Tommy Macs' Awesome 80s' Blog And Radio Show

The Original "MTV" VJs' Share Their Adventures!

2013-02-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

Those of us that were raised with the "original" MTV Vjs' are in for a real treat! Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, and Martha Quinn reveal all of their trials and tribulations associated with the "Dawn" of "Music Television". Imagine their mixed emotions about doing something that had never been done before. "Will this work"? Did I just commit myself to a flash in the pan future? Will anyone really tune in on a daily basis? Is this a pipe dream? Well as we all know now, MTV went on to define a generation. Little did they know back on August 1st, 1981 the cultural impact that they had just created. Musical acts of the day eventually were begging to get their videos showcased on this new forum.Music combined with visual stimulation eventually created the "MTV Generation". Well, our Vjs' are now sharing their life changing stories with all of us with their upcoming book "The Unplugged Adventures Of MTV's First Wave.This is "totally Awesome" 80s' fans! Tommy Mac

Take a peek at the cover to the forthcoming oral history of MTV's first VJs.

Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Martha Quinn are getting together with Rolling Stone contributing editor Gavin Edwards to tell their story in their own words in the forthcoming book VJ: The Unplugged Adventures of MTV's First Wave.
The four (along with the late J.J. Jackson) were the first on-air hosts hired by MTV when the channel debuted in 1981, throwing the newcomers into the heady world of rock as the music video revolution exploded.

The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at their sometimes wild world, from John Cougar's attempt to seduce Blackwood to David Lee Roth offering Goodman groupies and cocaine to Quinn traveling with Bob Dylan on his private jet to Ireland.
The VJs also step back from the wild stories to look at how MTV changed both music and television. In chronicling the cable net's early days, they use their story to tell the story of the 80s and the generation that was transformed by the music video.
As they jokingly conclude, "We’re the reason you have no attention span.”
Look for VJ: The Unplugged Adventures of MTV's First Wave in bookstores in May 2013 from Atria.

"Fleetwood Mac" Announce 2013 Concert Tour!

2013-02-02T22:20:00.001-08:00

Fleetwood Mac is back Awesome 80s' fans! That is right. This band the originally formed way back in 1967 have announced a "Major" concert tour beginning in April 2013. Christie McVie however has chosen not to join back up with the band for this go around, stating that she is content with her retirement from music. Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and of course Stevie Nicks are continuing the saga of this renowned band as a "quartet", and they sound awesome. Stevie Nicks can still hit those notes that she was well known for in the 70s' and 80s', and the rest of the band have never missed a beat. This tour is not in support of a new album release, but "Rumour" is that the band will feature a few new songs at their venues.
Check out this partial list of tour dates folks-An Awesome band, Awesome 80s'! Tommy Mac

Apr. 4.2013	Nationwide Arena	Columbus, OH United States
Apr. 6.2013	Wells Fargo Center	Philadelphia, PA United States
Apr. 8.2013	Madison Square Garden	New York, NY United States
Apr. 9.2013	Verizon Center	Washington, DC United States

Apr. 9.2013	Verizon Center	Washington, DC United States
Apr.11.2013	KFC YUM! Center	Louisville, KY United States
Apr.13.2013	United Center	Chicago, IL United States
Apr.16.2013	Air Canada Centre	Toronto, ON Canada
Apr.18.2013	TD Garden	Boston, MA United States

Apr.20.2013

Mohegan Sun

Uncasville, CT United States

Apr.23.2013

Scotiabank Place

Ottawa, ON Canada

Apr.24.2013

Prudential Center

Newark, NJ United States

Apr.26.2013

CONSOL Energy Center

Pittsburgh, PA United States

Apr.30.2013	Sprint Center	Kansas City, MO United States
May. 1.2013	BOK Center	Tulsa, OK United States
May. 3.2013	Verizon Arena	North Little Rock, AR United States
May.12.2013	MTS Centre	Winnipeg, MB Canada
May.14.2013	Credit Union Centre	Saskatoon, SK Canada

Happy Birthday To "Phil Collins"

2013-01-30T18:59:00.000-08:00

Tommy Macs' Awesome 80s' Blog And Radio would like to wish "Phil Collins" a very happy birthday! Phil just turned 62 on January 30th 2013. Phil was born in London England on January 30th 1951, and as we all know went on to be one of the most influential Awesome 80s' Artists PERIOD.

