Music Monday: So Unplug the Jukebox And Do Us All A Favor . . . Ant Music!
It was back to the ‘80’s for our next concert adventure!
We traveled to the Goodyear Theater in Akron. You can see the historic Goodyear sign above the building that was their original headquarters.
The theater was built in 1920 for the 'welfare of its employees.' At the time, it was the biggest theater in Akron, seating 1686 people.
The opening act was The English Beat (better known in their native England as The Beat). I'm posting a video of one of their more well-known songs, Save It For Later. The lead singer, Dave Wakeling, is the only original member left. The band put on a fabulous show, covering their hits like Mirror in the Bathroom, I Confess, Twist and Crawl and their covers of Tears of a Clown and Can't Get Used to Losing You. An interesting tidbit is that after The English Beat broke up, Dave formed General Public with fellow bandmate, Ranking Roger. I'm sure you know their hit, Tenderness, which the band played that evening to roaring applause.
However, we were all there to see Adam Ant, King of the Wild Frontier. Truly an icon of 1980's new wave music. Some fun facts: Michael Jackson copied Adam's military jacket look for his Bad Tour, Goody Two Shoes is a song Adam wrote about himself (he doesn't drink or smoke), Adam and the Ants had 7 songs in the UK Top 40 at one time.
I wish I could have told my 19 year old self that in 41 years, I'd be seeing him sing live just around the corner from my college campus, where I was introduced to his music by my sophomore year boyfriend. While Adam did not dance with as much of the knee action as he did back then, he was still looking hot as a 69 year old!
The show started off with Ant Music, followed by Vive Le Rock. He played all the fan favorites: Friend or Foe, Dog Eat Dog, Room at the Top, Prince Charming, Kings of the Wild Frontier, Strip, Wonderful, Stand and Deliver, and my favorite, Desperate But Not Serious. The encore was Goody Two Shoes and You're So Physical.
While I was a bigger fan, my husband was a bit blown away by just how good the entire show turned out to be. Our next concert we have lined up this summer will wind us forward to the late 90's. Stay tuned!
Do you know what's funny? I was just (this past weekend at work) talking with someone about the 80s, particularly the MUSIC of the 80s, and telling them how much I loved and missed it. You never fully appreciate the time period you're living in until you look back and say, "WOW...that was such an awesome time!"
God, I so totally remember The Beat! AND Adam Ant! Interesting fact about Michael Jackson!
"I wish I could have told my 19 year old self that in 41 years, I'd be seeing him sing live just around the corner from my college campus, where I was introduced to his music by my sophomore year boyfriend."
That is SO cool!
And looking at your photographs he still looks fantastic!
A few I liked from the 80s - Pet Shop Boys, David Bowie, Rick Astley, The Police, and Queen!
I loved everything about the ‘80’s, especially the clothes and music. Such a fun era. Remember Swatch watches? I couldn’t afford the real ones, but I had a few knock offs and loved them so much. Bowie was iconic, both before and after that time period. Even my son loves him. And the Pet Shop Boys were fabulous. I’d be excited to see them if they toured here. We are keeping our eyes out for any ‘80’s bands that are putting on shows near us. Hope your week is a great one, Ron!
Wow, Adam Ant is still touring!!! That is incredible. This was such a fun trip down memory lane. What was your very first concert? Mine was INXS, and then I went to so many because they were so reasonable back then. I think I went to many concerts that were about $15. Good times! Here's a funny thing: do you know the band Grapes of Wrath? They are from Kelowna, and are around my husband's age. He didn't know them but he had friends who did, you know how it goes. Anyway when I was about 15 I had the biggest crush on Tom Hooper of the Grapes, and I thought "one day, I'm going to marry him and live in Kelowna" (I had visited Kelowna with my parents, loved it). Here we are, I didn't marry Tom Hooper but I did marry someone from Kelowna and now I'm living here! Every time I hear the song Backward Town, which is about Kelowna and is NOT flattering, I laugh.
I was so surprised last year when he announced the tour AND that The English Beat was the opener. We jumped on those tickets! My first concert was Rick Springfield with Sparks as the opener. After I met my husband and told him, he couldn’t believe I’d seen Sparks, as they have a cult following and he had two of their albums. INXS, ah man!!! I loved them and still sad about Michael Hutchence. I don’t know Grapes of Wrath, but that is an amazing story that you wound up in Kelowna! My band crush was John Taylor from Duran Duran. That man was perfection.
So fun. I love the Save It For Later song. You are much more connected to all things music than I am. All of the names sound familiar, esp Adam And but I was never really into music. Our cars had AM radio's and my dad only played Irish music at home. I did not know the Goody Two Shoes fun fact. Wow- how rare to be a rock and roll legend and not drink or smoke. Looks like a?really cool theater.
