Bodacious ’80s Bands in Bethlehem!
By Ben Youngerman, ArtsQuest Marketing Manager
The ’80s were an eclectic time in music. As disco faded from prominence, genres like new wave, power pop and dance music took its place. Hair bands were a thing some of us might not want to admit happened, while some rockers from the 1970’s grew their popularity during the following decade.
At ArtsQuest, we love everything ’80s! So we’re bringing some of the decades best bands, singers and songwriters from the decade to SteelStacks and Musikfest over the next few months. To celebrate, we found a classic live ’80s performance from each for you to enjoy! Righteous, dudes!
THE ROMANTICS
Friday, July 29 – Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling
It’s safe to say if you haven’t heard the song “What I Like About You”, you’ve probably never turned on a radio before. The Romantics blasted into popularity with this 1980 hit. You know a song has made a cultural impact when it’s featured on a Diet Coke can 36 years after release.
But they’re no one-hit wonder. The Romantics have gone on to accomplish many great things throughout their career. Until you see their biggest hits LIVE at SteelStacks, enjoy this classic performance of their transcendent song!
DON HENLEY
Wednesday, August 10 – Musikfest
Being a founding member of the Eagles would have been enough to cement Don Henley’s place in the foundation of rock history. But the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer also became one of the prolific solo artists of his time with hits like “The Boys of Summer”, “All She Wants to Do is Dance”, “The End of the Innocence”, “New York Minute” and “Dirty Laundry”.
With a mix of his Eagles classics and solo hits, we can’t wait to see Don Henley at Musikfest. To tide you over, here’s a 1985 Farm Aid performance of “Sunset Grill”!
BOSTON
Tuesday, August 9 – Musikfest
Boston celebrates its 40th Anniversary at Musikfest this year, releasing one of the most successful debut album of all-time in 1976. With mega-hits like “More Than a Feeling” and “Don’t Look Back”, it’s surprising that their only song to reach #1 on the charts came in 1986 with “Amanda”. Concert goers didn’t have cellphone video back then, so we’re super stoked to find this rare fan video of the song from a 1988 concert.
THE HOOTERS
Wednesday, August 24 – Yuengling Summer Concert Series
Double-dose of totally tubular: The Hooters were not only big on MTV, they’re also from Philadelphia. Their songs such as “All You Zombies”, “And We Danced” and “Day By Day” have that quintessential ’80s feel. What a perfect vibe for an outdoor concert at SteelStacks!
SPLINTERED SUNLIGHT (Grateful Dead tribute)
4 Show Residency – Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling
While The Grateful Dead formed in the late 1960s, the 1980s were smack in the middle of the group’s legendary career. Splintered Sunlight, a Philadelphia-based Grateful Dead tribute band for over 25 years, present a 4-week residency in the Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling. The band will recreate four classic Grateful Dead shows, including their 10/16/81 set from Melkweg, Amsterdam. Deadheads can get a taste of what’s to come in the video below.
COLIN HAY
Saturday, July 23 – Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling
Colin Hay is familiar to millions as the frontman, songwriter, and vocalist of pop sensation Men at Work. Their 1983 song “Down Under” was arguably one of the biggest hits of the decade. They were the first Australian artists to have a simultaneous No. 1 album and No. 1 single in the United States Billboard charts. Since moving to the U.S. in 1989, Hay has made 11 critically-acclaimed solo albums, and has had his songs featured in TV and film (including his several cameos on Scrubs).
More information and shows at http://www.steelstacks.org/ and http://www.musikfest.org/