Collins sang the lead vocals on several chart hits in the United Kingdom and the United States between 1975 and 2010, either as a solo artist or with Genesis. His singles, sometimes dealing with lost love, ranged from the drum-heavy "In The Air Tonight", dance pop of "Sussudio", piano-driven "Against All Odds", to the political statements of "Another Day In Paradise".
Collins's professional music career began as a drummer, originally in a band called The Real Thing with Andrea Bertorelli, who later became his first wife. Collins played drums and shared lead vocals (with Brian Chatton) in" Flaming Youth" which recorded one album, (Ark II). In 1970, he took over drums for Genesis, which had already recorded two albums. In Genesis, Collins originally supplied backing vocals for front man "Peter Gabriel", singing lead on only two songs: "For Absent Friends" from 1971's Nursery Chryme album and "More Fool Me" from Selling England By The Pound, which was released in 1973. Following Gabriel's departure in 1975, Collins became the group's lead singer.
His solo career, heavily influenced by his personal life, brought both himself and Genesis commercial success. According to Atlantic Records, Collins's total worldwide sales as a solo artist, as of 2000, were 150 million. Collins has won numerous music awards throughout his career, including seven Grammy Awards, five Brit Awards—winning Best British Male three times, an Academy award, and two Golden Globes for his solo work.He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010.
Collins is one of only three recording artists (along with"Paul McCartney" and "Michael Jackson) who have sold over 100 million albums worldwide both as solo artists and (separately) as principal members of a band When his work with Genesis, his work with other artists, as well as his solo career is totalled, Collins had more top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the 1980s than any other artist. In 2008, Collins was ranked the 22nd most successful artist on the "The Billboard Hot 100 Of All Time"!

Phil retired publicly from music a couple of years ago, stating that "Young adults today aren't interested in hearing him perform". Well I beg to differ. I believe Phil has what it takes to swoon the younger generation as well. Hopefully Phil will come back and give it a try like "David Bowie" recently. At any rate, Happy Birthday to an Awesome 80s' Legend! Please enjoy an absolute "Phil Collins" classic. Tommy Mac

Arnold Schwarzenegger Confirms Terminator 5 Role; Will He Play a T-800?

2013-01-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

Arnold Schwarzenegger is currently in London, doing press for the U.K. release of" The Last Stand". During a press conference, the actor confirmed that he will be appearing in "Terminator 5" though he did not specify in what capacity. The actor then revealed that he is also officially attached to the "Twins"sequel Triplets", and "The Legend Of Conan". Back in April 2011, Arnold was attached to a version of "Terminator 5" that "Justin Lin"was set to direct. A lot has happened between now and then, with Annapurna Pictures purchasing the rights from Pacificor in May 2011, followed by Justin Lin dropping out in September 2011.

The project has picked up some steam recently, with "David Ellison" signing on to produce with his sister Megan Ellison, with script writers currently being hired.
It is not known if Arnold will be back as the T-800 Terminator model, or if he will be playing a whole new character. Since the T-800 doesn't age, they may be using CGI de-aging effects as seen in "Tron Legacy"

The sequel does not have a director attached yet, although Justin Lin previously indicated he may return if Annapurna Pictures waits for him to complete "The Fast And The Furious 6", which is set for release this May.

Well Awesome 80s' fans, it appears that Arnold was telling us the truth when he said "I'll Be Back". Although the last movie "Terminator Salvation" was a good installment in my mind, I found myself wanting the original "Terminator" to surface at some point. Additionally, I felt that there were a lot of un-answered questions left over from "Terminator 3 Rise Of The Machines". Wouldn't it be cool if Arnold actually plays the real life human that the T-800 was modeled after "Sgt. Candy", introduced to us in the DVD special features section of "Terminator 3". We soon shall see.Apparently the plan is to have a script ready for production toward the end of 2013. See the "Sgt. Candy" segment that was cut from "Rise Of The Machines" in 2003 below. Will "Linda Hamilton" BE BACK as well? Could happen; her body was not in the coffin from the third movie. Can you believe that this movie franchise began back in 1984? There is even talk of a 'Terminator 6". Awesome 80s!

Tommy Mac

"Tron 3" Will Be A Reality !

