By Eddie Hamp, Journalist, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, Florida – July 20, 2026
Formed in London in 1979, British New Wave and synth-pop pioneers The Fixx have spent over four decades crafting atmospheric, politically and emotionally charged rock. Currently on their Back On Tour: The FIXX in ’26 run, the band recently touched down at the historic Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in Clearwater. Long established as a premier landing spot for legendary musical talent, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for frontman Cy Curnin and the band to showcase 47 years of hits. Curnin worked both his musical and theatrical talents to narrate the band’s peak era of success from the ’80s right through to their recent releases.
Opening with “Beautiful Friction,” the title track from their 2012 studio album, Curnin masterfully made a grand entrance in a classic all-white ensemble, strolling casually to center stage. His distinctive vocals and theatrical stage presence reminded the standing, enthusiastically shouting crowd exactly why fans remain so incredibly loyal to The Fixx. With that energy set, the band launched into a 17-song journey over the next 90 minutes.
Spanning from their debut album to their latest releases, their music of introspection, relationships, conflict, and world affairs was on full display. They rolled through staples like “Secret Separation,” “Driven Out,” “Wake Up,” and “Red Skies” (and it’s no surprise some of those lyrical themes remind us that history does indeed repeat itself). Rupert Greenall, a master of synth-pop with his atmospheric keyboarding, provided the moody, groovy sound we remember so well. Backing up the band with his signature funky, new wave guitar tone, Jamie West-Oram shined on classic hits like “One Thing Leads to Another” and the encore finale, “Saved By Zero.”
The Fixx remains a fixture of British New Wave pop-rock, 47 years and counting. Cy Curnin put it best: “As long as you show up, we’ll show up.”
Cy, we’ll be there!
PHOTO GALLERY
I am a lifelong Tampa resident, semi-retired, and an adjunct professor at Hillsborough College. Although I studied Finance and Banking at the University of South Florida, my true passion has been music since the fifth grade. I learned to play guitar at an early age and played trumpet in the school band. Today, I play in three community bands in Tampa and keep busy following the local music scene and enjoying the outdoors.
