Back To The 80s in East Park
THE crowd sang every hit word-perfect as they danced along in fluorescent outfits and mullet wigs.
In fact, so enthusiastic were the fans at the Back to the 80s gig, Bananarama dubbed them "the best they had performed to in ages".
The cult pop band was joined by The Human League, T'pau, Go West and Belinda Carlisle as they sang their greatest hits in East Park, on Saturday.
More than 3,300 people, many donning 1980s fashion, went to the picnic-style open air concert in east Hull.
Following the three-hour performance, there was a firework finale which could be seen for miles.
After belting out Venus, Love In The First Degree and I Heard A Rumour – complete with the original dance moves – Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward of Bananarama spoke to the Mail.
Sara said: "The crowd were fantastic. They were so up for it and they sang every word."
When asked why 1980s music was still so popular, Sarah said: "I think all the acts were so individual back then – Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran – it was happy, feel-good music."
The band said they had been stunned to hear of the death of Michael Jackson this week, who had a huge influence on music of that decade and beyond.
Sara said: "He was just the best dancer, the best singer – no one compares to his talent."
Also performing on the night was T'pau, who worked up the crowd as Carol Decker, wearing a red bowler hat, belted out China In Your Hand.
She was followed by Go West, who drew some of the biggest cheers of the night with King Of Wishful Thinking, the hit made famous by Hollywood film Pretty Woman.
Belinda Carlisle wowed the audience with Heaven Is A Place On Earth, and Circle In The Sand.
The Human League took to the stage as the final act.
The flamboyant band, headed by singer Phil Oakey, performed huge hits Tell Me When and Don't You Want Me Baby?
Paul Cross, 37, of east Hull, said: "It's been a great night. We need more of this kind of thing in the park. Go West were fantastic."
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by Mike 'Marty McFly', Hull
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 1:51PM
“Hey Stu,
Really agree with you there buddy and it was good to see you there ! Music and crowd was great ! See you next time ;)”
by andy, hull
Tuesday, June 30 2009, 9:50PM
“i went to the eighties concert on saturday and was blown away, my wife and i had an amazing night this was the first time at an event such as this and can honestly say it was worth every penny. concerts like these are there to stir memories and emotions and this one certainly did that.
we were all whisked back in time for a few hours to what some would call "happy days" so come on hull ignore the moaners and put more events like this on because i for one would gladly pay ticket price”
by Micheal Knight, Immingham
Monday, June 29 2009, 11:07PM
“Hehe good to see Kitt and the Delorean got a picture in the gallery :)
The event was amazing, all those that are moaning are just sour they didn't get to go :-P
Rather than moaning to people that don't really care and who had a thouroughy good night regardless,
why not use your brain and take it up with people that can make it happen if you push hard enough.
You start winging about it all now the events over, to late,
Id bet if the event didn't happen you wouldn't be posting the drivel that you are ;-)
Run along now and get your keyboard polished for your next trolling session :-)
Thanks to IML for a top event, the invite to show my car in a secure area for all to see and for the people of hull that made the event worth the effort.
Stu”
by Stevo, Hull
Monday, June 29 2009, 7:42PM
“I was at this event, to be honest I'm more into rock/indie stuff (foo's, Kings etc) & was dragged along to this by my wife.
I was sceptical at first but it was a great performance from all the bands, brought back some memories & the crowd where fantastic.
East park is a surprisingly good venue for this sort of thing & should be used more.
Only gripe was I thought the tickets could have been a bit cheaper (I think we may have HCC to blame for that) but it was worth it in the end.”
by Sharon, Victoria Dock
Monday, June 29 2009, 7:32PM
“I attended the concert in East Park on Saturday night and had a fantastic time! I thought it was well organised and there was a great atmosphere! I am a huge eighties pop fan and thought the line-up was brilliant. I particularly enjoyed Go West! I know it's not everyone's cup of tea music wise, but each to their own!! I hope further concerts will be organised in the near future.”