That is a really cool theater. How awesome to get to see Adam Ant. He does still look pretty good. The 80's truly were the best. We had the clothes, the hair, the music...everything!
He was in really good shape. I know he has had mental health issues, so it was great to see him performing and doing well. Wasn’t that decade the best?
Blogger can be so weird. There’s a blog I visit where half the time I can’t comment because there are no comments shown and nothing to click. Enjoy the eclipse today!
Akron was built on the rubber industry and there are even communities in the city that were built by companies specifically for their employees, like Goodyear Heights and Firestone Park. Most Akronites had ancestors that worked in the rubber factories. Sadly, that era is over.
Sounds like a great show! Interesting facts about Adam Ant! It's always a bit of a shock to see our favorite rock stars from back in the day older like that! We always remember them as young as they were back then!
It was a lot of fun for us. Yes, it is shocking to see them older, but he was in great shape. I suspect he wears the hat to cover the loss of hair or that it’s grey. He still looked good, though! But I’ll always picture him in my mind like that first picture.
He just started this tour about a month ago in the States, so we saw him while it was still fresh for him and the band. Tenderness is a great song and I had no idea that Dave was in both bands until he talked about it at the concert.
Wow, a company building a theatre for the welfare of its employees. I can't see that happening nowadays, too many companies aren't interested in their employees' welfare, they just want to exploit them to the hilt. I've never heard of the Beat, or their song Tenderness. Seems I'm missing out on something good!
The rubber industry was known for their unions and building communities for their employees, back in the day. Unfortunately, all the rubber companies are gone now except for Goodyear.
I am STILL pining away for Adam Ant. Hearing his songs still transports me back to my teen years. He was my very first concert! I saw him a few years ago and he could still put on a great show! I love the English Beat too; how fun for you both to enjoy a nostalgic night.
I remember him being your first concert just because I thought that was so cool! Mine was Rick Springfield with special guest Sparks 🤣 I did not know you saw him not that long ago. We were pumped to get to see both him AND the English Beat for one price.
Do you follow Adam on Insta? I saw him in 2019, and of course I blogged about it. https://busybeesuz.com/2019/10/03/creating-deliciousness-for-callie-and-the-reunion-with-my-first-love/
I still have "Prince Charming" on vinyl from my high school days. Stand and Deliver, Antmusic...that's good stuff! And it's not like Adam Ant has a big legion of fans these days. I'm glad you got to see him live. My good friend Mary Chris used to insist I play the album every time she'd stop by for a visit, so that makes three people I know who are fans!
I have Prince Charming on cassette!! I wore that thing out, back in the day. He had such a unique sound. The concert was great, just for the two drum kits being played. I was surprised that the show was sold out, but I think his fan base is solid among Gen X. I found out my former neighbor was also at the show and she’s at least 6 years younger than me. Love Mirror in the Bathroom!
We definitely have different tastes in music, Bijoux, and that may be related to age. My favorites pop music is from the 50s to 70s and I somehow bypassed the 80s. So, while I was totally unfamiliar with the groups you mentioned and saw, I enjoyed the read about your enjoyment of this show and agree there is nothing like seeing a live performance especially in such a classic venue. That said, we will be attending a concert this week in a new performing arts center here in Nashua. The show is the greatest hits tour of country singer Josh Turner.
When we lived on the VA eastern shore, country music was played on about ghe only local radio station there, so we acquired a newfound appreciation of the music.
Yes, music is generational, though my kids love some of my faves from the 70’s like Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie. Classics in my book. I’ve never been able to get into country music, but my husband enjoys some of it from listening to Sirius in the car. Enjoy your concert!
The English Beat! That brings back memories. I had no idea they (well, at least one of the originals) were still performing.
I suppose musical fixations are based on what was playing when you were a certain age to some extent, but I honestly don't think most of what's popular now has the same quality or originality. Maybe I'm just not listening to the right things?
Yes, I think we all like the music from our youth best. However, there are some bands that I really enjoy from today . . . Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Cage the Elephant, and Twenty-One Pilots are my current faves.
I liked new wave music but I didn't get into as much as I did other genres like metal but this would have been a fun show. I am glad to hear all about it and it is awesome that you had such a good time.
You and your husband are so much fun! I love this so very much! What an amazing concert! I had no idea the lead singer of English Beat formed General Public! I loved both of those bands!
The concert sounds like a blast! If someone would have told me back in the day we'd still be going to concerts of these icons in 2024 I'd never believe them. I'm excited to hear who you're going to see next. The late 90's musicians were my jam!
