The Doctor is out: The end of the '80s, the end of Dr. Who

Are you a Doctor Who fanatic? Many '80s addicts are. But none are probably bigger or more committed than today's guest blogger, Derek Taylor. Derek's an American who lives and works near Frankfurt, Germany. And he wants YOU to be a Who fan too! Go for it, Derek:

In November of 1963, the day after the assassination of John F Kennedy, a program started on the British Broadcasting Company which would go on to become the longest running science fiction television show of all time with the original run lasting 26 years. 

That show is Doctor Who, a show about an alien time traveler called the Doctor (a time lord) who has a less then reliable time machine called the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimensions in Space) which looks like an old blue police call box.

The Doctor travels through space and time. He usually arrives where and when he is needed to save the day, although all he wants to do is travel. 

When the 80’s began, the Doctor was portrayed by actor Tom Baker, with his 17 foot long scarf and floppy wide brim hat. Baker was the fourth and longest running Doctor and considered by many to be the best Doctor (also the one many Americans were the first one exposed too).

Review: Devo's 'Are We Not Men' show is short but super

Are we not '80s fans? No, we are Devo fans. At least many of us are, including Stuck in the '80s correspondent Christina Kajtsa, who lives in possibly the most un-'80s city of all: Seattle. (Death to grunge!) She caught Devo in concert last week and provides this short review:

Last night I went to see Devo in concert at the Moore Theater here in Seattle. They're only performing in 6 cities, doing two shows a night. One night they are only performing songs off their Are We Not Men?... We Are DEVO! album. The second night they're performing Freedom of Choice. I went to see Are We Not Men?....

The theater was sold out, and a little after 9 p.m. a giant screen came down from the top of the theater and starting showing old DEVO videos (specifically, Secret Agent Man and Mechanical Man). The crowd went wild once all the band members came on stage.

All of them wore their trademark yellow jumpsuits with the word "DEVO" printed across the chest and during the first two songs -- the setlist was the same order as the album... starting with Uncontrollable Urge and ending with Shrivel Up -- Mark Mothersbaugh kept ripping off parts of each of the band members suits (a sleeve here, a pant leg there).

I have to say, I was quite impressed with the show. I thought they would just stand around playing their old songs, but they had choreographed moves for each number (mainly just a lot of marching in place and in circles) and Mothersbaugh was all over the stage. He played the keyboard, the guitar, sang and ran around the stage with pompoms.

At one point in the show, they ripped off their yellow jumpsuits and wore nothing but black t-shirts and black shorts.

Unfortunately, the show was only about 70 minutes long. I thought they were going to play their greatest hits as well, but they mainly stuck to the songs on the We Are Not Men album.

Overall I really had a great time and I was impressed as hell that men who are well into their 50s and 60s still know how to show the crowd a good time.

[Click here to see if Devo is coming to your town.]

[Photo by SIT80s LA correspondent Brad Williams]

Falling from Grace with God at a Pogues concert in Denver

The Pogues are on tour?!? My Irish eyes would smile, but I'm German, and this isn't a Kraftwerk review. (Check the official Pogues website for dates near you.) Stuck in the '80s Denver correspondent Matt Tartar caught their show over the weekend and supplies a great take of the show. The floor is yours, Matt. (Just be wary that McGowan is passed out over there to the left):

I just returned from the Pogues show here in Denver. I was the first time they've played here and it's taken too long. The concert was exceptional.

The show started off on an odd note when I realized I was wearing the same shirt as Shane MacGowan. But when they kicked off with Streams of Whiskey and If I Should Fall from Grace with God all was forgotten in a wave of Celtic jubilance. They followed those up by pouring out song after song.

My friend and I were amazed at how complete the group sounded and how unexpectedly coherent MacGowan sang. His voice was deeper and well worn but there was no mistaking the growl on Poor Paddy or Sick Bed of Chunhulian. Even the slower songs like A Pair of Brown Eyes and A Rainy Night in Soho were pronounced.

Of course he did need Spider Stacey to interpret his stage banter early until we got used to the brogue. The rest of the band was tightly wound around Stacey's Tin Whistle and James Fearnley's accordion.

Every few songs, MacGowan would take a break, stumble off stage and let another singer take over. The group played almost every song I wanted to hear. By the end, it felt less like a concert and more like a night at the pub with 1,000 people singing along. It was 95 minutes of greatness.

