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Royalty Coming to Orange County

The Return of

July 15, 2024 by David Jackson

Royalty is a word that is often overused in the English vocabulary, especially when it comes to bands. But there are a few standouts that literally fill this bill, Midge Ure is one of those exceptions and he is coming to the OC.

What makes Ure royalty exactly?  Well, let’s look at his musical prowess to start. This Scottish musician was born James Ure, with the nickname we all know him by, Midge.

Before he enjoyed solo success, he was in some impressive bands. Two notable bands include Visage and Thin Lizzy of “Boys Are Back in Town” and “Dancing in the Moonlight.”

But he is perhaps best known for his time with Ultravox. They put out era-defining songs, “Fade to Grey,” “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes,” and “Reap the Wild Wind.”

Despite his over-the-top musical success, it was his activism that made him royalty.

Ure wrote and produced 1984’s enormously successful charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas.” He also co-organized Band Aid, Live Aid and Live 8 with Bob Geldof.  

It was these efforts that literally made him royalty. In 1985 the Queen bestowed upon him the designation of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire [“O.B.E.”].

He received the honor for both his music accomplishments and his charity contributions to society. Fast forward and this most excellent Officer of the British Empire is taking us on a most stupendous adventure that we should not miss; it’s his 2024 US tour.

Here are the SoCal details: Ure will play in Los Angeles at Zebulon on August 30th, then San Diego’s Casbah on the 31st before coming back to Orange County to play the Coach House on September 1st.

It’s rare we can say music royalty is coming to Orange County, but in this case we can. Get out to this one – it will be a special night of epic music.

TO FOLLOW

SID 240716 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR