Welcome to North Coast Music Beat!
You'll find enticing reviews, unique interviews, amazing photos and an eye on new artists!

July 31, 2024 

​

​

The Totally Tubular Festival featuring several acts from the 1980's, made their final stop on their summer tour at Blossom Music Center on Sunday night.

​

The first few acts, including Eddie Munoz of the Plimsouls, Tommy Tutone,  and Annabella of Bow Wow Wow each got to play four songs each.  Which was perfect because all of them were basically one hit wonders.  The Plimsouls had "A Million Miles Away" from the Valley Girl soundtrack, Bow Wow Wow had "I Want Candy" and of course Tommy Tutone had "867-5309 (Jenny)."  On the latter, several band members that were on the bill came out to jam with Tommy on his biggest song.  

​

It really was a party!

​

Wang Chung was next up and to me, they were the highlight of the show!  They got a little bit longer of a set.  They came out and lead singer Jack Hues asked, "Does anyone remember The Breakfast Club?"  The audience responded with a roar and the band tore into "Fire In The Twilight" that was featured in the film when the kids were running in the halls.

​

Another song from a movie, "To Live and Die In LA" was played next while their hit singles "Let's Go," "Dance Hall Days," "Everybody Have Fun Tonight" and a nice cover of "Should I Stay or Should I Go" completed their very fun set.  ​

​

Men Without Hat did something pretty unique that I have never seen done before in concert.  They opened up their set and closed their show with the same song.  "Safety Dance" was the groups biggest hit and lead singer Ivan Doroshuk told the crowd, "This is for the people who came late!" before they played it a second time during their seven song set.

​

Modern English are one of the few acts on the bill that is out promoting a new album.  The group released 1 2 3 4 earlier this year and they played two songs "Long In The Tooth" and "Crazy Lovers" from that album.   Everyone was there to hear thier anthem, "I'll Melt With You" and Tommy Tutone came out to help them sing it at the end.

​

Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins and his all female backing band sounded fantastic playing all the Thompson Twins hits.  "Lay Your Hands On Me," "King For A Day," "Lies" and "Doctor Doctor" got everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along.  "Hold Me Now" ended the seven song set.

​

​

​Thomas Dolby closed out the evening of '80s memories by playing an even more synthed up version of "Blue Monday."  He played a great video of he and David Bowi playing Live Aid as he did a remixed version of Bowie's "Heroes."  His two MTV hits "Hyperactive!" and "She Blinded Me With Science" were played at the end.  However, since it was the last show of the tour, he played one more song "Hot Sauce" that had every band member that was one the bill come out and share the stage one final time.

​

This festival was totally tubular and nobody was gagged with a spoon.

​

​

Review and phots by Greg Drugan

​

​

​