2013-01-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

Well 'Tron" fans, we have finally got some confirmation from the "Disney Studios" that another sequel to the movie franchise 'Tron" will be in production soon! Tron Legacy was an eye opening experience in modern day special effects and computer imagery, and a lot of us left the theater wanting our own light cycle. Legacy certainly wet our appetites for a continuation of the story, with the movie ending leaving abundant room for an awesome sequel. The world of "The Grid" has now spilled over into the "Real" world, when Sam, aided by his Fathers identity disc, took Qorra an advanced program through the portal into our world. So what happened afterward? Did she and Sam change the world as Kevin Flynn predicted? Did they become romantically inclined? What will Sam do now that he has taken back control of his Fathers company? Was Kevin Flynn really destroyed at the end of Legacy? Hopefully these questions and more will be answered with the new installment.

Check out this recently released movie teaser for the new film, complete with some familiar faces from the first Tron Movie. Disney has not released any release dates at this point, and it appears that a secrecy campaign is in full effect from the studio. Awesome 80s' will keep you all posted as more news is available! Mac. P.S. Remember the scene in Legacy where Kevin Flynn, Sam and Qorra where heading for the portal on the light sail and kevin was performing some type of meditation while Sam and Qorra where laughing and joking together? Kevin then gave an expression that led me to believe that he wanted Qorra and Sam to essentially become a romantic couple, creating the new world together in the 'Real' world.Do you think that a 'Human and Program Hybrid" life form is in the Tron future? Interesting! Mac

"Blondie" Featuring Debbie Harry On Tour 2013!

2013-01-23T21:36:00.001-08:00

Can you believe that after all these years that "Debbie Harry" and the band "Blondie" are going on an extensive tour the summer of 2013? I for one am very glad to see this. "Blondie" the band was considered by a lot of music critics back in the day as "Ahead Of Their Time". This may explain the bands quick rise to fame in the very early 80s' and subsequent fall toward the mid 80s', or maybe not. As Awesome 80s' fans are fully aware, the band somehow fizzled out after "Rapture" and "Heart Of Glass" but we really didn't understand why. All of a sudden MTV had no Blondie videos in the rotation, favoring the English "New Wave" bands and of course "Michael Jackson" videos from 1983 onward. The last mention of Blondie in the 80s' as I remember was a mention of the band in the movie "Fast Times Of Ridgemont High" in 1982. Well they may have gone off of the radar in the mid 80s' , but they have been making music ever since. Check out the bands "You Tube" videos for tracks that didn't make the mainstream cut for some reason, a lot of them are fairly recent. Well that apparently is show business. Tommy Macs' Awesome 80s' Blog And Radio is pleased to announce a new Era for "Blondie" The band has announced a rather extensive tour schedule for the summer of 2013, and potential new album releases. How awesome is that? Check out the confirmed tour schedule below. Notice the lack of North American tour dates? This needs to change awesome 80s' fans! Mac

06/14/13	Edwinstowe	Sherwood Pines
06/15/13	Thetford	Thetford Forest
06/16/13	Newport	Isle of Wight Festival
06/21/13	Tetbury	Westonbirt Arboretum
06/22/13	Turnbridge Wells	Bedgebury Pinetum
06/23/13	Carlisle	Sands Centre
06/25/13	Dublin	Olympia Theatre
06/26/13	Belfast	Waterfront Hall Auditorium
06/28/13	Pickering	Dalby Forest
06/29/13	Cannock	Cannock Chase Forest
07/01/13	Glasgow	Clyde Auditorium
07/02/13	Edinburgh	Usher Hall
07/06/13	Northwich	Delamere Forest
07/07/13	London	Roundhouse
07/09/13	London	Kew Royal Botanical Gardens
07/10/13	Amsterdam	Paradiso

David Bowie's Back With First New Song and Album in 10 Years!

2013-01-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

The awesome 80s' music fans have heard nothing form "David Bowie" in pushing ten years or so.Well, great news, Bowie fans: The Thin White Duke is back with his first song—and album—in a nearly a decade in honor of his 66th birthday today. The new tune that was released on Bowie's website, "Where Are We Now?," is a slow burner that the music legend worked on with long-time producer Tony Visconti with lyrical nods to the city of Berlin. That's where Bowie lived for three years and conceived what's been dubbed his "Berlin trilogy" of records—Low, Heroes and Lodger.

"Where Are We Now" is accompanied by a haunting video of old black-and-white footage of the German capital circa the 1970s and features Bowie's now-sexagenarian mug projected onto the body of a puppet looking at the stark images of Berlin that flash by.
"The moment you know, you know, you know," he croons.
The somber, poignant ditty reflecting back on another time in his life is an interesting pick on Bowie's part as he re-enters the music scene. That's because after his last album, 2003's Reality, he abruptly stopped touring and making music in 2004 after suffering a heart attack while performing at a festival in Germany.
The rocker retreated from the pop world, spending most of his time being a dad to his young daughter Alexandria, whom he had with his model wife, Iman, as well as painting and collecting art while living in New York. His last musical performance was in November 2006 at New York's Keep a Child Alive benefit.

