I Want My 80s Tour

 

All the hits and more. Headliner Rick Springfield brought the tour to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, NJ on Saturday, July 12th. It was a heartfelt celebration of 80s music, filled with chart-topping hits, charismatic performances, and emotional resonance. Rick Springfield proves he still commands the stage, while Wang Chung, John Waite and Paul Young did not disappoint. It was nostalgic yet vibrant as shown by the performances of each artist (who sounded amazing)!

 

Paul Young performed his signature pop ballad “Everytime You Go Away” and had special guest singer Kim Lesley join him on stage to sing “Come Back and Stay”. Kim was a backing singer on Paul’s version of the song which became an international hit.

 

Wang Chung performed their crowd pleasers “Let’s Go”, “Dance Hall Days” and “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”. They also performed The Clash cover “Should I Stay or Should I Go” or as they said “Should I Wang or Should I Chung”.

 

John Waite former lead singer of The Babys and Bad English performed many hits which included “Change”, “Every Time I Think of You”, “When I See You Smile”, “Missing You” and Led Zeppelin cover “Whole Lotta Love” which was an unexpected treat!

 

Rick Springfield topped of the night with his energizer bunny vim and vigor and high energy rock performing his hits and some deep cuts. So many hits and more which included “Affair of the Heart” (rose petals didn’t stand a chance against his guitar), “I’ve Done Everything For You”, “Don’t Talk to Strangers”, “Human Touch” (with a walk into the crowd) and of course “Jessie’s Girl” to close the show.

 

A standout moment was when Rick opened up about his mental health and depression which has been a lifelong journey for him. He encouraged fans experiencing similar to find their own path to cope. Music has been one path of coping for Rick. His fan engagement and energetic performance made for a memorable night. He even announce that he is going to be a grandfather to a little girl which brought some emotion. And at 75 and being able to perform shirtless for “Jessie’s Girl”, Rick is ripped and roaring and did not disappoint.

 

This show brings the nostalgia and all the good feels from the icons that are part of this experience creating a great evening of 80s music.