Sheila E, Glass Tiger, Billy Ocean coming to Epcot this fall

Sheila E, Glass Tiger, Billy Ocean coming to Epcot this fall: "Disney has updated its list of concert artists for this fall's Eat to the Beat series, part of its annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and it's full of beloved acts from the '80s.

Among the artists performing: Tiffany, Glass Tiger, Sheila E, Jeffrey Osbourne, Air Supply, 30 Special, Billy Ocean, the Hooters and Starship.

The annual food and wine fest runs from Aug. 30 to Nov. 12. Admission to the daily concerts is free (though guests still need a pass or daily ticket to enter the park).

BTW, this will be the first appearance by Glass Tiger at Epcot. The band was HUGE in Canada in the '80s and beyond, but did have crossover hits with tunes such as Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone) and Someday. Likewise, it's Sheila E's first show in Orlando. The former Prince protege and drumming star hit it big with The Glamorous Life in 1984.

Both Sheila E and Starship will also perform full sets on the 2019 voyage of The 80s Cruise, leaving Fort Lauderdale on March 2, 2019. For more information, go to www.the80scruise.com."

Tears For Fears to release first new album in 14 years | Consequence of Sound

Tears For Fears to release first new album in 14 years | Consequence of Sound: "Late last year, Tears For Fears released “I Love You But I’m Lost”, their first new song in 13 years. Even more new music from the band is on the way, as the new wave veterans have revealed plans to release their first studio album in 14 years. According to a statement, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith are currently finishing the album with an aim to release it in the fall.

In related news, Tears For Fears have postponed their UK tour “due to unforeseen health concerns and on doctor’s orders.” Dates have been rescheduled for early 2019."

Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer Of 'Pretty in Pink' Rap Battle On 'Drop The Mic'

Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer Of 'Pretty in Pink' Rap Battle On 'Drop The Mic': "Nostalgia reigned when Molly Ringwald and Jon Cryer went head to head on Sunday night's new episode of Drop the Mic. The actors starred together as friends Andie and Duckie in the 1986 movie Pretty in Pink, but they didn't hold back in their rap battle.

"I think we're gonna need about 50 more candles," Cryer said in a dig at Ringwald's age, referring to another one of her famous movies, Sixteen Candles. He went on to say of their Pretty in Pink characters, "This is the moment it all hits you that when Andie picked Blane, she picked the wrong dude."

However, Ringwald held her own, telling Cryer, "I invented the friend zone just to put you in it." Later, she offered this dig: "You're five-foot-six, weigh 110 / Now, were the you the half man in Two and a Half Men?"

Of course, it was all in good fun, and the pair couldn't help but be nice to each other in the end. "But I'm gonna be honest, this is too tough to fight," Ringwald rapped to close things. "'Cause there's no one I'd rather be connected to for life." The pair went on to hug it out while the audience aww-ed."

Washington State Fair welcomes the Lost ’80s Live Tour on Sept. 3 | Kent Reporter

Washington State Fair welcomes the Lost ’80s Live Tour on Sept. 3 | Kent Reporter: "The Washington State Fair will take you back in time, when the Lost ’80s Live Tour comes to Puyallup on Monday, Sept. 3, part of the Columbia Bank Concert Series.

The show will feature A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, Farrington and Mann original voices of When in Rome UK, Naked Eyes & Animotion.

A Flock of Seagulls – a Grammy Award-winning band – was founded by hairdressers Mike Score and Frank Maudsley, Score’s brother Ali, and Paul Reynolds was a late product of the Liverpool music scene that produced such hard-hitting pop acts as Mikes Score Live, Echo and the Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes."

A giddy Go-Go's time warp in "Head Over Heels" - 48 hills

A giddy Go-Go's time warp in "Head Over Heels" - 48 hills: "ONSTAGE It’s real cute, the good kind of cute. Head Over Heels (through May 6 at the Curran Theatre), the “posh meets punk” Elizabethan pastoral pastiche Go-Go’s jukebox musical—say that three times fast—debuted at Curran Theatre on Wednesday, for a small run before its transfer to Broadway.

Falling somewhere between Mamma Mia and American Idiot—which Heels director Michael Mayer also directed on Broadway, along with pubescent eruption Spring Awakening—the show motors along on lusty nostalgia, knowing winks, and some clever stage business and energetic dance moves. (Choreography and musical staging is by Spencer Liff, whose pompadour-coif at the premiere was about two feet tall, and, if it was an homage to John Sex, one of the best ’80s throwback effects of the night).

And, of course, those Go-Go’s songs, which Head over Heels will gladly re-implant into your brain for another eternity. The hits (along with some deeper cuts and singer Belinda Carlisle’s solo material—though sadly not her most philosophical jam “Circles in the Sand”)  are interspersed somewhat awkwardly throughout the tale, but they certainly rouse the crowd."

