Soundgarden Celebrates 35 Years

Recognized as one of the most influential bands in rock music the world over, Grammy-winning Soundgarden will be celebrating their 35th anniversary in 2019 in grand style.

Louder Highlights Motorhead And Queen In The Latest Issue

If you happen to be a Queen or Motorhead fan, you may want to check out the latest issue of Louder, which dives into both bands pretty in-depth. When we think of the 80s, it’s hard to not to mention Queen and for this issue of Louder, the magazine goes through the rise, fall and rebirth of a band that filled multiple decades with art.

Louder Highlights Motorhead And Queen In The Latest Issue

Meanwhile, the issue is going to take fans and readers behind the scenes of the making of Motorhead’s Bomber album. The album came just before the transition of the 70s to the 80s. It built upon the bands entry into music and was a heavy early favorite.

“We also take a look at some other classic albums that announced themselves to the world 40 years ago, from artists who would go on to even greater success in the following decade,” according to Louder.

“Bands like Foreigner, ZZ Top, Scorpions and Whitesnake.”

These are all bands that we here at LikeTotally80s are very familiar with and we know you folks are too. Awesome content on the decade we love is all over and this new issue of Louder seems like it’s packed with a ton of awesome stories from the bands we love.

To learn more about Louder, click here.

DJ Jazzy Jeff Hits The 19th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival

Special guest DJ Jazzy Jeff bringing the hits and entertainment to the stage Memorial Day weekend, May 22-27, 2019 at the 19^th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival.

DJ Jazzy Jeff Hits The 19th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival

The festival will be hosted by Aruba and includes musical performances by John Legend, Charlie Wilson, Ella Mai, H.E.R., and the comedic brilliance of Deon Cole. 

DJ Jazzy Jeff has been spinning his hits for years beginning in the late 80s with The Fresh Prince (Will Smith). He is one of the notable figures of the pop world especially for the decade we all love and adore.

Aruba’s undeniable charm reveals the trifecta of a visually breath taking atmosphere, a multifaceted event and the energy that comes with camaraderie of people across the globe who glow up together and bask in the three-in-one experience featuring live music performances, comedy shows and beach parties.

Soul Beach Music Festival Hosted by Aruba, previously named #4 by USA Today readers’ choice “10 Best Caribbean Celebrations” and #1 “Caribbean Summer Festival” by Jetsetter Magazine, boasts a truly unique and unforgettable event. It’s no wonder festival goers return year after year to Soul Beach Music Festivals’ mega gathering and the cherished experience of Aruba’s paradise.

Halloween Comes Early With 80s Horror Documentary

Just when you thought that magical season of Halloween was in the rearview until October, we are graced with a new 80s Halloween documentary called In Search of Darkness.

“Assembling the amazing interview talent and speaking with them for In Search of Darkness has been an absolute thrill for this longtime horror genre fan, and I’m thrilled to be able to share this journey into ‘80s horror with audiences,” said David Weiner, director of the documentary, according to DreadCentral.

“Calling anything ‘definitive’ can be quite a challenge for any filmmaker, but I genuinely believe we have captured something very special for horror fans — and fans of film in general — who are interested in more of a genre deep dive and an examination of a decade’s influence, than simply a broad survey of horror.”

The documentary features some of the most terrifying films of the decade that still have plenty of shock value on viewers today. It also contains an interview with Barbara Crampton, famous for her roles in Chopping Mall, From Beyond and more.

There’s nothing like exploring some of the most gruesome and chilling films of our favorite decade. We’ve included the trailer for the documentary below. Let us know if you’re excited for this documentary in the comments section below.

80s Horror Documentary In Search of Darkness

NostalgiaCon Goes All 80s For 2019

NostalgiaCon is an event that’s pretty much all in the name. Here you can relive your golden moments of your favorite era and in 2019 the event lives on with a huge celebration of the 80s.

NostalgiaCon Goes All 80s For 2019

“Gather with other mavens of mullets, Rubik’s Cubes, shoulder pads, quiche, keytars, parachute pants, pastels, and all of the other amazing iconography that sprung from that fabled decade,” according to NBCLosAngeles.

“And gather you can, ’80s-ists of SoCal, for the 1980s will return, in splendid, Spandex-rocking style, from July 4 through 6, 2019, at the Anaheim Convention Center.”

The event will feature bands, actors and much more. Some of this year’s highlights include Christopher Lloyd, Steve Guttenberg, Corey Feldman and Sean Astin. If those names aren’t enough to get you excited, the event will feature tunes from Night Ranger, The Thompson Twins and more.

