80’s Live, Winter Gardens Theatre, Eastbourne, 13th Sept 2008

The Winter Gardens Theatre in Eastbourne had probably never before seen an event on this scale.

In fact isn't the Winter Gardens usually used for sedate things like Tea Dances?

Tonight's event was anything but sedate. Not a tea in sight. But dances yes! (some decidedly better than others)

In aid of muscular dystrophy support Steve Crow and his Crew (of hospital radio Eastbourne) were the organizers behind 80's Live.

A real blast from the past as iconic 80's pop acts performed to raise money for a worthy cause.

Meanwhile, as the evening progressed attendees submitted their bids in a silent auction for various items of pop memorabilia (signed) , days out, meals and more. Pop memorabilia auction items included everything from a signed Status Quo Tour programme to a guitar signed by all the acts performing on the evening.

The line up included, amongst many more, Carol Decker of T'Pau, Ben (of Curiosity Killed The Cat), Musical Youth , the lovely Natasha England (probably best known for the song Iko Iko), Katrina (of Katrina and the Waves), Sonia, John Parr (St Elmo's Fire), Scarlet Fantastic and Stephen Singleton of ABC. I must also give a mention to Kovak, to be honest I'd never heard of them, they are a local band based in Brighton - I thought they were just as good as any of the well known names so well done to them!

I believe just about every act performed 3 hits making it a very worthwhile and entertaining night.

I haven't got a clue the total raised for muscular dystrophy on the evening, if I find the total I will post it here.

I have learned tonight though that a guitar signed by the Arctic Monkeys which was one of the silent auctions went for £750

From memory I believe there were around 30 lots in the auction so I am sure the auction total alone would be pretty impressive on its own without any attendance fees being included.

If I had to pick my own highlights for the evening my top one would be meeting and speaking a lot to Natasha England who I have to honestly say is one of the most genuine, down to earth, honest and friendly people my wife and myself are ever likely to meet. You are a star Natasha and that is before you even sing!

Meeting Musical Youth backstage was also something I won't forget. The lads are so friendly and their performances as entertaining as ever. I notice they are touring some holiday camps at the moment - seems a good reason for a holiday on it's own.

Despite Liz McDonald on the TV soap Coronation Street, just a few days earlier, describing her as "that loud mouthed cow from T'Pau" Carol Decker was more than willing to sign an autograph. As were Katrina and Sonia who is just as friendly and bubbly as she appears on-stage.

Congratulations to those members of the public who dusted off their 1980's wardrobe for this worthy cause. Very brave for many who had also left the 1980's body they once had still in the wardrobe.

All artists who gave up their time should be very proud of their performances.

To Steve Crow and the team behind this event I must say a huge well done. I know you are thinking of making this an annual event and I know that if this first event is anything to go by we'll be first in the queue for tickets!

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