Howard Jones with "No One Is To Blame"

Experience an intimate and moving performance from synth-pop pioneer Howard Jones as he delivers a soulful, piano-led rendition of his timeless hit "No One Is To Blame."

Recorded live at BBC Pacific Quay in Glasgow on June 5, 2015, this special performance was a highlight of the Ken Bruce Show during the inaugural BBC Music Day. Stripping away the layered electronic production that defined his 1980s chart-toppers, Jones returns to the song's melodic core in a setting that celebrates the pure craft of songwriting.

The Performance
Inside the glass-walled atrium of the BBC’s Glasgow headquarters, Howard Jones delivers a "naked" version of the track that emphasizes its classical foundations and lyrical depth.

The Arrangement: Performing solo on a digital piano, Jones showcases the intricate, classically-inspired fingerwork that often sat beneath the synthesizers in his studio recordings. His vocal performance is remarkably preserved—reaching those iconic high notes with a seasoned, soulful warmth that adds a new layer of gravitas to the song's philosophical lyrics.

The Atmosphere: The performance took place as part of a nationwide celebration of music, with the Pacific Quay studio providing a bright, modern backdrop. The live broadcast on BBC Radio 2 captured the hushed, appreciative energy of the small studio audience and the legendary Ken Bruce, highlighting the song's enduring status as an "evergreen" anthem of the British pop canon.

About the Song: "No One Is To Blame"
Originally released on the 1985 album Dream into Action, "No One Is To Blame" remains Howard Jones' most successful and deeply analyzed composition.

The Origins: The song explores the bittersweet reality of human aspiration and the boundaries of desire. Jones has famously described the lyrics as being about the "look but don't touch" nature of life's many temptations—a theme of self-restraint and maturity that resonated globally, particularly after the 1986 re-recording produced by Hugh Padgham and Phil Collins.

The Legacy: While the hit single version is known for its lush production and Collins' signature drums, the song was originally written and demoed on the piano. This 2015 Glasgow session brings the track full circle, proving that a great melody requires nothing more than a voice and eighty-eight keys to move an audience.

Performance Details
Vocals & Piano: Howard Jones

Song: "No One Is To Blame"

Program: The Ken Bruce Show (BBC Music Day Special)

Venue: BBC Pacific Quay

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Recording Date: June 5, 2015

Original Album: Dream into Action (1985)

Genre: Pop / Piano Ballad

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