Well, "Bowie' is back Awesome 80s' fans, again at the age of 66! How awesome is that? Apparently there will be no standard retirement for this musical Icon. The new song is now available for download from iTunes, while the new album, The Next Day, hits stores first in Australia on March 8, the rest of the world save for the U.S. on March 11, and then stateside on March 12. Tommy Macs awesome 80s blog and radio will definitely critique the new album and provide our feedback to you all. Until then we have attached the new video for the single "Where Are We Now" for your enjoyment! Tommy Mac

"Steve Miller Band" Announce 2013 World Tour

2013-01-15T21:56:00.001-08:00

Following their successful return to Europe in October 2012, the band is traveling "down under" to New Zealand and Australia for a nine show swing in early 2013, including stops at the Byron Bay Blues Festival and the Deniliquin Blues & Roots Fest in late March. Just prior to heading to New Zealand, four shows are scheduled for a first quarter 2013 swing through Florida. Watch for the complete spring and summer tour date schedule coming soon. Yes folks, another Awesome 80s' band that came to fame way back in the 1970s' back with their popularity growing all the time with younger listeners. Could it be that the younger crowd is getting tired of todays' uninspired talentless excuse for music? It sure seems that way to me. Give me a real band playing real instruments with thoughtful lyrics; not todays' "Gangsta" crap. Check out a partial list of 'The Steve Miller Bands" upcoming tour schedule below. More information is available on the bands' official website Click here> http://www.stevemillerband.com /

2013 World Tour

2/13 Clearwater Fl,     Venue- Ruth Eckerd Hall
2/14 Jacksonville Fl,    Venue -Florida Theater
2/16 Orlando Fl,          Venue-Universal Studios
2/17 Hollywood Fl,      Venue-Hard Rock
3/17 Christchurch Nz, Venue-AMI Stadium
3/19 Auckland Nz,       Venue-Vector Arena
3/21 Melbourne Aus,    Venue- Rod Laver arena
3/22 Adelaide Aus,       Venue-Adelaide Entertainment Center
3/24 Fremantle Aus,      Venue-West Coast Blues And Roots Fest

See band website for additional tour venues. Enjoy a Classic Steve Miller Band classic 80s' video. Mac

Daryl Hall And John Oates Back On Tour 2013!

2013-01-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that "Daryl Hall" and "John Oates" have been making music together since 1967! The duo really turned the corner with their careers in the mid to late 70s' and became staples on MTV in the early to mid 80s' with songs like "Maneater" and "Private Eyes". Both Daryl and John have solo projects currently and both have cut albums as soloists' as well, but their friendship remains after all these years and they still make time to to jam and tour together. In fact, a new "Hall And Oates" tour will be kicking off in February of 2013, that will include their awesome 80s' hits and perhaps some of their solo work as well. Get your tickets soon for this one awesome 80s' fans, because they normally sell out their tour venues. We have attached a schedule of confirmed tour dates below, with the promise of more to added in the early Spring.
Tommy Macs' Awesome 80s' blog and radio will try to keep you all posted. Awesome 80s"! Mac

Feb 22	Daryl Hall & John Oates Akron, OH

Feb 23	Daryl Hall & John Oates Battle Creek, MI

Mar 01	Daryl Hall & John Oates St.Augustine, FL

Mar 04	Daryl Hall & John Oates Panama City, FL

Mar 06	Daryl Hall & John Oates Clearwater, FL

Mar

Daryl Hall & John Oates

Durham, NC

Happy Birthday To "Pat Benatar" January 10th 2013!

2013-01-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

Tommy Macs' Awesome 80s' Blog And Radio would like to wish the 80s' rock legend "Pat Benatar" a happy birthday !! Pat was born on January 10th 1953 in Brooklyn New York- her birth name being "Patricia Mae Andrzejewski". Patricia changed her last name to "Benatar" when she married her high school sweetheart "Dennis Benatar" way back in 1979. They soon divorced, but Pat found her Soul Mate in 1982 "Neil Giraldo", and the couple has been married since then! The picture above shows' Pat singing at the "Rockin' New Years Eve" party in New York about ten days ago. Again, happy birthday Pat! You are an AWESOME 80s' ICON! Mac

"38 Special" Still Crankin' Out Their Classics In 2013!