The Pogues setlist: (I am sure I have 90% of it)

• Streams of Whiskey
• If I Should Fall from Grace with God
• Tuesday Morning
• The Broad Majestic Shannon
• Thousands are Sailing
• Poor Paddy
• Repeal the Licensing laws
• Sick Bed of Chunhuliann
• Sunny Side of the Street
• Dirty of Old
• The Irish Rover
• A pair of brown eyes
• A Rainy Night in Soho
• The Old Main Drag
• Sally MacLennane

[Getty Images photo from New York show]

One fan's Personal Jesus: Depeche Mode concert review

Depeche Mode's Tour of the Universe arrives in Tampa on Friday, Sept. 4. But we're lucky to have a review from Richie Burdick in Texas, who caught a show earlier this week, along with this cool photo. Nice seats, Richie. Here's the review:

Hey Steve, I have been following your blog and podcasts for a while now.  I really enjoy the work you put into it. I have felt guilty for years for still being stuck in the 80's, so your blog is a welcomed read after a long day. 

I saw Depeche Mode in Houston Sunday night and they kicked ass. Dave was all over the stage and looked like he was genuinely having a great time. The audience stood the entire time and sang as loud as they could when Dave would stretch the microphone towards them.

The only odd moment was when they ended the show with a slow, melodic Waiting for the Night. They had the place lit up with Personal Jesus and then went into a quiet lullaby to send everyone off. 

This was the third time I had seen them and it was hands down the best show. I would highly recommend for every Depeche Mode fan to make an effort to see this show.

Keep up the good work!

[Photo courtesy of Richie Burdick]

B-52s dance this mess around at Tropicana Field free concert

Did you catch the B-52s' free concert at Tropicana Field on Saturday night? Stuck in the '80s guest reporter Chris Stainton, from the SIT80s official cover band Rubix Cubed, experienced it from field level. Here's his report:

You know kids, behind Duran Duran, the B-52s are my all time favorite '80s band, and last night they lived up to that. Putting on a fun show chock full of old tunes, the B-52's did not disappoint. They are pushing the years, yes, but their touring ethic over the past three decades really makes their tight show a joy to watch. 

Their energy level is always up (just as it was back in the '80s when I first saw them), and their campy charm always wins over a crowd. By the last songs the entire field was bouncing up and down, dancing.  Even if you don't like them, you cannot help but smile when they are playing on stage.

The sound system on the field was really good. Clear, thumping, and not over powering. Minimal stage gear gave Fred and the girls the chance to strut around and dance.

The set list was a chopped down version of their current tour (by one or two songs only), so the Rays audience got a great deal. A few off their latest release, Funplex, and of course a bunch of older tunes.  Highlights for me included, Mesopotamia (couldn't believe they played this one!), Private Idaho (a Rubix Cubed play list staple), Quiche Lorraine (Rubix Cubed's guest singer, Candy's, favorite B-52's song), and Planet Claire.

B-52s TROPICANA FIELD SET LIST
1. Pump
2. Mesopotamia
3. Ultraviolet
4. Private Idaho
5. Give Me Back My Man
6. Funplex
7. Strobe Light
8. Quiche Lorraine
9. 52 Girls
10. Roam
11. Party Out Of Bounds
12. Love in the Year 3000
13. Hot Corner
14. Love Shack
15. Planet Claire
16. Rock Lobster

[AP photo]

"We like to send a mailer:" Welcome to National Lampoon Vacation's Kamp Komfort

Hey, fans of National Lampoon's Vacation! Special treat for you today from Stuck in the '80s correspondent and former guest host Chase Squires. Yes, he stopped by the infamous Kamp Komfort featured in the 1983 film, starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo. Here's his report:

Greetings, Stuck in the 80s fans. The wife and I did a real Chevy Chase style road trip this past week, traveled hours out of the way just to visit Four Corners (in the middle of nowhwere and delightfully craptacular), the whole thing's on my blog.

But we had one real '80s moment, thought you'd get a kick out of. Just west of the tiny town of Southfork, Colo., is the Riverbend Resort. A campground ... yep, it's actually the setting for Kamp Komfort, where the Griswald's stayed, and where Dinky ultimately met his demise ...

"We like to send a mailer"

I've attached a photo. The campground is right along Highway 160, can't miss it. The office looks like it's the same one from the film. They have some nice cabins (nothing like the ones in the movie) and a lot of RVs. Cabins start at $70 a night. We might go back and stay there someday.

Cheers,
Chase

Berlin highlights the Regeneration Tour finale

Regeneration Tour 2009 ended Wednesday night with an outdoor show in Atlanta. SIT80s correspondent John Sharpe was on hand to provide the review:

Excitement was in the humid, outdoor air for the final stop of the 2009 Regeneration Tour in Atlanta. Wang Chung was doing a final sound check as fans began arriving. They must have been running late, as we didn't get in until 6:40 pm and the ticket had a 7:00 pm start time.

The '80s gods smiled upon me as I was the second person in at my gate, and the ticket taker upgraded my seat to the orchestra pit tables. So instead of 175 feet from the stage, I was at a table a mere 80 feet from the stage. 

Cutting Crew hit the stage at about 7:40 pm. They performed six tunes to start the night. Most everyone recognized One for the Mockingbird, I've Been in Love Before and I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight, but the sleeper song that stood out was The Scattering. The lead guitarists string broke during the solo of Mockingbird and while he changed it out Nick Van Eede sang the guitar solo.

