(Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg FL) Hosted by Richard Blade of Sirius XM, the Lost 80s Live tour made its stop at the elegant Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, bringing with it a parade of nostalgic New Wave and alternative sounds from the decade that changed radio and MTV forever. The format was brisk with short, punchy sets from each act, offering fans a sampling of their biggest hits without the fatigue of a marathon show.
What made the night even more special was the accessibility of the performers. Many artists greeted fans afterward at the lobby merch tables, sharing laughs, selfies, and autographs—a gesture that felt warmly in line with the communal spirit of 80s pop culture.
And the music itself? The artists still sounded strong, proving their staying power and reminding everyone in attendance why these songs became the soundtrack of a generation.
What made the night even more special was the accessibility of the performers. Many artists greeted fans afterward at the lobby merch tables, sharing laughs, selfies, and autographs—a gesture that felt warmly in line with the communal spirit of 80s pop culture.
And the music itself? The artists still sounded strong, proving their staying power and reminding everyone in attendance why these songs became the soundtrack of a generation.
Polecats
Leaders of the rockabilly revival, the Polecats lit up the stage with their high-energy swagger. Their biggest MTV moment came with their 1981 cover of David Bowie’s “John, I’m Only Dancing,” while their track “Make a Circuit With Me” remains a cult favorite. Their set reminded the crowd how 50s flair met New Wave cool in the early 80s.
Leaders of the rockabilly revival, the Polecats lit up the stage with their high-energy swagger. Their biggest MTV moment came with their 1981 cover of David Bowie’s “John, I’m Only Dancing,” while their track “Make a Circuit With Me” remains a cult favorite. Their set reminded the crowd how 50s flair met New Wave cool in the early 80s.
Belouis Some
Best remembered for the moody, cinematic single “Imagination” (1985), Belouis Some brought a dose of suave, art-pop energy to the show. He also scored with “Some People,” a staple on both radio and MTV. His performance carried the same stylish edge that made him stand out in the crowded British pop scene.
Best remembered for the moody, cinematic single “Imagination” (1985), Belouis Some brought a dose of suave, art-pop energy to the show. He also scored with “Some People,” a staple on both radio and MTV. His performance carried the same stylish edge that made him stand out in the crowded British pop scene.
Josie Cotton
Quirky and bold, Josie Cotton was the night’s punky pop princess. She’s forever linked with her satirical 1981 hit “Johnny, Are You Queer?” and her contributions to the Valley Girl soundtrack (“He Could Be the One,” “School Is In”). Her set was fun, playful, and a reminder of her cult status in L.A.’s New Wave underground.
Quirky and bold, Josie Cotton was the night’s punky pop princess. She’s forever linked with her satirical 1981 hit “Johnny, Are You Queer?” and her contributions to the Valley Girl soundtrack (“He Could Be the One,” “School Is In”). Her set was fun, playful, and a reminder of her cult status in L.A.’s New Wave underground.
China Crisis
This Liverpool band offered one of the night’s most sophisticated sets, blending pop sensibility with jazzy textures. They’re best remembered for “Wishful Thinking” and “King in a Catholic Style.” Their atmospheric sound carried beautifully in the Mahaffey’s acoustics, reminding the audience of their more refined place in the 80s pop landscape.
This Liverpool band offered one of the night’s most sophisticated sets, blending pop sensibility with jazzy textures. They’re best remembered for “Wishful Thinking” and “King in a Catholic Style.” Their atmospheric sound carried beautifully in the Mahaffey’s acoustics, reminding the audience of their more refined place in the 80s pop landscape.
The Icicle Works
Best known in the U.S. for their anthem “Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly),” The Icicle Works added a rock edge to the lineup. Their jangly guitars and soaring choruses recalled college radio glory days, and their set had a driving momentum that resonated with longtime fans.
Best known in the U.S. for their anthem “Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly),” The Icicle Works added a rock edge to the lineup. Their jangly guitars and soaring choruses recalled college radio glory days, and their set had a driving momentum that resonated with longtime fans.