2013-01-09T21:54:00.000-08:00

Those Awesome Southern Rockers "38 Special" have been crankin' out the Southern rock since the seventies, and they aren't gonna stop anytime soon. The band made their presence known in 1980, with their critically acclaimed album release "Rockin' Into The night", with the title song gaining massive air play throughout the year. Then in 1981 they released their breakthrough album "Wild-Eyed Southern Boys", that included the awesome 80s' classic songs "Hold On Loosely" and of course "Fantasy Girl". That album made 38 Special a household name, with plenty of music video rotations on MTV. The follow up album "Special Forces" (1983) was another success, primarily due to the song "Caught Up In You", again receiving heavy radio station air play and video rotation as well.. These good old Boys are embarking on a 2013 tour schedule that will be growing on a weekly basis. The band has confirmed the following venues, with additional dates to be announced. Awesome 80s!!!!!! Mac

Confirmed 2013 Tour Dates:

January 10th, Fort Lauderdale Fl.-Royal Caribbean "Rock Cruise"

February 15th, Median In.-Media Entertainment Center

February 16th, Larchwood Ia.-Grand Falls Casino Resort

March 1st, Orlando Fl.-Hard Rock Live Orlando

Make your plans now to see "38 Special" LIVE!

"Wang Chung" Back With A New Album And Upcoming Tour!

2013-01-04T23:32:00.001-08:00

Wang Chung needs no introduction if you're familiar with such 80's hits as "Everybody
Have Fun Tonight" and "Dance Hall Days". If you're not familiar with the UK duo, then
you're probably too young to know that these are the guys who influenced much of the
pop music you're hearing on the radio today. With a musical history spanning 3
decades, Wang Chung reminds us on 'Tazer Up' why they topped the Billboard charts
and became an international success in their earlier years.

The duo opens the album paying homage to their #1 chart topping 80's hit, Dance Hall
Days, giving it a face-lift in the form of an awesome remix. And don't be alarmed by
thoughts of Tazer Up being an album by a band stuck in the 80's because it's far from
that. Wang Chung gives me everything on this album that I had hoped it would be; an
incredible compilation of non-stop hits that could very well bring their unique brand of
new wave pop-rock roaring back to the forefront of Top 40 radio.

Songs like "City of Light", "Let's Get Along", and my personal favorite "Rent Free", are all
great reasons to buy this album. Each of these songs (and the rest of the project) offers
new wave/dance and pop-rock music fans everything they have come to love about
popular music. With this release, Wang Chung is proving they're not just an 80's band.

The band has announced plans to begin a tour in the early spring of 2013 in support of
the new album, and Tommy Macs' Awesome 80s' will keep you all posted on the upcoming
tour venues and dates. I have always loved Wang Chungs' music, and i highly recommend
this new release! And now enjoy a classic song and video from Wang Chung (and a cool movie in 1985), "To Live And Die In LA" Here on Awesome 80s! Tommy Mac

"Kool And The Gang" Still Touring After All These Years!

2013-01-04T20:36:00.001-08:00

Wow! Can you believe that the band "Kool And The Gang" has been fully active since 1964? That is correct. The original lineup began playing small venues all the way back before we landed on the moon! The bands' popularity grew big time in the mid seventies, and continued to climb through the 80s' with hits like "Ladies Night", "Get Down On It". "Joanna", and of course their biggest hit of the 1980s' "Celebration."

The group's main members over the years included brothers "Robert Bell" (known as "Kool") on bass and "Ronald Bell" on tenor saxophone, lead vocalist "James Taylor", George Brown on drums, Robert Mickens on trumpet, Dennis Thomas on alto saxophone, "Claydes Charles Smith" on guitar, and " Rick Westfield" on keyboards. The Bell brothers' father was an acquaintance of "Thelomious Monk", and the brothers were friends with " Leon Thomas"

Check out the groups upcoming confirmed tour schedule for 2013! Not bad for, shall we say "Seasoned Veterans". "Kool And The Gang" certified Awesome 80s' Artists! Tommy Mac

