The Human League

If for nothing else, The Human League will always be remembered for one of the most memorable singles of the 1980s, Don't You Want Me. Taken from their hugely successful 1981 album, Dare, the single made number one in the UK, the USA and several other countries around the world. It must also have boosted the sale of synthesisers, as numerous electronica acts that have followed have quoted both the band and the album as a huge influence. Although now known as a synthpop band, when they were formed originally as The Future in Sheffield in 1977, the intention was to play less commercial electronic music. The addition of Phil Oakey as vocalist eventually led to a more pop-orientated direction, diversifying away from fellow Sheffield electronic pioneers such as Heaven 17 and British Electronic Foundation. Early singles such as Being Boiled began to cause a stir in the music press, although real success did not until they revised their line-up and released Dare, which eventually went triple platinum. They suffered a career dip in the 1990s, despite continuing to release critically-acclaimed singles and albums, due to the changes in musical tastes but the 2000s have been more kind with new material, tours and a resurgence of interest in electronic music from the 1980s.

• Website: www.league-online.com

At the following places

• Bournemouth
• Bournemouth International Centre
• Brighton
• Brighton Dome
• Bristol
• Colston Hall
• Cambridge
• Cambridge Corn Exchange
• Hatfield
• The Forum
• Lincoln
• The Engine Shed, University Of Lincoln SU
• London
• Royal Albert Hall
• Manchester
• O2 Apollo Manchester
• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Newcastle City Hall
• Nottingham
• Royal Concert Hall
• Sheffield
• Motorpoint Arena
• Sheffield City Hall