The Hub truly turned back the clock and reminded everyone how magical the music of the 80s still is.
Music lovers were treated to a memorable evening of nostalgia and outstanding live performances at the latest Sunday Acoustic Lounge, held at The Hub at St Mary’s on 14 June.
This month’s theme, “Back to the 80s”, took the audience back four decades, into one of music’s most iconic eras – celebrating the unforgettable sounds that defined a generation.
The evening embraced everything that made the 1980s so special – from powerful ballads and synth-pop classics to energetic dance anthems and timeless chart-toppers. The songs offered a fresh, stripped-back interpretation, while retaining all the energy and emotion of the originals.
The first half of the programme opened with the incredibly talented Music Performance student Issy Taylor, who captivated the audience with beautiful renditions of With or Without You by U2 and Whitney Houston’s How Will I Know. Singer (and fireman!) Bryan Brindley followed with energetic performances of George Michael’s Faith and David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, bringing a lively atmosphere to the room.
Clare Andress showcased her vocal versatility with Michael Jackson’s Human Nature and Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time, while Nikki Evans of X-Factor fame delivered heartfelt performances of Maria McKee’s Show Me Heaven and Stephanie Mills’ Never Knew Love Like This Before, demonstrating pop and disco versatility, despite her self confessed rock chick roots.
The first half concluded with Nikki and Clare joining forces for a vocal powerhouse rendition of Heart’s classic Alone.
After the interval, the audience returned for another collection of beloved hits. Issy returned to entertaine with Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, as well as a stripped back version of The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles – with the audience gaining a new appreciation of this as a love song. Bryan then returned to perform Nik Kershaw’s I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, alongside the Live Aid classic of The Cars Drive.
Event curator and Lichfield Radio presenter Tom Roberts made a special appearance, performing a fabulous version of Bruce Hornsby and The Range’s The Way It Is (Tom’s first album purchase as a teenager), with incredible backing on keyboards, adding another highlight to the evening.
Clare continued the nostalgic journey with Waiting For A Star To Fall and Lisa Stansfield’s All Around The World, while Nikki performed Stevie Wonder’s Lately and Michael McDonald’s I Keep Forgettin’, feating some brilliant audience participation.
The finale saw Nikki and Bryan come together for a powerful performance of Under Pressure, originally recorded by David Bowie and Queen, bringing the evening to an unforgettable close.
Behind the scenes, Musical Director and keyboard player Gladstone ‘G’ Wilson led the fabulous band, supported by guitarist Richard Bates and cajón player Jay Haywood. Lighting was provided by Abbie Parkes, and sound by Josh Willimott who, due to unforeseen circumstances, stepped in at the last minute to ensure that the show could go on.
At the end of the evening, Tom expressed gratitude to Louise, the staff and volunteers at The Hub, as well as to sponsors Jono’s Tourism and David and Faye Mills.
With Sunday Acoustic Lounge now taking a summer break, audiences will eagerly await its return in September. Judging by the enthusiastic response to “Back to the 80s”, the series continues to prove why it remains a much-loved fixture in the local entertainment calendar.
One thing is certain: for one evening, The Hub truly turned back the clock and reminded everyone just how magical the music of the 1980s still is.
And, of course, if you want to hear some brilliant 80s music, listen to The Big 80s Show on Lichfield Radio every Friday between 3 and 4pm!
Photos by Sarah Rhian and Ruth Redgate.