Kool & The Gang Tour Schedule 2013
Friday January 11, 2013	Snoqualmie Casino	Snoqualmie, WA
Saturday January 12, 2013	Spotlight 29 Casino	Coachella, CA
Thursday January 31, 2013	Booked	Las Vegas, NV
Thursday February 14, 2013	OLG Slots @ Woodbine Racetrack	Ontario, Canada
Sunday February 17, 2013	Bicentenario Stadium-Colors Love Day	Santiago, Chile
Wednesday February 20, 2013	Time-Life Cruise Ship	San Juan, Puerto Rico
Friday February 23, 2013	Cumberland County Civic Center	Fayetteville, NC
Monday February 25, 2013	Max Schmeling-Halle	Berlin, Germany
Wednesday February 27, 2013	Jahrhunderthalle	Frankfurt, Germany
Thursday February 28, 2013	Mitsubishi Hall	Dusseldorf, Germany
Friday March 1, 2013	Sporthalle	Hamburg, Germany
Wednesday March 6, 2013	Hallenstadion	Zurich, Switzerland
Thursday March 7, 2013	BigBox	Kempten, Germany
Sunday March 10, 2013	AWD Hall	Hannover, Germany
Tuesday March 12, 2013	Porsche Arena	Stuttgart, Germany
Wednesday March 13, 2013	Olympiahalle	Munchen, Germany
Wednesday April 24, 2013	Booked	Basel, Switzerland
Thursday April 25, 2013	Booked	Basel, Switzerland
Friday April 26, 2013	Booked	Basel, Switzerland
Saturday April 27, 2013	Booked	Basel, Switzerland
Sunday April 28, 2013	Booked	Basel, Switzerland

"Mad Max 4 Fury Road" Will Be Released In 2013!

2013-01-03T22:05:00.001-08:00

Producers have been working the angles for a number of years to produce a Mad Max sequel to "Beyond Thunderdome" released in 1985. Mel Gibson was going to reprise this awesome role at one point and then declined. Then, we started hearing rumors that actor "Tom Hardy" would take on the role of "Max Rockatansky". More time passed and and still no production dates were released, and it seemed like this incarnation of Max was a pipe dream. Well it is now official! Warner Brothers Pictures has confirmed that principal photography for "Mad Max 4 Fury Road" has just been completed, and is going into final production. Then about a week ago, the image above was released showing Tom Hardy in his official Mad Max attire! This movie is on the way folks, with a release date targeted for sometime in 2013. Tommy Macs'Awesome 80s' will keep you all posted as more information becomes available. Do you think that "Hardy" can give "Gibson" a run for his money? We shall soon see! Check out the leaked images from the new movie below! Mac

"Rockwell" An Awesome 80s' One Hit Wonder...

2013-01-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

Do you all remember Rockwells hit song and video in 1984 "Somebody's Watching Me"? I personally thought it was a great song, mostly due to the assistance of Michael and Jermaine Jackson with their vocals. So whatever became of Rockwell? Well, he actually released two more albums after his "breakthrough" and faded into Motown Records history shortly afterward. Apparently Rockwell without the "Jacksons" vocals simply did not cut the mustard. "Somebody's Watching Me" however is still a favorite with Tommy Mac, as well as the creepy video. It personifies 80s videos of the day. Rockwell once announced publicly that he was "The New Face In Pop Music". If only thast had been true. Here is a little history of "Kennedy William Gordy", best known simply as "Rockwell", and his awesome 80s video. Enjoy! Mac

Rockwell is the son of Motown founder and CEO Barry Gordy and Margaret Norton. His father named him Kennedy William Gordy afterJohn F. Kennedy
and William "Smokey" Robinson. To avoid seeming nepotistic, he secured his record deal without his father's knowledge. Motown actually came up with the name Rockwell and the young Gordy agreed to the change because he believed he "rocked well."
In 1984, Rockwell released his biggest hit single, "Somebody's Watching Me", featuring childhood friends Michael Jackson on guest vocals (notably in the chorus lyrics), and Jermaine Jackson singing back-up. "Somebody's Watching Me" became a Top 10 pop hit in both the US and UK, and a #1 R&B hit. Follow-up singles underperformed, however, with single "Obscene Phone Caller", being Rockwell's only other Top 40 single. This follow-up single reached #35 on the Billboard Hot 100. Rockwell soon ended his musical career with Motown.
Rockwell appeared on "Soul Train" on February 2, 1985 (Season 14, Episode 17)
Rockwell was not the first member of the Gordy family to hit Billboard's Hot 100 as a recording artist. His uncle, Robert Gordy, reached the longer reaches of the chart in 1958 with "Everyone Was There," recording under the name of Bob Kayli.
Rockwell's paternal half-sister is actress Rhonda Ross Kendrick
, the eldest child of "Diana Ross". Rockwell is also closely related to the group "LMFAO" through his half-brother Redfoo (Stefan Kendal Gordy, son of Berry Gordy and Nancy Leiviska) and his nephew SkyBlu (son of half-brother Berry Gordy IV and his wife Valerie Robeson).