“It’s time to live your ‘Stranger Things’ dreams, to wear your jelly bracelets, outer corsets, and tutus, and to meet some of your movie favorites, all at one way-wicked celebration of one of the out-there-iest decades ever,” according to NBC.

If you want to find out more about NostlagiaCon click here. Let us know if you’ll be making your way to this 80s-packed event.

A New Wang Chung Album Is On The Way

Who could ever forget that classic 80s hit, “Everybody Have Fun Tonight?” Well, Wang Chung is back and they are getting ready to release a brand new album titled Orchesography. That’s not all, the band is also campaigning to have Wang Chung recognized as a verb.

“Wang Chung, one of the defining bands of the 80s who conquered the UK, US and global charts, return with their original key protagonists, Jack Hues and Nick Feldman,” according to a recent press release.

“Having become a staple of movie, TV, game soundtracks and commercials over the years, their name has almost uniquely passed into popular culture. The line ‘Everybody Wang Chung Tonight’ from their mega-hit Everybody Have Fun Tonight has developed a life of its own, prompting the band to appeal to their fans around the world to have it officially recognized in dictionaries as a verb.”

The band is still very much involved with their music which is prompting them to release their brand new album Orchesography in early May. To hold fans over until the release of the album, the band is preparing to roll out a new version of “Dance Hall Days” outfitted with an all new orchestral sound.

“Orchesography, is an orchestra-boosted version of their best-known tracks, featuring the first single, ‘Dance Hall Days,’ as well as ‘Everybody Have Fun Tonight’ and ‘Let’s Go'” according to the release.

Wang Chung reformed in 2010 for the first time in 20 years, following its resurgence, the band went on a number of successful world tours and released the Tazer Up album in 2012. You can check out the brand new, orchestral version of “Dance Hall Days” below.

“Dance Hall Days” By Wang Chung

HEART Hits The Road This Summer On Love Alive Tour

HEART will return to the road in 2019 for the first time in three years with their massive “Love Alive” cross-country summer tour.

Produced by Live Nation, the 39-city outing kicks off Tuesday, July 9 at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, MO and will make stops in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Denver and more, before wrapping September 9 at the famous Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA.

“‘Love Alive’ is a song and a sentiment that goes back a long way with us. It goes forward too. It is a hopeful, positive and universal vibe like we feel this tour will be,” said Ann Wilson according to a Q&A featured in a press release.

“Yes! I think the tour will spark some positive new energy as we rediscover some of our iconic songs and also some fan favorites. Calling the tour ‘Love Alive’ was something Ann and I felt instantly good about. We have always had many love-themed mottos along the way like ‘Love Rules,’ ‘Love Wins,’ ‘Love is IT’–and of course it’s a very cool song as well,” added Nancy Wilson.

HEART “LOVE ALIVE” 2019 TOUR DATES

Florida’s Gen X Tavern Is All About The 80s & 90s

It is getting much harder to find a spot that caters to the needs of nostalgia seekers from the 80s and the 90s. Not the Gen X Tavern. Florida holds on one if the coolest hangouts for those who love these decades and this time you’re not limited to a non-alcoholic drink.

Florida’s Gen X Tavern Is All About The 80s & 90s

“The Tampa-based retro hub, opening this Spring, celebrates everything ’80s and ’90s, the Business Observer reports. It will cater to Gen Xers pining over the lost past and the wave of newcomers who want to see what all the hype is about,” according to Gainesville.

“The hangout destination will submerge visitors in culture from the bygone generation with tube TV’s, old-school games, neon graffiti and, oh yeah, a bar—because now we’re old enough. The 150-seat nostalgic eatery will offer a menu of timeless favorites like burgers, tacos, and fries.”

One of the coolest additions to the long list of reasons you’d probably want to attend this tavern is the fact that all servers have their AOL screen names on their name tags. Do you remember your screen name?

“The sentimental spot will ‘pay homage to the two decades when I grew up … the music and movies and pop culture in general were so stellar during those two decades that I think people want to remember that,’ said Dave Burton, the Tampa restaurateur behind the idea.”

To learn more about the Gen X Tavern, click here.

80s-Set ‘Bandersnatch’ Is A Trippy Experience

If you’re thinking, “what in the world is a ‘Bandersnatch'” you’re not alone. Plenty of Netflix viewers were able to take part in a viewing experience like no other. Bandersnatch is a fully interactive film from the creators of Black Mirror, another highly successful Netflix series.

80s-Set ‘Bandersnatch’ Is A Trippy Experience

Set in the mid-80s, the show’s main character Stefan sets out to create a game that allows the player to choose different paths. The game, called Bandersnatch, is based off of one of Stefan’s favorite books, by a troubled author.

