Concert Review: ABC Shines at College Street Music Hall
New Haven’s College Street Music Hall played host on February 26th to an unforgettable night of music as ABC, the legendary British new wave band, delivered an electrifying performance that transported fans back to the golden age of the 1980s. Led by the ever-charismatic Martin Fry, the group proved that their signature mix of sophisticated pop, lush orchestration, and sharp lyricism remains as compelling today as it was over four decades ago.
ABC first burst onto the scene in the early 1980s as part of the New Romantic movement, a genre that fused stylish aesthetics with sleek, synth-driven pop. Their 1982 debut album, The Lexicon of Love, became an instant classic, producing iconic hits like Poison Arrow, The Look of Love, and All of My Heart. The album’s lush production, courtesy of legendary producer Trevor Horn, set a new standard for pop sophistication. Over the years, ABC continued to evolve, incorporating elements of funk, jazz, and dance into their sound while maintaining the poetic lyricism and dramatic flair that defined their early work.
At College Street Music Hall, Fry and his bandmates took the audience on a nostalgic journey through their impressive catalog, effortlessly blending past and present. Opening with the irresistible groove of When Smokey Sings, the crowd was instantly captivated. The setlist was a well-curated mix of ABC’s biggest hits and deep cuts, keeping both longtime fans and newer listeners engaged.
A standout moment of the night was the performance of The Look of Love, which had the entire venue singing along, proving the timelessness of ABC’s music. Fry’s voice, as smooth and emotive as ever, carried every note with effortless charm. The band’s tight musicianship, paired with stunning visuals and lighting, made for a polished and immersive experience.
What makes ABC’s continued success so remarkable is Martin Fry’s enduring presence as one of pop’s great frontmen. His blend of sophistication, wit, and heartfelt delivery has allowed the band to remain relevant even as musical trends have shifted. Seeing him perform live is a reminder of why ABC’s music continues to resonate across generations.
By the time the final notes rang out, it was clear that ABC had once again left an indelible mark on their audience. College Street Music Hall provided the perfect setting for a night of timeless music, and as the band left the stage for the next band to play that night, there was an undeniable sense of gratitude from the audience for a band that has never lost its magic.
For those lucky enough to be in attendance, ABC’s performance was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of an era, an artist, and a sound that refuses to fade.
Click here for more photo of ABC at College Street Music Hall
Click here for more concert photography
Click here for more concert reviews
Don’t Miss
• Elm City Vet opens in New Haven
• Toad the Wet Sprocket with KT Tunstall and Sixpence None The Richer to perform at Westville Music Bowl
• Trevor Hall to perform at College Street Music Hall
•••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••
Connecticut Merch
If you’re from Connecticut or just love it, then you’ve come to the right place. Show your state pride with our assortment of unique Connecticut merchandise.
Our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Pride • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall
We also have merch by town, not all towns are available yet. You can always contact us and we can order the design you are looking for.
Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping
AMG Catering & Events Spring Cooking Schedule
3/19 – “Clam Jam”: Dreaming of the Ocean – Click here for more information
3/26 – Spring Cocktail Party – Click here for more information
4/9 – Boozy Brunch with sipstirs – Click here for more information
4/30 – Cinco de Mayo Class – Click here for more information
5/14 – Spring Sauce Class – Click here for more information
5/21 – Hibachi / Blackstone Class — Click here for more information
The Record Company Live at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den on April 12, 2025
Don’t miss the chance to see The Record Company perform live at the legendary Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den on April 12, 2025. Known for their electrifying blend of blues, rock, and soul, The Record Company delivers an unforgettable live performance every time. Click here for more information.
Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving
Celebrate Jersey Mike’s 15th Annual Month of Giving! Make a donation all month long at your local Jersey Mike’s and make sure to stop by March 26 for Day of Giving, when 100 percent of sales will be donated to Make-A-Wish Connecticut. Learn more at Eat a Sub: Help Make A Wish Connecticut
Fairfield Theatre Company March Events
3/19 – CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! – Click here for tickets
3/21 – Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy – Click here for tickets
3/22 – The Rock & Roll Playhouse – Click here for tickets
3/22 – Claire Maloney & The Great Adventure – Click here for tickets
3/25 – Improvement Movement – Click here for tickets
3/27 – Concert to benefit Caroline House – Click here for tickets
3/27 – Ryan Montableu – Click here for tickets
3/28 – Pink Talking Fish – Click here for tickets
3/29 – Gabe Dixon – Click here for tickets
3/30 – Sam Greenfield – Click here for tickets
Gourmet Cookies
Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!
Hartford Wolf Pack March home games
3.21.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Hershey Bears click here to purchase tickets
3.22.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Milwaukee Admirals click here to purchase tickets
Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater
Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!
Connecticut with us!
Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.
Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Google News • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community
Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page
Don’t miss our reviews
Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews
Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events
Latest news by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • Middlesex County • New Haven County • New London County• Tolland County • Windham County
Latest sports news by team
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns •
2025 schedules
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns
Events by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • New Haven County • New London County • Middlesex County • Tolland County • Windham County
Events by Interest
Art • Sports • Family Friendly • History • Concerts • Farmers’ Markets
Events by the month
March 2025 • April 2025 • May 2025 • June 2025 • July 2025 • August 2025 • September 2025 • October 2025 • November 2025 • December 2025
Events by venue
College Street Music Hall • Space Ballroom • Westville Music Bowl • District Music Hall • Fairfield Theatre Company • Hartford Stage • The Bushnell • Goodspeed Opera House • Mohegan Sun • Foxwoods • New York Comedy Club Stamford • Westport Country Playhouse • Goodspeed Opera House