"Men Without Hats" New Album Review: "Love In The Age Of War"

2012-12-27T22:11:00.002-08:00

Months after completing their first North American tour in over 20 years," Men Without Hats" releases their first full album in nine years, "Love In The Age Of War".
Of his first U.S. tour in over 20 years last year, "Ivan Doroschuk" said he had a blast performing his classic hits. Thus, it is natural that Love in the Age of War would be a virtual throwback to "Men Without Hats’ years of early success, with high energy synth tracks reminiscent of Rhythm of Youth and Folk of the 80s (Part III). Back are the raw, upbeat keyboard melodies and bass lines that anchored the MWH signature sound.

The lead track, “Devil Comes Round” hits the listener with early new-wave “space age” effects and retro-style pitch bending before Doroschuck’s booming voice comes in, a voice that mellows out a bit for “Head Above Water,” the first single from the album. The latter mixes a more modern pop approach to the classic MWH style. Those cuts are contrasted by the title song, which cunningly switches from the instrumentally raw (similar to the reprise version of “The Great Ones Remember” and “Things in My Life” from Rhythm of Youth) to a chorus that pays homage to the band’s Pop Goes the World and …In the 21st Century albums.
As Men Without Hats surprised fans with two country tracks in Men Without Hats’ 1991 Sideways, the band included a few twists in Love in the Age of War: a nod to the disco era with “Your Beautiful Heart” and a stunning ballad in 6/8 time, “Close To the Sun.”und as Doroschuk superbly employs his signature baritone voice, one-beat falsettos and ability to stretch out a one syllable word into several (‘everybody kno-o-ows”).
While Men Without Hats went back to their roots with Love in the Age of War; the music is as danceable as their creations were in the '80s and would translate quite well to the modern club floors as the new wave sound continues its comeback.

I personally have listened to the new album at least 15 times so far, and my appreciation for this new release grows with every listen. To me it seems to be a an album contrived in the 1980s, not pushing 30 years later or so. I highly recommend this album to 80s' 'Synth/pop" lovers! Here is a little taste of the new album for you! Enjoy... Tommy Mac

Rick Springfields New Album "Songs For The End Of The World"

2012-12-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, Rick Springfield is back and better than ever with his recent LP release "Songs For The End Of The World". This particular album release is available in four different formats as pictured above, with each format having unique album covers among other content differences. The album has been getting very good reviews from music critics, and an exceptional review by AllMusic.com recently. The album is available at Ricks' awesome new website, and you can listen to tracks on the home page as well at www.rickspringfield.com . A promotional concert tour is also underway in support of the new album, and of course he will include some 80s' classics in the line up I am sure. The current confirmed tour schedule is available on the new website as well, with more tour dates to be announced for 2013. Long Live The 80s Artists! Enjoy a Springfield classic video below! Tommy Mac 12-27-2012.
Rick Springfield website-www.rickspringfield.com/

OMD announces 13-date U.K. tour in support of upcoming ‘English Electric’ LP

2012-12-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Reunited synthpop favorites "Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark" have yet to announce a release date for their upcoming 12th album English Electric, but the group has gone ahead and unveiled a 13-date U.K. tour in support of the album that’s slated to run from late April into mid-May — with European dates expected to be announced shortly.
The tour opens April 28 in Margate and runs through May 14 in Liverpool (see full dates below). According to OMD, tickets go on sale beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, with a number of high-end VIP ticket packages available for fans willing to pony up a bit more.

No details have yet been announced regarding English Electric, the first album from OMD since 2010′s "History Of Modern" which itself was OMD’s first new album since 1996’s "Universal" and its first with its classic lineup — original members, Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper and Malcom Holmes— since 1986’s "The Pacific Age".

The group toured heavily in 2010 and 2011, including that lineup’s first U.S. concerts since opening for "Depeche Modes'" breakthrough Music For The Masses shows. Tommy Macs' Awesome 80s' Blog And Radio will keep you all posted on the new albums release date as information is provided. Make plans to get this new release-It will be "AWESOME"! Tommy Mac 12-27-2012.

