Who's going to Night Ranger/Dennis DeYoung?

It's the first 80s double-bill of the new year for Tampa Bay and it's a good one: Dennis DeYoung with Night Ranger on Jan. 19 at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Please tell me I'm not the only one going to the show. Hello out there! Who else from the 80s nation here in Tampa Bay is planning on attending? I think you'd regret missing this rare twin bill.

Here's the real reason I want to know: If all goes according to plan, I'll be back on stage doing the introductions that night. And I'll be filmed for Penn & Teller's show on the Showtime cable network (called, not so family friendly, "Bullsh*t" -- only without the asterisk). They'd like to film me talking to fans from the podcast and blog at the concert, so if you're up for being on national TV, let me know.

Sure, I realize that appearing on their show pretty much means I'll be getting non-stop abuse for my love of the 80s -- something completely irrational to outsiders. It's ironic, however, because Penn Jillette & Teller (his legal name now after changing it from Raymond Teller) got their start in the 80s -- both with their comedic magic act and appearances in movies like "My Chauffeur" and "Off Beat."

So drop me a comment or better yet -- write an e-mail to me at stuckinthe80s@tampabay.com -- if you're attending the show. It'll be one for the history books.

Comments

[Spears]

The show is going to be called "The Good Old Days." They're interviewing someone who's still nuts for the 1950s, a Renaissance Fair fan and then me.

Basically they'll try to make the point that the 80s were anything but great.

Hey, I'll be the first to say that there were major political and social problems back them. But I was a teenager -- do you think I really was paying attention?

[DC]

I'm missing something. Whats the topic of their show gonna be? Nostalgia? Puh-leeze! Hey, I love BS, but will defend Spears to the death if they give him crap. Or make him look bad.

[Marissa]

Bassnote! When you move to FL, let me know. The kid and I will tag along and split the gas. We can pick up Carla on the way.

[jane]

I'll be there in spirit -- it's MLKJ weekend and the kiddo is out of school on both Friday and Monday, so we're headed out of town for some family R&R. Or at least that's the plan for the moment.

However -- if you extend such an offer for the Go-Gos show in February, I will run and elbow people out of the way to accept that one. Hint.

[Jake Grimme From Indiana]

I really wish I could go but im so far away it makes me mad.

[Spears]

Looks like I'm going alone to NR and DDY!

[Bassnote]

I so wish I could be there! I hate living in Illinois! I'm calling the realtor today.

[uglykid80s]

Steve,

These guys did an hour long show blasting Mother Theresa & Mahatma Gandhi.. what do you think they'll do to a Time online editor.

[Jeff in Cuba]

I'd love to be there, but stemming the tide of Communism is a full time job.

At least I'll be able to catch Night Ranger 48 hours later here in GTMO.

[Marissa]

Well, this is indeed awesome news for you and for Stuck in the 80s. I suppose this is one of those situations where having fans all over the world doesn't pay off.
I'm hoping some of those devoted lurkers, who live locally, come forward and help you out on such an fun occasion.
Jane? You might have to carry the ball on this one, sister!
It sorta sucks that your number 1 self-proclaimed groupie can't be a part of it. boohoo!

[Hamptune]

Not going (live in Orlando) but would if I still lived in St Pete. Night Ranger is one of my fav bands (seen them twice, awesome) and I like DDY, "Desert Moon" is one of my fav (sad)songs of all time.