Howard Jones. Photo by Chyrisse. CPT_0344-3 — Howard Jones. Photo by Chyrisse.

By Wendy Hunter, Journalist, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer – Rock At Night Tampa

Live Review: Howard Jones “40th Anniversary of Dream Into Action Tour” with Haircut 100 – Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, Florida – September 6, 2025

Nestled at the water’s edge of Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Mahaffey Theater provided the perfect scenic backdrop for a night of ‘80s synth-pop bliss. The crowd was a vibrant mix: plenty of Gen Zers reliving their youth with Millennial children in tow, including a few Boomers, ready to time-travel through music.

The energy kicked off early with Richard Blade, the legendary DJ of KROQ-FM DJ and currently Sirius XM, hyping the audience like a pro. He ran an engaging countdown of favorite ‘80s groups, and I was thrilled to see some of my personal picks in the mix—The Smiths, The Cure, Duran Duran—before Depeche Mode claimed the top spot as the lucky winner. It set the stage perfectly, getting everyone primed and buzzing for the acts ahead.

Nick Hayward of Haircut 100. Photo by Chyrisse.

First up was the opening band, Haircut 100, who delivered a performance bursting with joy and exuberance. This British six-piece outfit pushed out an infectious pop sound laced with a subtle Latin rhythm and feel, thanks to their lineup: sax, trumpet, bass, two speedy thrashing guitarists, a drum kit, plus bongos, congas, and timbales that gave them their distinctive groove. Their stage presence was dynamic, and the audience was pumped from the start—it’s the kind of band you definitely want to experience again.

They kicked things off with “Kingsize (You’re My Little Steam Whistle),” which had many up and moving right away. Lead singer/guitarist Nick Heyward grabbed the mic and asked, “Are you ready to funk?” The crowd went wild. The super light show, complete with strobes and brilliant background effects, amplified the vibe throughout their set.

Graham Jones of Haircut 100. Photo by Chyrisse.

In “Love’s Got Me in Triangles,” the bass kept a steady beat while the congas took center stage, spotlighting the two guitarists in a thrilling display. They followed with the new tune “Dynamite,” which was well-received for its soulful saxophone and smooth vocals. By the time they hit the laid-back “Fantastic Day,” the entire hall was on its feet, many dancing as the guitarists sparred. The sax intro seamlessly morphed into guitar joy, with the drummers holding the rhythm tight, leading to a massive singalong.

The set peaked with the fast-paced “Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl),” featuring the quickest guitar strumming I’ve ever seen. Congas, sax, trumpet, drummer, and timbales each got their moment in the spotlight, competing in the best way possible—they all won! The crowd was cheering and madly dancing; it was tough not to move to their rhythm.

After a brief changeover, the spotlight shifted to ‘80s icon Howard Jones, on his global tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of his seminal album Dream Into Action. The dazzling light show was a highlight, with light poles scattered among the band pulsing and changing colors to the beat, enhanced by a light fog that added to the atmospheric magic.

Jones, backed by an excellent keyboardist/synth player, drummer, guitarist, and bassist, dove straight into synth-heavy bliss. From the opener “Pearl in the Shell” to the encore, his signature Englishman sound of the ‘80s resonated deeply. The audience was receptive, up and moving, not just enjoying the moment but reliving past ‘80s memories. Keytar in hand, Jones’ voice was strong, and he clearly loved performing.

He played the hit single “Like to Get to Know You Well,” a #4 UK chart-topper from “Dream Into Action.” After it wrapped, he pointed to the huge black and green banner behind the band and shared its story: found in Los Angeles and headed for disposal, but Jones rescued it. There it hung proudly 40 years later, featuring symbols of each bandmate’s profile in lovely shades of green.

During “Life in One Day,” Jones effortlessly tinkled at the keyboard while the audience happily joined in singing, with synths in perfect unison. As he performed “The Prisoner,” he reached out to touch hands with fans at the front of the stage, creating a real sense of connection. He even had a dynamic duel with the lead guitarist that electrified the room.

Some songs were upbeat and effervescent with a dance beat, getting the crowd swaying, dancing, and pumping arms. “Look Mama” stood out as a poignant tune about a son loving his mother but craving freedom to be himself.

The night wrapped with more iconic ‘80s memories from “No One Is to Blame,” “Everlasting Love,” and “What Is Love,” which had the audience screaming, cheering, and singing along. It was a triumphant celebration of an era, leaving everyone with that everlasting ‘80s glow. If you’re an ‘80s fan—or just discovering it—this tour is not to be missed.