All-Tube Music Festival Live at Bridgeport AMP
Ralph Beauchamp
The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater hosts an 1980s-inspired concert event titled full tube festival It features Thomas Dolby. Also on the list are Plimsouls, Tommy Tutone, Annabella’s Bow Wow Wow, Men Without Hats, Wang Chung, Modern English and the Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey. The show started quite early. Around 4:30, due to a lot of behavior involved. Another highlight of the day was my collaboration with photographer Rich Russo. It had been a while since we had done anything together and it was fun to get together.
The show opened with The Plimsouls. Much of the early game was only 20 minutes long and Plimsouls made the most of the time. Their energetic set included hits “Million Miles Away” and “Oldest Story In The World.” They are the perfect band for any celebration. Next up was Tommy Tutone, of which Tommy Heath was the last original member. Tommy Tutone are making a splash with their 6-song set. It started with “Trust Your Memory” and “Angel Say No” and ended with their hit “867-5309/Jenny,” which had everyone in the house singing along. This surprising piece is a stunning rendition of Cat Steven’s “Wild World.”
Photo Rich Russell
Next up on stage was Annabelle’s “Bow Wow Wow”. At this time, attendance began to increase as people who had to work began to arrive. Annabelle (Lwin) was enthusiastic and energetic. Her orchestra consists of three great musicians who are definitely much younger but perform the songs quite well. Opening with “Love, Peace and Harmony”, the audience was excited. “Do You Want to Hug Me” was a huge hit. Bow Wow Wow’s cover of the Strangelove song “I Want Candy” was the highlight of the show.
The most unexpected person that night was Wang Zhong. Comprised of founding members Nick Feldman and Jack Hues, the band is tight and the music is fresh. Feldman and Hughes had all the attention in the room. “Wait” is the first song. Next up was “To Live and Die in LA” and their hit “Let’s Go.” “Dancehall Day” has the audience on their feet and swaying to the intoxicating rhythm. They performed a punk performance with The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” which hit the mark. After singing “Let’s Have Fun Tonight”, everyone was taken away by Wang Chun.
Canada’s Hatless Man is really funny. Ivan Doroschuk opened with a shortened version of “Dance of Safety,” a whirling dervish. He was flying around the stage. The audience really felt his kinetic spark. The band played “Where Do the Boys Go” and “I Got the Message” to cool effect. “Pop Goes the World” puts the house back on its feet again. They stayed up late to watch an extended remix of the club’s “Safety Dance.” There was a smile on everyone’s face. The man without the hat is very pleasant.
Photo Rich Russell
Modern English followed. Led by the ineffable Robbie Grey, Modern English performed a remarkable 6-song set, including several from their latest releases 1234 It dropped this year. It opens with “The Dust Has Settled” and then goes into “Someone’s Calling”. Two new songs will be released soon 1234, “Long Teeth”, “Crazy Lovers”, etc. have been widely praised. Hands Across the Sea brings their hit single “I Melt With You”. At this time, the venue was full, and Modern English gave out bursts of cheers.
Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins fame was my only disappointment. He looks great and his all-female band is not only gorgeous but excellent musicians. They are all wearing white clothes and look very beautiful. Opening with “Love on Your Side,” the vocals immediately seem flat and off-key. The music is top-notch, but Bailey just can’t cut it. “Lay Your Hands On Me” is next, followed by “If You Were Here,” “King for a Day” and “You Take Me Up.” Bailey ended with a huge hit from the Thompson twins: “Doctor! Doctor!” and “Hold Me Now.” The audience loved the scene, but it didn’t appeal to me.
Thomas Dolby It’s pure magic. Alone, in a futuristic military uniform, he controls the stage, even though the only other thing on stage is his synth equipment. He is both ethereal and spiritual in a mesmerizing way. It was impossible to take your eyes away from him. The “Blue Monday” of the new order has begun. Next up are Europa and the Pirate Twins and One of Our Submarines.
Dolby pays tribute to David Bowie with a cover of Bowie’s “Heroes” that also includes a visually arresting film. Dolby is steeped in unbridled mystery and magnificence. “Hyperactive” amazed the venue. As soon as “She Blinded Me with Science” started playing, the audience was in pure ecstasy. He ended with “Hot Sauce.”
this full tube festival This is a fun and fun-filled event. I’m sure everyone here remembers where they were when they heard their favorite 80’s song. I know I did it.
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