I worked on music radio in the ’80s—what a great time!—and what phenomenal music.
Like so many of us, I still cherish the tunes and the memories, both of which came roaring back full throttle last Saturday night, February 20, at the Forum in Los Angeles. There, an “I can’t wait,” sold-out crowd got to relive their ’80s daze with incredible live performances from Culture Club, Tears For Fears, Billy Idol, Missing Persons, Rick Springfield and Loverboy.
It was the iHeart80s party and what a party it was! And you can still see it. I just couldn’t imagine “back then” that I’d be talking to those artists NOW. What a thrill. Not all of the above were available Saturday night for interviews, but I think you’ll get into what four of them have to say. We’ve all come a long way since the ’80s, and in these interviews, reflect on what we’ve learned.
I asked these musical icons how they’re staying the course in music, health and life. Look for more interviews from this awesome event in the coming days right here on Parade.com.
We joined their club
This has to be one of the most fun interviews ever. These guys are upbeat, funny, clever and a joy to talk to. Loved it! Hope you will, too.
George told the New York Daily News last year about the band’s relationship: “Symmetry and anarchy. Together, it somehow works.” See what he tells me in our interview. Nothing’s sacred, and that’s just the way we like it.
They closed out the awesome iHeart80s Party, rocked the full house, and included a tribute to David Bowie. The set list included Church of the Poison Mind, Miss Me Blind, Time (Clock of the Heart), Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?, Karma Chameleon and Starman.
See them live
You can catch Culture Club at the Hollywood Bowl August 26-27, with a full orchestra and a 15-piece band. Fashion-forward George appears as a guest judge on Season 5 of Project Runway Allstars on Lifetime on April 21.
Then he gives new host Arnold Schwarzenegger and the 15 other contestants a run for their money on the new and eighth season of NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice later this year. It’s being taped in Los Angeles and clever George, with his wit and sensitivity, is sure to be a serious contender.
The band has new songs coming soon. Stand by.
If you weren’t at the iHeart80s party in person, don’t miss the nationally televised special on the AT&T Audience network on DirectTV on Friday, March 18 at 9 p.m. PT.
iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s digital radio platform, is the No. 1 all-in-one digital audio service. Thanks, iHeart!