 

Wang Chung was up next and played Don't Let Go to start their six song set. Wait, Let's Go and To Live and Die in LA followed quickly, but maybe they were going too fast as Jack Hues sang the wrong verse to start To Live and Die in LA but he laughed about it and redid the verse as they kept playing. Dance Hall Days and Everybody Have Fun Tonight had the crowd singing and dancing. And the best is yet to follow.

 

The stage was reset with a new drum kit for Berlin, so the break was a bit longer. Blue lights on the stage, a familiar synth arpeggio, and Masquarade started. Terri Nunn entered the stage and the crowd roared. Her familiar trademark hair, blonde with a brunette undertone, a sheer black dress and a voice that had not aged a day since the early '80s. 

No More Words followed with the crowd singing the chorus at Terri's requests. Matter of Time and a Berlin version of Jefferson Airplane's Someone to Love kept the fans going. Everyone helped her sing The Metro and all the lighters came out with Take My Breath Away. The roadies rounded up about 25 fans to dance on stage for Dancing In Berlin. They closed their set with Sex..I am a.. and the 48-year-old singer danced and writhed with the guitarist on stage as she sang.

 

Three down, one to go.

ABC led by the excellent Martin Fry started with Show Me and Poison Arrow to rejuvenate the crowd from the break. With How to Be a Millionaire a road threw out coins to the crowd. With the last show, it seems lots of fun and hijinks were abound. All the bands came out of stage and helped ABC with Ride. They finished with the biggies - When Smokey SIngs, Be Near Me and The Look of Love. The only disappointment in the whole event was at the end, when due to rules, they cut off the mics to the band at 11 pm with about 30 seconds left of The Look of Love. Martin couldn't even say goodnight to the crowd.

 

Still it was a fantastic show. I have seen the last two versions of the "Regeneration Tour" and look forward to seeing what comes about for 2010.

[Getty Images photo of Terri Nunn at the Los Angeles Pride Fest]

Behold the actual homes from 'Better Off Dead'

Our Stuck in the '80s paparazzi is back on the prowl, this time shooting photos of the houses from 1985's Better Off Dead. Brad Williams, our SoCal correspondent, files this report:

I'm starting to feel a bit like a stalker. Nobody was around at the "Ricky Smith" house (right, at 1633 Virginia Avenue in Glendale, Calif.), but it looked like the owner had just gotten home at the "Lane Meyer" home (above, right across the street at 1636 Virginia Avenue in Glendale).

The interior of the garage is visible in the shot - I don't know if they used the house itself or just the exteriors in Better Off Dead, but if they did, that's where Lane Meyer first attempted to off himself in the movie.

I snapped a couple pictures from the middle of the street and headed back to my car before the owner emerged to question me.

The trees in the front of the house have been added since the film was shot, and a pull-through driveway cuts across where Lane's Camaro sat in an "auto cocoon," but the house is otherwise recognizable. No homemade space shuttles burst from the roof in the brief time I was there.

The "Smith" house looks just as I remember it from the film, with the big trees in the front and the small porch/stoop where Monique sat and laughed at Ricky's picture, although the lawn was a little ragged.

Enjoy!
-- Brad

'Purple Rain' or 'Off the Wall'? An '80s fan wants your help deciding

Just got this urgent Facebook message from Stuck in the '80s listener Jennifer Reynolds. She's asking for your help. Let's not let her down!

Hey Steve and Sean. I am stuck on a purchase on amazon.com. I have a $20 gift card to spend. I've already decided on getting Michael Jackson's Thriller Deluxe Edition, but I have a few dollars left and I can't decide between the Purple Rain special edition DVD or MJ's Off the Wall deluxe album.

Can the '80s nation give me some input? Just your input would be fine, but the last time I asked for advice on whether to go to the prom or not, I didn't follow it.

-- Jennifer Reynolds

Deborah Gibson rocks Pride Fest ... but our guy nearly mugs her anyway

Stuck in the '80s Denver correspondent and former co-host Chase Squires had a near butts-out hug experience with '80s teen queen Deborah Gibson last weekend at Pride Fest Denver. Yep, that's him in the right hand corner of the photo with Deborah. Here's his full report:

What do I remember of Deborah Gibson? Well, she still rocks!

 

We partied hard at Pride Fest Denver, lots of fun, good times, and as promised Deborah "Don't Call Me Debbie" Gibson! The crowd was immense, estimated at over 100,000, and the weather was perfect. Beer was plentiful, and, as things tend to happen when you mix dancing and beer, somehow I ended up on stage with Ms. Gibson. Pictures prove it!

 

How's that for weird! Chase and Ms. Gibson, dancing up a storm in front of 100,000 of our closest, screaming GLBT friends.

 

I need a rest!

 

Cheers,
Chase