On Saturday 3rd December, Radio 2’s Sounds of the 80s show will be broadcast live from the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent at a glittering celebration of an iconic decade in music.
For one night only, Gary Davies will present his show live from Stoke from 8pm-10pm, playing favourite 80s classics and two specially curated Mastermixes. The night will feature live performances from two of the decade’s best loved musicians - Clare Grogan and Holly Johnson.
Gary Davies says: “From Kate Bush to Madonna, Depeche Mode to Duran Duran, the 1980s was the golden age for music. I’ve had a blast sharing my 80s passion with Radio 2 listeners over the last five years and now can’t wait to bring the radio show live to Stoke-on-Trent. So if you’re an 80s music fan put on your statement T shirt and leg warmers and join us for what is going to be an 80s party to remember!”
The audience are encouraged to dress like it’s the 1980s, so dig out those pixie boots and day-glo t-shirts, unearth your fingerless gloves and rara skirts and dress to impress!
Doors at the Regent Theatre will open at 6.30pm. From 7.15pm, DJ and Sounds of the 80s’ producer, Johnny Kalifornia, will be playing 80s hits to get the party started. The live broadcast is from 8-10pm. Tickets are now available to purchase online at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2events, which includes full terms and conditions.
Listeners can send in their love dedications ahead of time for the show’s Sloppy Bit feature by emailing gary@bbc.co.uk.They will also be able to text in their messages throughout the live show.
Clare Grogan says: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of this live Sounds of the 80’s event. I love a big night out and this one has all the ingredients for a being a belter! So dust off your party shoes, get your groove on and enjoy this special moment with us. I’ll be singing, dancing and swirling my hair around to some classic Altered Images. Hopefully I’ll miss out the falling off the stage bit which is also a bit of a classic ‘me’ moment!”
Holly Johnson (pictured) says: “After sitting in for Gary on Sounds of the 80s last year, I’m so excited to be going LIVE across the airways with the man himself for this special show at the Regent Theatre in Stoke!”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “I’m delighted that we’re taking Radio 2’s Sounds of the 80 to Stoke-on-Trent for this unique live broadcast. What a joy for the fans of the show to experience Gary Davies doing what he does best and it’s fantastic he’ll be joined by two of that decade’s best-loved musicians, Clare Grogan and Holly Johnson. I look forward to a night celebrating the 80s classics we all know and love.”
Formed in Glasgow in 1979, Altered Images with multi-talented frontwoman Clare Grogan was at the forefront of a new wave of Scottish pop that would dominate the 80s. Hits including I Could Be Happy, Don’t Talk To Me About Love and Happy Birthday lit up the charts, but they never lost their alternative edge.
2022 has seen a triumphant return to music and the Top 40 for Clare and the band, with the release of the acclaimed Mascara Streakz, their first album of new material in 39 years. After a string of sold out dates this summer, the band play a homecoming gig at St. Luke’s in Glasgow in December – but not before Clare stops off at Stoke’s Regent Theatre to remind us of where it all began.
Liverpool’s finest, Holly Johnson with Frankie Goes To Hollywood, changed the pop landscape forever in 1984 with the release of their epic debut album, Welcome To The Pleasuredome, and four revolutionary singles - Relax, Two Tribes, The Power Of Love and Welcome To The Pleasuredome. The Frankie success story continued with 1986’s Liverpool and Holly rounded off the decade with his platinum-selling No.1 solo debut album, Blast.
Having headlined festivals this summer and, following the release of his live album, Unleashed From The Pleasuredome, now Holly Goes To Stoke with Sounds Of The 80s!
BBC Radio 2 is the UK’s most listened to radio station, with a weekly audience of 14.46 million (RAJAR Q3, 2022), and won Station Of The Year at the Music Week 2021 awards. The network’s presenters include Michael Ball, Zoe Ball, Rob Beckett, Tony Blackburn, OJ Borg, Rev. Kate Bottley, Ken Bruce, Rylan, Fearne Cotton, Sara Cox, Jamie Cullum, Gary Davies, Paul Gambaccini, Angela Griffin, Bob Harris, Cerys Matthews, Scott Mills, Jason Mohammad, Trevor Nelson, Dermot O’Leary, Elaine Paige, Mark Radcliffe, DJ Spoony, Liza Tarbuck, Jeremy Vine, Michelle Visage, Johnnie Walker, Jo Whiley, Claudia Winkleman and Steve Wright.