OMD tour dates:
April 28: Winter Gardens, Margate, UK
April 29: Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK
May 1: Royal Centre, Nottingham, UK
May 2: Regent Theatre, Ipswich, UK
May 3: Roundhouse, London, UK
May 5: Colston Hall, Bristol, UK
May 6: New Theatre, Oxford, UK
May 8: City Hall, Sheffield, UK
May 9: Academy, Leeds, UK
May 10: Academy, Manchester, UK
May 12: Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, UK
May 13: Sage, Gateshead, UK
May 14: Empire, Liverpool, UK

"Simple Minds" Alive And Kicking' In The UK And Europe!

2012-12-25T21:54:00.000-08:00

Did you think that the iconic Scottish 80s' band "Simple Minds" was retired and playing golf at St. Andrews? Not even close Bud! This band has been touring around Europe and the UK for the past couple years to thousands of their fans. The group has recently embarked on a new concert tour, called fittingly "Simple Minds Greatest Hits". Unfortunately this new tour as with the previous tours do not include any US tour dates at this point. Come on US concert promoters get a clue! There are plenty of us Awesome 80s' Music Lovers in the United States that would love to see this band again. At any rate, we have included a partial schedule of the bands upcoming concert venues, and of course a classic video from this Awesome 80s' band. Great job Simple Minds! Keep Rockin! This band is definitely "Alive And Kicking" Enjoy this classic song and video from "Simple Minds" Mac

Visit the bands website for more information- www.simpleminds.com

31/12/12 EDINBURGH, CONCERT IN THE GARDENS, UK Date: Monday 31st December 2012, Venue: EDINBURGH, CONCERT IN THE GARDENS, UK..
	25/03/13 DUBLIN, Olympia, IE Date: Monday 25th March 2013, Venue: DUBLIN, Olympia, EIRE Greatest Hits+ UK TOUR 2013
	26/03/13 DUBLIN, Olympia, IE Date: Tuesday 26th March 2013, Venue: DUBLIN, Olympia, EIRE Greatest Hits+ UK TOUR 2013
	28/03/13 BELFAST, WATERFRONT, UK Date: Thursday 28th March 2013, Venue: BELFAST, WATERFRONT, UK Greatest Hits+ UK TOUR 2013
	29/03/13 CARLISLE, SANDS CENTRE, UK Date: Friday 29th March 2013, Venue: CARLISLE, SANDS CENTRE, UK Greatest Hits+ UK TOUR 2013
	31/03/13 NEWCASTLE, CITY HALL, UK Date: Sunday 31st March 2013, Venue: NEWCASTLE, CITY HALL, UK Greatest Hits+ UK TOUR 2013

"Heart" Finally Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 2013!

2012-12-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

Ann and Nancy Wilson Of "Heart" are celebrating their upcoming induction into the "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame", class of 2013. It is about time! Heart has been gracing us music lovers with awesome rock ballads since the seventies, and during the eighties they were a staple on MTV. Heart has continued cranking out new albums up to the current day, develping a more accoustic style in the past few years or so. Congratulations Ann and Nancy! You all deserve it! Mac

Heart, who have been eligible for induction into the "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame" for more than a decade, finally made the cut this year, joining Rush, Public Enemy, Randy Newman, Albert King and Donna Summmer in the class of 2013.
"I wasn't quite sure this was real when I got the news," Ann Wilson tells Rolling Stone. "We've just had this long running joke about it for so many years. But I got the text while I was at the airport and it took a little while to sink in."

"Def Leppard" Viva Hysteria Concerts In Las Vegas 2013!

2012-12-19T20:10:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular rock bands of the awesome 80s' and beyond is getting ready for an awesome concert venue in Las Vegas Nevada! "Def Leppard" Joe Elliott, Vivian Campbell, Phil Collen, Rick Savage and the "god of thunder" Rick Allen will be gracing the stage at The joint At The Hardrock Hotel in Las vegas early in 2013! The concert series is called "Viva! Hysteria and More", and the boys will be cranking out songs from that great album among others. This will be a more intimate venue for the band, getting a lot closser to their fans then when they play massive stadium type shows. What an awesome place to see these guys... Las Vegas Nevada! Get your tickets soon, because these guys will definitely sell out this concert series very soon!

Tommy Mac has attached the bands concert schedule for this venue below. Viva Las Vegas Def Leppard fans! I will see you there! Mac

VIVA Hysteria! (2013)

DateLocationVenueDetailsTickets

Mar