Peter Godwin
A cult figure in synth-pop, Peter Godwin is remembered for “Images of Heaven,” a staple on MTV and dance floors in the early 80s. He also co-founded the band Metro, whose track “Criminal World” was famously covered by David Bowie. His stylish set played like a time capsule of synth-driven elegance.
A cult figure in synth-pop, Peter Godwin is remembered for “Images of Heaven,” a staple on MTV and dance floors in the early 80s. He also co-founded the band Metro, whose track “Criminal World” was famously covered by David Bowie. His stylish set played like a time capsule of synth-driven elegance.
The Vapors
When “Turning Japanese” hit in 1980, it became one of the defining quirky pop singles of the decade. The Vapors delivered that beloved hit, along with other fan favorites like “News at Ten.” Their infectious energy reminded the audience how quickly one song can etch itself into music history.
When “Turning Japanese” hit in 1980, it became one of the defining quirky pop singles of the decade. The Vapors delivered that beloved hit, along with other fan favorites like “News at Ten.” Their infectious energy reminded the audience how quickly one song can etch itself into music history.
Big Country
Few bands brought as much passion as Big Country, with their sweeping, Celtic-tinged rock. Their 1983 hit “In a Big Country” remains a stadium anthem, with its signature bagpipe-like guitars. Hearing it live was a cathartic moment, a powerful reminder of the band’s emotional reach.
Few bands brought as much passion as Big Country, with their sweeping, Celtic-tinged rock. Their 1983 hit “In a Big Country” remains a stadium anthem, with its signature bagpipe-like guitars. Hearing it live was a cathartic moment, a powerful reminder of the band’s emotional reach.
General Public
Formed by members of The English Beat and The Specials, General Public gave the crowd a dose of ska-infused pop. Their best-known hit “Tenderness” still sounded as buoyant and uplifting as ever, while “I’ll Take You There” showed off their versatility. Their set carried a celebratory vibe that got people moving.
Formed by members of The English Beat and The Specials, General Public gave the crowd a dose of ska-infused pop. Their best-known hit “Tenderness” still sounded as buoyant and uplifting as ever, while “I’ll Take You There” showed off their versatility. Their set carried a celebratory vibe that got people moving.
A Flock of Seagulls
Closing the night in iconic fashion, A Flock of Seagulls proved why they’re still one of the most recognizable names of the era. “I Ran (So Far Away)” and “Space Age Love Song” had the audience instantly transported back to MTV’s early days. Lead singer Mike Score’s presence reminded everyone that some bands truly defined the look and sound of New Wave.
Closing the night in iconic fashion, A Flock of Seagulls proved why they’re still one of the most recognizable names of the era. “I Ran (So Far Away)” and “Space Age Love Song” had the audience instantly transported back to MTV’s early days. Lead singer Mike Score’s presence reminded everyone that some bands truly defined the look and sound of New Wave.
Final Takeaway
Lost 80s Live at the Mahaffey Theater was more than a concert, it was a time machine. Each act offered a distinct reminder of how 80s New Wave and pop carved their place into music history. The brevity of the sets worked in the show’s favor, keeping the pace lively and letting fans relive hit after hit.
And perhaps most memorably, the warmth of the artists whilst chatting with fans and embracing the nostalgia themselves, made the night feel intimate despite the breadth of talent on stage. These musicians didn’t just revisit the past; they reminded us why their songs remain timeless.
Lost 80s Live at the Mahaffey Theater was more than a concert, it was a time machine. Each act offered a distinct reminder of how 80s New Wave and pop carved their place into music history. The brevity of the sets worked in the show’s favor, keeping the pace lively and letting fans relive hit after hit.
And perhaps most memorably, the warmth of the artists whilst chatting with fans and embracing the nostalgia themselves, made the night feel intimate despite the breadth of talent on stage. These musicians didn’t just revisit the past; they reminded us why their songs remain timeless.
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