The Human League Close Out TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2025 with an Electrifying 80s Finale
- Desh Kapur
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2025 – Saturday 5th July 2025
IMAGES DESH KAPUR / WORDS SHARON CONWAY
The seventh and final night of TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2025 delivered a spectacular send-off, as 80s synth-pop legends The Human League headlined a night packed with nostalgia, energy, and iconic music.
Opening the evening were fellow 80s favourites Altered Images, fronted by the ever-effervescent Clare Grogan. While the band lineup may have changed over the years, Grogan certainly hasn’t. Her infectious energy and charisma lit up the stage from the get-go, as she delivered a fun, engaging set that blended fan favourites with newer material.
The crowd were fully on board, singing along to timeless classics like "Happy Birthday" and "I Could Be Happy" — songs that sounded just as fresh and joyful as they did four decades ago. Grogan’s stage presence remains utterly charming, and the youthful energy of the band injected new life into their beloved tracks. A perfect way to open the night.
Next up were The Christians, Liverpool’s soulful hitmakers and one of the UK’s most respected bands of their era. As a long-time fan, I still have my original copy of Hooverville on vinyl — so expectations were high, and thankfully, the band did not disappoint.
Garry Christian’s voice is still sublime: smooth, rich, and effortlessly soulful. He looked every bit the frontman too, engaging warmly with the crowd throughout their set. We were treated early on to hits like "Ideal World" and "Forgotten Town", and the momentum just built from there.
Tracks such as "Born Again", "Words", and "Greenbank Drive / Papa Was a Rolling Stone" packed a powerful emotional punch.
Then, it was time for the main event: the iconic Human League, one of the most defining synth-pop bands of the 1980s. The stage was a masterclass in retro minimalism: two white keyboards, a white drum kit, and twin keytars — everything screaming vintage 80s cool.
Phil Oakey, with his utterly distinctive vocals and interstellar stage look, appeared as if beamed in from a sci-fi movie. At 69, he looks and sounds phenomenal. Alongside him were the ever-glamorous and pitch-perfect Joanne Catherall and Susanne Sully, whose vocals and synchronised dance moves added vibrancy and flair to every track.
The set was a non-stop hit parade, with dazzling visuals and lights pulsating in time to songs that helped define a generation. Tracks like "Mirror Man", "Love Action", "Fascination", and "Human" had the packed-out crowd dancing and singing their hearts out.
The main set culminated in the immortal “Don’t You Want Me”, prompting one of the most joyful mass singalongs of the week. But the night wasn’t over — the encore brought down the house with the anthemic "Together in Electric Dreams", Oakey’s unforgettable collaboration with Giorgio Moroder. it was the perfect end to the week.
Throughout the Eisteddfod, TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2025 has played host to seven nights of extraordinary music, from emerging talents to global icons. The brilliant atmosphere, dedicated volunteers, and welcoming crowd have made it an unforgettable experience. And with a closing night like this — packed with nostalgia, style, and synths — it’s clear that live music has a home in Llangollen.
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