140 Essential ’80s Movies << Rotten Tomatoes – Movie and TV News

140 Essential ’80s Movies << Rotten Tomatoes – Movie and TV News: "Welcome to our big list of the most Essential 1980s movies, showcasing 140 of the decade’s best and most iconic Fresh (and not-so-Fresh) movies. That’s right, we recommend some Rotten additions for your ’80s movie playlists, because this is one decade only fully experienced with the good, the bad, and the feathered neon.

Any ’80s movie with a Tomatometer was considered for our Essentials guide, and after including the truly timeless material (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Raging Bull), we focused on works that represented the cinematic trends and social themes of the era. Some of those include the fantasy epic (NeverEnding Story, Princess Bride), teen movies (Breakfast Club, Weird Science), the new corporate overlord (Wall Street, Trading Places), women making strides in the workplace (Baby Boom, Working Girl), and rising hip-hop culture (Krush Groove, Do the Right Thing).

Now fire up the flux capicator and cue the workout montage because it’s time for Rotten Tomatoes’ 140 Essential ’80s Movies!"

Prince's studio version of 'Nothing Compares 2 U' is incomparable

Prince's studio version of 'Nothing Compares 2 U' is incomparable: "Nothing compares to Prince.

The just-released studio version of Prince's iconic song Nothing Compares 2 U proves that. It's just the cure to take fans' minds off the sad news Thursday that the superstar died on April 21, 2016 after taking a painkiller that he didn't know contained dangerous fentanyl.

Prince's estate and Warner Bros. Records released the original studio version of Nothing Compares 2 U on YouTube Thursday, played over previously unseen stunning rehearsal footage from Prince & The Revolution in 1984.

Prince's song was, of course, recorded by Sinéad O'Connor and became a worldwide hit in 1990.

The song was originally composed, arranged and performed entirely by Prince (with backing vocals by Susannah Melvoin and Paul "St. Paul" Peterson and saxophone by Eric Leeds on the original track), according to music publication Billboard.

Billboard quoted Michael Howe, Prince expert and official vault archivist for the Prince estate, who uncovered the reel of the song. "

1980s pop stars Tiffany and Debbie Gibson to perform together in Singapore, Entertainment News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

1980s pop stars Tiffany and Debbie Gibson to perform together in Singapore, Entertainment News & Top Stories - The Straits Times: "SINGAPORE - Two prominent female pop stars from the 1980s, Tiffany and Debbie Gibson are set to unite for a concert at The Star Theatre on Sept 8.

Both singers found global success in their teenage years. Tiffany, 46, is best known for her 1987 version of pop hit I Think We're Alone Now and All This Time (1988). At 16, she became the youngest female artist to have an album at the top of the Billboard charts when her self-titled debut went to No. 1 in 1987.

Gibson, now 47, became famous for songs like Only In My Dreams (1987), Lost In Your Eyes (1989) and Electric Youth (1989). With Foolish Beat (1988), released when she was 17, she became the youngest artist to write, produce and sing a song that went to No. 1 on Billboard.

Tiffany released her ninth and most recent album, A Million Miles, in 2016, while Gibson released her ninth and latest album, Ms. Vocalist, in 2010."

The Fixx honor ‘Reach the Beach’ album with 2018 tour

The Fixx honor ‘Reach the Beach’ album with 2018 tour: "It's hard to believe it has been 35 years since the release of The Fixx's Reach the Beach album. But thankfully the band remembered, because they've just announced their "Beach 2018" tour to mark the occasion.

The tour includes one stop in Florida – Aug. 25 at Clearwater's Capitol Theatre.

According to a press release, The Fixx will play the entire Reach the Beach album front to back on this tour in addition to other fan favorites.

"So, here we are heading back to the beach that brought us to this brave new world way back when," frontman Cy Curnin said in the release. "I wonder how many grains of sand have turned into pearls of wisdom since then. We're excited to find out."

Reach the Beach was the band's second studio album and most successful one to date (reaching No. 8 on the album charts). It includes the tunes One Thing Leads to Another and Saved By Zero."

'80s pop legends Tears For Fears postpone upcoming sold-out Cardiff show - Wales Online

'80s pop legends Tears For Fears postpone upcoming sold-out Cardiff show - Wales Online: "Tears For Fears have been forced to postpone their forthcoming sold-out show at Cardiff 's Motorpoint Arena next month due to ill-health.

The chart-topping pop icons, formed by Roland Orzabel and Curt Smith in 1981, have rescheduled their entire UK tour - which was due to begin in Leeds next week - on doctor's orders and they have apologised to fans for any inconvenience caused.

The planned date in the Welsh capital - Friday, May 4 - will now take place on Sunday February 3 2019, with Alison Moyet remaining as special guest.

Tickets for the Cardiff gig remain valid for the new date next year - however, if you are unable to attend the concert in February you should contact your point of purchase for a refund by Sunday, May 13."

