80s Invasion – Thoughts on the Gig 9/21/07
It’s a strange thing to be on stage, wearing a suit and tie, before dawn. This morning 80s Invasion played a show at Seattle Center with a 7:00 AM downbeat (!). The show was a kickoff for the United Way’s “Day of Caring” program, hosted by Lori Matsukawa of King 5 News in Seattle.
For this gig I decided not to haul my guitar rig, opting to use my smaller bass amp. It actually works out pretty well, and since the amp is designed in the shape of a wedge (like a monitor), it sits nicely and projects directly at me. I got a little far afield on “Take On Me” because it was our second song, and (more likely) because I hadn’t succeeded in finding any coffee yet. Fortunately, the Seattle Center has a Starbucks location just a stone’s throw from the stage and I managed to get my morning inspiration between sets. The Mural Amphitheater stage was covered with a big all-weather plastic tent, which means the stage sound was something like being inside a hamster ball.
Overall, I’d say it was a succesful gig. People got up and danced. They sang along. Some people even “walked like an Egyptian” which is amazing considering the early hour.
One of the great things about this band is that I’m working with musicians who have a pro attitude. They’re ready for the gig. They’re seasoned enough to be free of rock-star trips. And they can roll with it when something unexpected happens. Everybody has a great sense of humor and a good work ethic. It sure makes gigs like this easier. A big THANK YOU to the excellent stage crew and sound guys at this show. Seattle Center always brings in members of the stage hands’ union, and they’re top notch.
Set List from 9/21
- if you leave
- take on me
- borderline
- what’s love got to do with it
- i can’t wait
- don’t you forget about me
- addicted to love
- let’s dance
- sweet dreams
- walk like an egyptian
- I ran
- hungry like the wolf
- rebel yell
- don’t stop believin
- time after time
- open your heart
- always something there
- white wedding
- what you need
- don’t you want me
- voices carry
- the metro
- just can’t get enough
- respect
- stop
- the promise
- be near me
- love my way
- you spin me