HAVING just completed a massive tour of the USA and Canada Midge Ure is now touring the Hits Tour in the UK with a stop off in Bournemouth.

The set is compiled from tracks spanning the bands he has played with over the years – and there have been more than you may be initially aware of.

He has used his considerable musical and vocal skills with Slik, Ultravox, Visage, The Rich Kids and Thin Lizzy.

Band Aid of course is probably his high point but sadly we don’t get to sing Do they Know It's Christmas, maybe just not possible to recreate the feeling of the time.

Midge has pared down his previous touring band to three backing musicians, who he must have spent some time selecting as the playing and backing vocal quality is outstanding. The stage set is simple, without unnecessary effects or lighting to detract from the performance. Midge is stage centre, with band mostly playing on the risers behind him.

Midge sings lead vocals and plays lead guitar as needed, occasionally moving over to his keyboards. As testament to years on the road, this man displays stage presence and the undefinable ability to hold the attention of any audience.

He has been involved in so many aspects of music over the years it is easy to forget the songs that he has played on or produced.

All the hits are there. If I Was, Reap the Wild Wind, Sleepwalk, Hymm and Dancing with Tears in My Eyes receive the enthusiasm they all deserve.

When he sings Vienna, it is granted the greatest applause of the evening up to that point. It is such a marvellous piece of rock building slowly to the climax, and then the extended instrumental, all the time with that wonderful chorus in the background.

However, Fade to Grey eclipses even Vienna and the crowd are encouraged to get on their feet, where they remain until end of show.

It was certainly the pinnacle of the evening for me. The singing and dancing demonstrates what a soundtrack to lives the emerging electronica age was.

Midge is chattier in the latter half of the performance, telling us the 40th anniversary of Live Aid is approaching, leading into the final two songs.

Firstly, one he wishes they had played then, The Boys are back in Town, and lastly, one they did play, One Small Day.

Intense applause and stomping brought the band back for a novel version of The Voice. All four performers close together at stage front on two keyboards, electronic drums and bass.

Three walked off for the start of a drum solo, but returned almost immediately with sticks of their own to create a unique team beat, like a multi-person solo!

The set was over, thank yous completed, and we left with memories of another great performance by an arguably overlooked, great performer of our time.