Do you know what's funny? I was just (this past weekend at work) talking with someone about the 80s, particularly the MUSIC of the 80s, and telling them how much I loved and missed it. You never fully appreciate the time period you're living in until you look back and say, "WOW...that was such an awesome time!"
ReplyDeleteGod, I so totally remember The Beat! AND Adam Ant! Interesting fact about Michael Jackson!
"I wish I could have told my 19 year old self that in 41 years, I'd be seeing him sing live just around the corner from my college campus, where I was introduced to his music by my sophomore year boyfriend."
That is SO cool!
And looking at your photographs he still looks fantastic!
A few I liked from the 80s - Pet Shop Boys, David Bowie, Rick Astley, The Police, and Queen!
Good times!
Fun post, my friend! Have a fabulous week!
X
I loved everything about the ‘80’s, especially the clothes and music. Such a fun era. Remember Swatch watches? I couldn’t afford the real ones, but I had a few knock offs and loved them so much. Bowie was iconic, both before and after that time period. Even my son loves him. And the Pet Shop Boys were fabulous. I’d be excited to see them if they toured here. We are keeping our eyes out for any ‘80’s bands that are putting on shows near us. Hope your week is a great one, Ron!
DeleteYes, I certainly do remember Swatch watches! I had a boring Timex.
DeleteWow, Adam Ant is still touring!!! That is incredible. This was such a fun trip down memory lane. What was your very first concert? Mine was INXS, and then I went to so many because they were so reasonable back then. I think I went to many concerts that were about $15. Good times! Here's a funny thing: do you know the band Grapes of Wrath? They are from Kelowna, and are around my husband's age. He didn't know them but he had friends who did, you know how it goes. Anyway when I was about 15 I had the biggest crush on Tom Hooper of the Grapes, and I thought "one day, I'm going to marry him and live in Kelowna" (I had visited Kelowna with my parents, loved it). Here we are, I didn't marry Tom Hooper but I did marry someone from Kelowna and now I'm living here! Every time I hear the song Backward Town, which is about Kelowna and is NOT flattering, I laugh.
ReplyDeleteI was so surprised last year when he announced the tour AND that The English Beat was the opener. We jumped on those tickets! My first concert was Rick Springfield with Sparks as the opener. After I met my husband and told him, he couldn’t believe I’d seen Sparks, as they have a cult following and he had two of their albums. INXS, ah man!!! I loved them and still sad about Michael Hutchence. I don’t know Grapes of Wrath, but that is an amazing story that you wound up in Kelowna! My band crush was John Taylor from Duran Duran. That man was perfection.
DeleteSo fun. I love the Save It For Later song. You are much more connected to all things music than I am. All of the names sound familiar, esp Adam And but I was never really into music. Our cars had AM radio's and my dad only played Irish music at home. I did not know the Goody Two Shoes fun fact. Wow- how rare to be a rock and roll legend and not drink or smoke. Looks like a?really cool theater.
ReplyDeleteI was a HUGE music fan, back in the day. I guess I still am. It’s just one of those things that brings me joy. Adam Ant is one unique performer.
DeleteThat is a really cool theater. How awesome to get to see Adam Ant. He does still look pretty good. The 80's truly were the best. We had the clothes, the hair, the music...everything!
ReplyDeleteHe was in really good shape. I know he has had mental health issues, so it was great to see him performing and doing well. Wasn’t that decade the best?
DeleteAdam Ant! Oh my, I haven't thought of him in years. That theater is neato. Thanks for the flashback to the 80s.
ReplyDeleteThat comment is from me Ally Bean. For some reason my name won't show up on some comments. I guess I'm being eclipsed.
DeleteBlogger can be so weird. There’s a blog I visit where half the time I can’t comment because there are no comments shown and nothing to click. Enjoy the eclipse today!
DeleteAkron was built on the rubber industry and there are even communities in the city that were built by companies specifically for their employees, like Goodyear Heights and Firestone Park. Most Akronites had ancestors that worked in the rubber factories. Sadly, that era is over.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great show! Interesting facts about Adam Ant! It's always a bit of a shock to see our favorite rock stars from back in the day older like that! We always remember them as young as they were back then!
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot of fun for us. Yes, it is shocking to see them older, but he was in great shape. I suspect he wears the hat to cover the loss of hair or that it’s grey. He still looked good, though! But I’ll always picture him in my mind like that first picture.
DeleteAdam Ant--now there's a blast from the past! I remember when they first scene in the Eighties. I had no idea he was still touring, but good for him!
ReplyDeleteI loved that song "Tenderness" but I had no idea that Dave Wakeling had formed General Public. I'm so glad you guys had such a great time!
Eighties music rules!