‘Night Court’ Star Harry Anderson Dead at 65 | TVLine

‘Night Court’ Star Harry Anderson Dead at 65 | TVLine: "Harry Anderson, who starred in NBC’s ’80s sitcom Night Court, has died at the age of 65, our sister site Variety is reporting.

Anderson was found dead at his home in Asheville, North Carolina on Monday. No cause of death has been released, but no foul play is suspected.

 After playing con man Harry the Hat in six episodes of Cheers, Anderson went on to star alongside John Larroquette and Markie Post as the goofy, amiable Judge Harry Stone on Night Court, which premiered on NBC in 1984. A staple of NBC’s primetime comedy lineup in the late ’80s, Night Court ran for a total of nine seasons, with Anderson earning three consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series from 1985 to 1987.

 Anderson later starred in ABC’s 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s horror classic It, and as columnist Dave Barry in the 1993-97 CBS sitcom Dave’s World. His recent TV appearances include a 2008 episode of 30 Rock (reuniting him with his Night Court castmates) and a 2013 episode of Comedy Bang! Bang!"

R. Lee Ermey Dead: ‘Full Metal Jacket’ Golden Globe Nominee Was 74 – Variety

R. Lee Ermey Dead: ‘Full Metal Jacket’ Golden Globe Nominee Was 74 – Variety: "R. Lee Ermey, best known for his Golden Globe-nominated portrayal of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in “Full Metal Jacket,” has died. He was 74.

Ermey’s longtime manager announced the news via a tweet to Ermey’s official Twitter account.

“It is with great sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey (‘The Gunny’) passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia. He will be greatly missed by all of us,” the tweet reads.

In addition to his role in Stanley Kubrick’s Oscar-nominated film, which earned him a best supporting actor Golden Globe nod, Ermey had several other mostly authority figure roles to his credit, including Sheriff Hoyt in 2003’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” a police captain in “Se7en,” and the voice of the plastic army men’s leader Sarge in “Toy Story.”"

Sultan of snub: Mark Knopfler skips Dire Straits' hall of fame induction | Music | The Guardian

Sultan of snub: Mark Knopfler skips Dire Straits' hall of fame induction | Music | The Guardian: "British rockers Dire Straits have been inducted into the rock’n’roll hall of fame, but the occasion was marked without its lead singer and guitarist Mark Knopfler, who chose not to turn up to the ceremony.

Knopfler skipped the concert in Cleveland, US, on Saturday, and it was left to bassist John Illsley to explain his absence.

“I’ll assure you it’s a personal thing,” Illsley said onstage. “Let’s just leave it at that.”

In an earlier interview with Billboard, Illsey said of Knopfler: “He just didn’t feel like coming, it’s as simple as that. It just didn’t appeal to him, and I appealed to him on several occasions.”

On Saturday, Illsley acknowledged the awkwardness of Knopfler not being present and then took a subtle swipe at his close friend by saying, “it’s more than one person, a collective”. The band did not perform after speaking.

Illsley did compliment Knopfler for writing music that made the band – who had a string of hits in 1970s and 80s, including Sultans Of Swing and Money For Nothing – “stand out from the crowd”."

80's star Thomas Dolby's new brew | Big 95

80's star Thomas Dolby's new brew | Big 95: "Thomas Dolby's classic 80's hit has inspired a new brew.

Dolby, who now teaches at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, taped a promo clip for Blinded Me Wit Science, a Belgian wit (white) brew being introduced by the Maryland-based Peabody Heights Brewery on April 21st. And the spot features Dolby's famously catchy song. Proceeds will go to Healthy Harbor, a local environmental advocacy organization. (Baltimore Sun)"

Concert review: 38 Special satisfies with pop hits at Azalea Fest

Concert review: 38 Special satisfies with pop hits at Azalea Fest: "The band 38 Special is like one of those actors whose face and work you know -- and like -- but whose name you can’t quite place.

With their solid Azalea Festival set on Friday night, however, the group, which rose to fame in the ’80s by putting a pop gloss on driving Southern rock, served up a reminder of why you know as many of their songs as you do, even if you didn’t know you know them.

38 Special isn’t a flashy band -- an uncharitable music snob might call them bland – and while the swirly colored lighting on the festival’s main stage was impressive, the group delivered nothing like the aural and visual feast fellow ’80s icons Duran Duran brought last year. But 38 Special played the hits, and the crowd -- which included aging ’80s kids (myself included), curious seniors and a surprising number of millennials who sang along to the words of such 30-year-old hits as the endlessly tuneful pop anthem of attachment “Caught Up in You” -- left satisfied if not blown away.

Singer and guitarist Don Barnes, the band’s last remaining original member, has never been the most charismatic frontman, and his exhortations to the crowd on Friday felt a little rote, although he did got caught up in the energy of the festival audience by the end. But his voice – pleasant and knife-sharp – sounds as good as ever, and the man certainly knows how to write a hook.