Huge, theatrical, colorful, soulful, funky and one heckuva good time.
But what else would you expect from Boy George and Culture Club?
The flamboyant frontman led Culture Club for more than an hour of its greatest hits, a few new numbers and a couple of excellent covers.
“We are Culture Club, a punk, funk, reggae, soul combo from the United Kingdom,” George said to kick off the show. “We’re gonna do something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. We’re gonna do everything.”
They did. And it was delightful.
And 3,000 fans packed into Stir Cove on Saturday to witness a night of music and singing and soulfulness.
Imagine Dragons guitarist Wayne Sermon, left, and bassist Ben McKee play for a sold-out CenturyLink Center.
Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds performs as fans try to snap a photo at the CenturyLink Center.
Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds plays for a sold-out crowd at the CenturyLink Center.
Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds plays for a sold-out crowd at the CenturyLink Center.
Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds plays for a sold-out crowd at the CenturyLink Center on June 24, 2018.
Cody Jinks performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Cody Jinks performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Chris Claridy of Cody Jinks’ band, the Tonedeaf Hippies, performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Cody Jinks performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Cody Jinks performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Country singer Ward Davis performs at SumTur Amphitheater last week.
Country singer Ward Davis performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Country singer Ward Davis performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Flogging Molly preforms on Saturday June 9th, 2018 at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Flogging Molly performs on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Flogging Molly performs on at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Flogging Molly performs on Saturday at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Flogging Molly performs on Saturday at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Dropkick Murphys performs on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Dropkick Murphys performs on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Dropkick Murphys preforms on Saturday June 9th, 2018 at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Dropkick Murphys performs on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Dropkick Murphys performs on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
“Yee-haw, Cornhuskers!” Paisley declared after taking the stage.
Paisley made sure his show was full of memorable moments.
Brad Paisley performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Thursday.
American country music singer-songwriter, Brad Paisley, performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, Thursday, April 26, 2018. BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Brad Paisley performs in Lincoln on Thursday night.
Brad Paisley performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Brad Paisley, performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
“So this is a nice place that you guys built here,” Paisley said. “Thank you for bringing us to your beautiful place in the world.”
Brad Paisley delighted 8,000 fans by making deep runs on his many paisley-decorated guitars and busting out many of his 18 No. 1 country songs.
Kid Rock performs at the CenturyLink Center Omaha on Saturday.
Kid Rock performs at the CenturyLink Center Omaha on Saturday. Kid Rock’s varied genres and wardrobe choices didn’t blend well in the show, wrote a World-Herald reviewer.
Kid Rock performs at the CenturyLink Center amid loads of pyro.
Kid Rock performs at the CenturyLink Center on Saturday, March 17, 2018, in Omaha. MATT DIXON/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
A member of the audience uses her cell phone to record a portion of Miranda Lambert’s performance during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Imagine Dragons guitarist Wayne Sermon, left, and bassist Ben McKee play for a sold-out CenturyLink Center.
Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds performs as fans try to snap a photo at the CenturyLink Center.
Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds plays for a sold-out crowd at the CenturyLink Center.
Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds plays for a sold-out crowd at the CenturyLink Center.
Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds plays for a sold-out crowd at the CenturyLink Center on June 24, 2018.
Cody Jinks performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Cody Jinks performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Chris Claridy of Cody Jinks’ band, the Tonedeaf Hippies, performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Cody Jinks performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Cody Jinks performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Country singer Ward Davis performs at SumTur Amphitheater last week.
Country singer Ward Davis performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Country singer Ward Davis performs at SumTur Amphitheater.
Flogging Molly preforms on Saturday June 9th, 2018 at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Flogging Molly performs on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Flogging Molly performs on at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Flogging Molly performs on Saturday at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Flogging Molly performs on Saturday at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Dropkick Murphys performs on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Dropkick Murphys performs on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Dropkick Murphys preforms on Saturday June 9th, 2018 at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Dropkick Murphys performs on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
Dropkick Murphys performs on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs.
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Zac Brown Band preforms on Friday June 8th, 2018 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
Migos performs at Stir Cove on Saturday May 26, 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. KEVIN COFFEY/THE WORLD-HERALD
“Yee-haw, Cornhuskers!” Paisley declared after taking the stage.
Paisley made sure his show was full of memorable moments.
Brad Paisley performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Thursday.
American country music singer-songwriter, Brad Paisley, performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, Thursday, April 26, 2018. BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Brad Paisley performs in Lincoln on Thursday night.
Brad Paisley performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Brad Paisley, performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
“So this is a nice place that you guys built here,” Paisley said. “Thank you for bringing us to your beautiful place in the world.”
Brad Paisley delighted 8,000 fans by making deep runs on his many paisley-decorated guitars and busting out many of his 18 No. 1 country songs.
Kid Rock performs at the CenturyLink Center Omaha on Saturday.
Kid Rock performs at the CenturyLink Center Omaha on Saturday. Kid Rock’s varied genres and wardrobe choices didn’t blend well in the show, wrote a World-Herald reviewer.
Kid Rock performs at the CenturyLink Center amid loads of pyro.
Kid Rock performs at the CenturyLink Center on Saturday, March 17, 2018, in Omaha. MATT DIXON/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Miranda Lambert performs during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
A member of the audience uses her cell phone to record a portion of Miranda Lambert’s performance during a stop on her 2018 Livin’ Like Hippies Tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, March 8, 2018. REBECCA S. GRATZ/THE WORLD-HERALD
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Pink performs at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
The set was packed with favorites such as “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya” and “Karma Chameleon,” which George called “an old sea shanty,” as well as covers of Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love,” David Bowie’s “Just Dance” and a fantastic reggae-fied version of Bread’s “Everything I Own.”
Fans loved every second of it, as they should have.
It felt like a big party. The stage was heavily curtained like an old theater while bright lights lit the sky.
Boy George himself was a delight. Cracking jokes, telling stories and asking fans about their fashion choices, he’s the kind of star you wish was your dear friend.
If he’s like that onstage, how fun must he be at parties?
Rocking a large black top hat, blue and silver makeup and a long black coat, he was the center of attention. (No surprise there.)
“As you can see, I dressed for the heat,” he said with a laugh. “Never let the weather dictate your outfit.”
I couldn’t keep my eye off him, and his surprisingly soulful voice pulled me in even more.
You forget with hits such as “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” how powerful his voice really is. It’s deep and powerful, and he was buoyed by the rest of the band.
Culture Club sports its original four members — Boy George, guitarist Roy Hay, bassist Mikey Craig and drummer Jon Moss — as well as eight additional musicians to round out the sound.
It felt like a cabaret with a band switching between reggae and old-school R&B.
And the band’s new material was surprisingly good. With a new record coming out in October, they dropped in several new songs, including “Let Somebody Love You,” “Truth is a Runaway Train” and “You Give Me Life,” all of which show new life in a band that hasn’t released a record in almost two decades.
Fans loved every minute of it, all the way to the finale of “Karma Chameleon,” which saw the audience moving like the sea as they grooved and danced.