He just started this tour about a month ago in the States, so we saw him while it was still fresh for him and the band. Tenderness is a great song and I had no idea that Dave was in both bands until he talked about it at the concert.
DeleteWow, a company building a theatre for the welfare of its employees. I can't see that happening nowadays, too many companies aren't interested in their employees' welfare, they just want to exploit them to the hilt.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of the Beat, or their song Tenderness. Seems I'm missing out on something good!
The rubber industry was known for their unions and building communities for their employees, back in the day. Unfortunately, all the rubber companies are gone now except for Goodyear.
DeleteHe was just in Jersey, my wife is a fan...me I missed the 80's somehow.
ReplyDeleteI missed the 90’s, so I get it!
DeleteI am STILL pining away for Adam Ant. Hearing his songs still transports me back to my teen years. He was my very first concert! I saw him a few years ago and he could still put on a great show!
ReplyDeleteI love the English Beat too; how fun for you both to enjoy a nostalgic night.
I remember him being your first concert just because I thought that was so cool! Mine was Rick Springfield with special guest Sparks 🤣 I did not know you saw him not that long ago. We were pumped to get to see both him AND the English Beat for one price.
DeleteDo you follow Adam on Insta? I saw him in 2019, and of course I blogged about it. https://busybeesuz.com/2019/10/03/creating-deliciousness-for-callie-and-the-reunion-with-my-first-love/
DeleteI still have "Prince Charming" on vinyl from my high school days. Stand and Deliver, Antmusic...that's good stuff! And it's not like Adam Ant has a big legion of fans these days. I'm glad you got to see him live. My good friend Mary Chris used to insist I play the album every time she'd stop by for a visit, so that makes three people I know who are fans!
ReplyDeleteMirror in the Bathroom is a great song, too!
I have Prince Charming on cassette!! I wore that thing out, back in the day. He had such a unique sound. The concert was great, just for the two drum kits being played. I was surprised that the show was sold out, but I think his fan base is solid among Gen X. I found out my former neighbor was also at the show and she’s at least 6 years younger than me. Love Mirror in the Bathroom!
DeleteWe definitely have different tastes in music, Bijoux, and that may be related to age. My favorites pop music is from the 50s to 70s and I somehow bypassed the 80s. So, while I was totally unfamiliar with the groups you mentioned and saw, I enjoyed the read about your enjoyment of this show and agree there is nothing like seeing a live performance especially in such a classic venue. That said, we will be attending a concert this week in a new performing arts center here in Nashua. The show is the greatest hits tour of country singer Josh Turner.
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived on the VA eastern shore, country music was played on about ghe only local radio station there, so we acquired a newfound appreciation of the music.
Yes, music is generational, though my kids love some of my faves from the 70’s like Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie. Classics in my book. I’ve never been able to get into country music, but my husband enjoys some of it from listening to Sirius in the car. Enjoy your concert!
DeleteThe English Beat! That brings back memories. I had no idea they (well, at least one of the originals) were still performing.
ReplyDeleteI suppose musical fixations are based on what was playing when you were a certain age to some extent, but I honestly don't think most of what's popular now has the same quality or originality. Maybe I'm just not listening to the right things?
Yes, I think we all like the music from our youth best. However, there are some bands that I really enjoy from today . . . Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Cage the Elephant, and Twenty-One Pilots are my current faves.
DeleteI used to love Adam Ant. I still really like a few of his songs.
ReplyDeleteHe is an icon, for sure.
DeleteI liked new wave music but I didn't get into as much as I did other genres like metal but this would have been a fun show. I am glad to hear all about it and it is awesome that you had such a good time.
ReplyDeleteYou’re younger than me, so I get it! It really was a fun show. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteSad that I haven't heard of either of these bands. I'm a 90s girl, so I'm very excited to hear whom you'll see from the late 90s! ~Betsy
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how someone has never heard of Adam Ant! 🤣🤣🤣 He is an icon and a legend. You young whippersnappers!
DeleteI'm so ashamed! It's possible I did but have just forgotten. :/
DeleteGoody Two Shoes is a classic!
DeleteYou and your husband are so much fun! I love this so very much! What an amazing concert! I had no idea the lead singer of English Beat formed General Public! I loved both of those bands!
ReplyDeleteWe try to be fun 🤣 I know! We had no idea that Wakeling was the singer in both bands. Both are so good!
DeleteThe concert sounds like a blast! If someone would have told me back in the day we'd still be going to concerts of these icons in 2024 I'd never believe them. I'm excited to hear who you're going to see next. The late 90's musicians were my jam!
ReplyDeleteI know! I can’t believe these people are touring 40 years later!
DeleteI felt myself old LOL. When ı was ı kid in high school we listened the English beat in English lessons.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a pleasant memory for you!
Delete