makeup—the crowd erupted. Opening with “Are Friends Electric,” Boy George and his band immediately captivated the audience, blending soulful melodies with new wave rhythms that were as infectious as ever.
Boy George, ever the showman, was in top form. His voice, rich and distinctive, carried effortlessly over the band’s tight instrumentation. He was as charismatic as ever, engaging with the crowd between songs, telling stories, and reflecting on his decades-long career. His banter was witty and self-deprecating, endearing him to the audience even further.
The setlist was a journey through Culture Club’s greatest hits as well and some covers, from “It’s a Miracle” to the undeniably iconic “Karma Chameleon.” The latter, of course, brought the house down, with the entire audience dancing and singing along at full volume. But the night wasn’t all about nostalgia. Boy George also showcased his voice on a few newer tracks and covers, bringing a modern twist to his classic sound.
A particularly touching moment came during the performance of “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,” where Boy George’s emotional delivery brought a hush over the crowd. His vocals soared as the song built to its climactic chorus, and the audience, seemingly in a trance, hung on every note. The balance between upbeat danceable tracks and slower, more introspective numbers created a dynamic set that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
As the night drew to a close, Boy George made sure to leave the audience on a high note, with a rousing performance of a cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” The track, with its anthemic chorus, had the crowd singing along in unison, their voices echoing throughout the venue. By the time the lights came up, it was clear that Boy George and Squeeze had delivered a show that celebrated the best of their past while still looking ahead to the future.
Boy George
Squeeze
