Live Words and Photos: Myglobalmind/Screaming Digital Productions
On July 12th, the “Totally Tubular Festival” transported fans back to the electric vibes of the 1980s with an extraordinary lineup of iconic bands. Despite the scorching heat earlier in the day that left many feeling drained, the atmosphere shifted as the sun set. The Orion Amphitheatre, initially sparsely populated, gradually filled up as fans streamed in after finishing their workday on Friday evening.
The evening commenced with Eddie Munoz of The Plimsouls, whose soulful rendition of “A Million Miles Away” set a nostalgic tone that resonated deeply with the audience. As the temperature cooled, the crowd’s energy began to rise. Bow Wow Wow took the stage next, captivating with their vibrant mix of punk and world music, led by the charismatic presence of Annabella Lwin. Their performance of “I Want Candy” brought the crowd to its feet, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
The Tubes followed with their theatrical flair and irreverent style, delivering hits like “White Punks on Dope” and “She’s a Beauty.” Their larger-than-life presence brought the festival to a climactic peak, leaving fans exhilarated and eager for more.
Men Without Hats, with Ivan Doroschuk at age 66, carried himself with tons of energy, dancing and parading himself on stage, getting the crowd going with their infectious rhythm and beloved anthem “The Safety Dance,” prompting spontaneous dance circles throughout the venue.
Wang Chung’s performance was solid; their trademark sound from the 80s still sounded as vibrant today as it ever was. They ignited the crowd with their fusion of pop and rock rhythms in songs like “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” and “Dance Hall Days.”
Tom Bailey from the Thompson Twins orchestrated excellent production and lighting, featuring some super cool strobe tubes. With a full backing band, his performance was captivating, one of the highlights of the festival.
Headliner Thomas Dolby ran point as a one-man show, his synthetic ethereal sounds providing a heartfelt tribute to David Bowie. Carrying on later into the night, he expressed gratitude for all the fans who stuck around, braving the heat wave to be transported into a bygone era that lives on in nostalgia for many.
Throughout the festival, longtime fans of this golden era of music were easily identifiable in their attire, sporting headgear and T-shirts featuring their favorite acts. The camaraderie among attendees, coupled with the infectious energy of the performers, created an atmosphere that celebrated not only the music but also the shared memories and experiences of an unforgettable era.
The “Totally Tubular Festival” on July 12th was a testament to the enduring appeal of 1980s music. Each artist delivered a powerhouse performance that celebrated their storied careers and showcased their influence on music. As fans filtered out into the night, the echoes of 1980s hits lingered, highlighting the festival’s success in capturing the essence of a musical golden age.
https://www.totallytubularfestival.com/