If you needed an 80’s fix and the 80’s on 8 on SiriusXM Radio doesn’t do it for you, then the Replay America Summer Tour 2014 is the cure for your 80’s blues. Four of your favorite 80’s bands descended on the Filene Center stage Tuesday night for bodacious, totally fun that’s rad to the max. Despite Mother Nature giving us a torrential downpour, it did not damper the spirits of the fans who brave the storm to see their bands in person.
The night started off dreary as the rain came down on the attendees at Filene Center. Despite this, the fans were ready for some righteous 80’s music to fill the halls. Performing tonight first is the new wave band Naked Eyes with lead singer Pete Byrne. The band performed a three song set which included their chart toppers “Promises, Promises” and “Always Something There to Remind Me”. When the band performed the latter song, Pete started the song as an acoustic version only singing the first lyric with his guitar before the band joined into with intro notes of this classic hit. The audience was on their feet, clapping and singing along. The song ended slowly as Pete closes it out, acoustic style.
Next on the roster is the new wave band, Martha Davis and The Motels! The Motels performed six of their songs during the twenty minute set. Lead singer Martha Davis still have the raw voice that made her a star back in the 80’s. Dressed in a black blazer with a black/white striped shirt and black Chucks, she was ready take us back to a time when music really takes us on a journey. While singing “Remember the Nights”, she held onto a bouquet of flowers given to her by an audience member. After the song, she hugged and thanked the fan for the nice gesture before performing the next song, “Total Control”. While performing “Only the Lonely” Martha got close to the edge of the stage to feel the audience’s spirit. This song could not complete without the sax solo in the bridge and the man on the sax nailed every note. Ms. Davis’s voice is still timeless and I am glad to hear it in person!
The music kept flowing with the introduction of the next 80’s act to take the stage. Patti Smyth of the rock band Scandal. From the very first note to the last of her signature hit “The Warrior”, the audience was on their feet, rockin to the beat. Then, Patti slowed things down with the song she co-wrote with Glen Burtnik, “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough”, the 1992 ballad she sung with Don Henley of the Eagles. Despite being a soft ballad duet, Patti sung both parts with the greatest of ease. During her five song set, she sung her rendition to a song she grew up to, “Ode to Billy Joe.” The bluesy version of the song had put the audience in a clapping, to tapping mood. For her swan song of the night, Patti brought out the song that put her on the map and became Columbia Records biggest selling EP. From the self-titled EP of 1981, Patti sang “Goodbye to You.” Patti decided to do something that no artist has done so far in the concert, she went into the audience to sing her smash hit. She displays such youthful energy that you could believe that she was 57. As you see in the photo above, Patti took a picture of the crowd a few times. So don’t be surprised if you see yourself on Patti’s twitter page. Three wonderful 80’s bands made of us reminisce when synthesizers ruled the radio waves but we still have one more to go!
When the lights dimmed on the drum set in the center of the seat, you know it was time for the headliner to take the stage. Baltimorean Gina Schock pounded on the drums to let us know that her band, The Go-Go’s, are about to come entertain us for an hour long set. Soon, Charlotte Caffey on keyboards, Jane Wiedlin on guitar, new member Abby Travis on bass and lead singer Belinda Carlisle joined in to start the show.
They started off the night with fan favorite “Vacation” before seguing into Belinda’s solo hit “Mad About You” by the 5th song. While the 7th Song rolled around, they asked a few audience members to join them onstage as performed the oldies classic “Cool Jerk.” It’s amazing to see fans of all generations on stage during this song especially the kids who weren’t even around when the play first performed the chart toppers. When “Our Lips Are Sealed” filled the arena, the band’s harmonies are still great that its hard to imagine life without the sweet sounds of the Go-Go’s. I have to admit that they are the band I wanted to see this night and I am glad to see them back at Wolf Trap. They closed out the night by performing their powerhouse hit “We Got the Beat”. They thanked the audience and left the stage but the audience would not settle down. They clapped, stomped and cheered – wanting more music from the Go-Go’s.
The audience wish was granted as a few minutes later when the dynamic band returned to the stage to sing three more songs including my personal favorite “Head Over Heels”. Tonight’s performance of the song featured solos from both Jane Wiedlin and newcomer Abby Travis.
When it comes to Replay America. you are not just attending a concert, you are getting a rockin’ experience of a lifetime. If this 80’s experience heads to your town, DON’T MISS IT!
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