The most special part of this film is the fact that you, the viewer, have to make some of the most difficult and at times troubling decisions for Stefan. It is truly unlike anything that the streaming platform has ever released and could very well be the future of entertainment as we know it.

Along with the many 80s, retro games mentioned in the film, there was a very high focus on giving the film an incredibly decade-accurate feel. Whether it was the clothes, the 80s vehicles or some of the British slang used, our favorite decade is riddled all over this film.

Of course, no film set in the 80s would be complete without an 80s soundtrack and that is a pretty big highlight for us. There is the obvious Frankie Goes To Hollywood track “Relax,” which happens to wake Stefan up as the adventure sort of resets. The film also features the Thompson Twins’ “Hold Me Now” and plenty of other tracks from the 80s.

If you want a completely unique viewing experience, you might want to check out Bandersnatch, streaming now on Netflix.

‘Jem and the Holograms’ Alive Today Thanks To Fans

Between 1985 and 1988, Jem and the Holograms bridged the gap between 80s rock and roll and cartoons. Not to mention the killer theme song. Today, Jem and the Holograms’ legacy is kept alive by fans who remember waking up on a Saturday morning to watch one of the true 80s classics.

‘Jem and the Holograms’ Alive Today Thanks To Fans

“By day, Jennifer Turner works in law enforcement in Vancouver. But on this particular late August weekend, she’s in Cleveland, attending JemCon, an annual gathering for devotees of the colorful Eighties cartoon Jem and the Holograms,” according to RollingStone.

“Turner’s fandom runs deep. She grew up with a single father who supported her love for all things Jem. One Christmas, she woke up to find he had bought her every single Jem-related doll available at the time; other times, he would set an alarm and wake her up early so she could watch the show before school.”

Of all of the 80s cartoons that have maintained a strong fandom over three decades, Jem and the Holograms doesn’t seem like one of the standouts. However, the show had garnered somewhat of a cult following and even continues to do so today. The colorful and flashy art displayed throughout the cartoons screamed 80s and well, folks are still loving it today.

“‘It was such an escape, and so different from the regular narratives that you had about mom and dad,’ Turner says of the cartoon, which follows the adventures of a philanthropic-minded orphan named Jerrica — proprietor of an orphanage for teenage girls, the Starlight House — who has a rock-star secret identity/alter-ego, Jem,” according to the report.

“I think I identified a little bit with Jem losing her parents.”

Relating to and dealing with tragedy is not easy, especially at a young age. Jem and the Holograms seemed to help plenty of children like Turner and for that, the show and character’s legacy will continue to live on. To read the entire RollingStone piece, click here.

80s And 90s Radwood Exhibit Lands In Cleveland

Last week we posted about the awesome Radwood car show that is centered on 80s and 90s cars. Now, the totally rad Radwood show is extending its reach as an all new exhibit has been added to the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, according to a recent report.

80s And 90s Radwood Exhibit Lands In Cleveland

“Radwood car shows for 1980s and 1990s cars have been sweeping across the nation, filling everyone’s hearts and souls with the joy that only square body stampings, cassette players, and burgundy interiors can provide. Now the phenomenon will reach one of America’s finest car museums,” according to Jalopnik.

If folks were unable to attend the West Coast event, the exhibit allows East Coasters and some Mid-Westerners to take the trip for some awesome 80s and 90s nostalgia. Car culture has transcended every decade with technological advancements leading the way. The exhibit offers a look back at what some of the offerings were at two of the greatest decades thus far.

“This new exhibition will feature 80s and 90s era cars from the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Crawford Collection as well as vehicles from private collectors,” according to the museum.

“Each vignette will be complemented with examples of lifestyle and fashion of the era. Highlights will include the first production DeLorean, originally owned by Cleveland native Charles DeLorean (brother to John Z. DeLorean), and a 1982 PPG Pace Car used in the inaugural Cleveland Grand Prix.”

To learn more about the display and what to expect from the exhibit, click here.

80s Holiday Outfits Expected To Rule 2018

The holiday season is a time for celebrating. That means, you’ll be bringing out your best outfits for all of the festive parties. This year, we’re expecting 80s holiday outfits to rule in the 2018 season. With 80s fashion already making a huge comeback this year the holiday season should be no exception.

80s Holiday Outfits Expected To Rule 2018

“There’s no denying the power that the ’80s are having over fashion right now. Larger-than-life costume jewelry is lining the shelves at every retailer, people are constantly reposting old photos of Princess Diana, and jewel tones are everywhere we look these days,” according to WhoWhatWear.

