The posters displayed on the way towards the O2 Academy in Leeds advertised forthcoming concerts by The Human League, ABC and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark; anyone could be fooled into thinking it was still 1981 when another act who emerged from that year, Heaven 17, arrived in town as part of their Sound with Vision tour.

Forty-four years ago, the Sheffield-based group released their debut album, Penthouse and Pavement, with the songs becoming blueprints for influencing countless acts, though it took until 1983 before their big breakthrough hit via Temptation. During that period, they kickstarted Tina Turner’s comeback and produced an album featuring Sandie Shaw and Paul Jones, among others – impressive for a group often viewed as lesser than the other Sheffield synth-pop acts of the time.

Led by singer Glenn Gregory and former Human League member Martyn Ware, Heaven 17 in 2025 now features Florence Sabeva on keyboards along with Kelly Barnes and Hayley Williams on backing vocals.

(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang may have sounded very much of its time, along with Crushed by the Wheels of Industry; however, it was pleasing to hear that the band are not solely a nostalgic one – the new single There’s Something About You showed promise, though the song had a touch of Ware’s old group, The Human League.

Though the new song was warmly received by the fans, there did appear to be a certain hesitancy and apprehension from the band. “Do you still want to hear new music from Heaven 17?” questioned Gregory, feeling more like a plea rather than a confident affirmation of their impending release of new tracks.

Hearing the stories behind the songs brought a personal touch to the proceedings. From recalling their first appearance on Top of the Pops to attending gigs in Leeds, Gregory was an impressive storyteller.

Let Me Go still conjured up a brooding and atmospheric vision, though inevitably it was their biggest hit, Temptation, where Heaven 17 reached the heavenly heights – the song flew with Ware appropriately wearing a jacket with angel wings attached. An emotional version of The Associates track Party Fears Two saw Gregory almost reduced to tears as he remembered his friendship with the late departed singer Billy Mackenzie – the moment contrasted with what up to now had been an upbeat affair.

“How long can we keep doing this?” asked Gregory – after tonight’s commanding and compelling performance, the last temptation seemed a distant horizon.


The tour continues with further dates in the north:

Saturday 22nd November – Manchester Ritz

Heaven 17 Tickets | 2025-26 Tour & Concert Dates | Ticketmaster UK