Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey

Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey plays Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth on 12 September 2026. As the voice and songwriter behind Thompson Twins, Bailey brings a set anchored in lean, melodic synth-pop, mixing classic 1980s tracks with more recent material. Sequenced grooves, crisp drum machines and clear, hook-led keyboard lines set the frame, with arrangements kept taut and uncluttered to let the songs breathe. The focus stays on pulse and melody, a direct, electronic sound that translates smoothly to the stage without slipping into retro pastiche.

Also on the bill, Blancmange, led by Neil Arthur, extends the evening’s electronic thread. Formed in the late 70s, the project blends dry synth textures, danceable rhythms and subtly Eastern-tinged melodies. In its current form, Blancmange favors a pared-back new wave palette and reflective songwriting, alternating vocal pieces with instrumental passages. Live, that economy pays off: clipped beats, wiry bass sequences and vocal lines that cut through with a cool clarity. Together, Bailey and Blancmange sketch a sharp panorama of British synth-pop, past and present.