“Even Google just announced that ’80s fashion was the top fashion search term of the year.”

Folks are without question looking to draw inspiration from an awesome decade of fashion in hopes to refresh their current wardrobe. With today’s pop culture drawing from the 80s, it is creating a desire to want to embrace the decade even more.

“If you’re craving some throwback style inspiration, look no further,” says Who What Wear.

“These cool party outfits will have you instantly craving a good reason to get all dolled up your best dresses, heels, and jewelry for the occasion.”

the publication has outlined some of the top 80s holiday styles, worn by some of the most iconic stars and public figures of the decade. To learn more about these outfits and maybe even draw some inspiration of your own, click here.

Night Ranger To Play Kentucky Venue In 2019

If you happen to live in Kentucky, July 2019 is going to be a treat as Night Ranger stops by the Beaver Dam Amphitheater for the Rock the Dam festival. 80s music fans will be treated to a performance of one of the many iconic bands of the decade.

Night Ranger To Play Kentucky Venue In 2019

“After the overwhelming success of our inaugural event, we wanted to go even bigger for the second year and add a fourth act. We feel this lineup will take this annual event to the next level and we couldn’t be more excited,” said to JoBeth Embry, Beaver Dam’s tourism director, according to MessengerInquirer.

After a successful inaugural event, Rock the Dam is returning with even more 80s awesomeness for fans to enjoy. Night Ranger will be joining the lineup which also includes Warrant, Slaughter and Autograph.

“The four bands coming in 2019 ‘all left indelible marks on the music from the ‘80s with numerous, unforgettable hits,'” said Promoter Heath Eric, according to the report.

“They are all still absolutely killing it, putting on stellar shows around the world. We’re stoked to have all four of them on the same stage for one night.”

The show is scheduled to take place on July 20, 2019 and folks will be able to grab tickets when they go on sale Monday. If you want to learn more about Rock the Dam or how you can attend, click here.

Puma Revives 80s Sneaker Classic

80s style is on full display once again in 2018 with the announcement of the revival of Puma’s RS-Computer shoe. Thats right there is an 80s sneaker classic on the way and its not a pair of Nike, Reebok or Adidas. Technology and style are being fused together again on the RS-Computer sneaker.

Puma Revives 80s Sneaker Classic

“Footwear company Puma has revived its RS-Computer Shoe, a classic sneaker from 1986 that — at the time of its launch — included sophisticated hardware targeted at athletes and enthusiasts,” according to SlashGear.

“Though the technology has long been made obsolete by modern alternatives, the design itself retains a certain retro appeal and the model enjoys a number of fans. Puma’s upgraded version retains the same classic design.”

It’s certainly not the first retro sneaker design from the 80s to make its way into the modern day. Companies like Nike continuously bring back running classics from the decade and have even gone further to create silhouettes that were simply futuristic ideas such as the Marty McFly’s that release a fe years back.

“The original Puma RS-Computer Shoe gathered data on runs and provided runners with the info they needed to better pursue their future goals. The shoes have a very unique appearance; the hardware juts out the shoe’s heel, where it is impossible to miss,” according to the report.

To learn more about the RS-Computer classic from the 80s and what the new rendition will feature, click here.

80s And 90s Car Culture Celebrated At Radwood Event

It may be December, but the sun was out in full force for the Radwood, an event celebrating the 80s and 90s car culture in Los Angeles, California. It featured some pretty nostalgia-inducing rides especially a few you would find on the wall of an 80s gear-head’s room. This was one for the books for sure.

80s And 90s Car Culture Celebrated At Radwood Event

“No show celebrates the often overlooked and forgotten vehicles of the 1980s and 1990s like Radwood, wrapped up in an event that’s as much about the culture of the rad era as it is about the cars themselves,” according to CNET.

This year marks the second year for the show that has gained a pretty large following. It’s a blast from the past when it comes to rides, style and even music.

“Radwood is an automotive-centric ’80s- and ’90s-themed festival for everyone,” says Brad Brownell, one of the show’s co-founders, according to the report.

“We want to be a welcoming environment for fans of the lost era of car collecting, as well as a place for fans of the era to have a good time.”

From Plymouth to Lamborghini, the show brought something for pretty much anyone who enjoys cars from the 80s and 90s.

“Any car sold between 1980 and 1999 qualifies as rad, with exceptions made for some early-2000s cars conceived in the spirit of the era (looking at you, Plymouth Prowler),” according to the report.

If you want to learn more about Radwood and check out some of the awesome rides featured at the 2018 event, click here.

Photo by Josh Edgoose on Unsplash (Not An Actual Event Photo)