ALONG with the Walkman, Rubix Cube and Swatch watch in our hands and Dallas and MTV on our screens, the '80s was filled with electro-pop, Michael Jackson, anthemic rock tunes and fashion crazes of shoulder pads, leg warmers and crimped hair to make essential accessories for dancing around handbags in all the best discos.
Now, organisers of 80s Classical at the SSE Arena in October are turning back the clock with many stars of the decade in a spectacular show that includes the Belfast Pops 60-piece symphony orchestra in a night of nostalgia when pop meets classical.
Topping the bill is Kim Wilde, who burst onto the scene with Kids in America and continued her dominance in the charts with songs like You Came and You Keep Me Hanging On, going on to sell over 20 million singles.
The unique event includes Howard Jones, Johnny Hates Jazz, Carol Decker, Go West and Denise Pearson from Five Star who will perform all their hits in special arrangements never heard here before.
Opening the show will be The Pleasuredome 80s Band which includes U105 broadcaster Maurice Jay.
Conducting will be Cliff Masterson who has worked in the past with II Divo, Lionel Ritchie and Josh Groban. He will lead the 60-piece orchestra through a Top of the Pops setlist of hits to include New Song (Howard Jones) Turn Back The Clock (Johnny Hates Jazz) and Heart and Soul performed by Carol Decker from T’Pau.
Speaking about the show Cliff said: “I’ve always been fascinated by how orchestral musicians can complement music across all genres - and as a huge fan of 80s music, writing these arrangements for a full symphony orchestra was a chance to super-size my teenage record collection.
“The atmosphere at the show is electric - hearing the hit songs you know and love on such an epic scale is absolutely spine-tingling”
The show is produced by Steve Anderson, musical director for such artists as Kylie Minogue and Westlife.
:: 80s Classical at the SSE Arena Belfast takes place on Friday October 7. Tickets from Ssearenabelfast.com.
