Electric Avenue - The 80's MTV Experience - The Hargray Capitol Theatre - January 26, 2019 - Mac

By: Leslie Rogers

Downtown Macon was packed with fans heading to the show; some eating beforehand, while others just preferred waiting patiently outside the venue. Even before the show, it was clear that Macon was prepared to support the band bringing 80's retro music back to town tonight during this sold-out show. The Hargray Capitol Theatre is a two story venue with an added split level on the lower floor. The upper floor is reserved for seating while the split plan bottom level houses two bars, a viewing area, and a main dance floor. There was little room to move in any area but no one was complaining. People were excited to be here to experience what was being performed tonight. Many were here to relive their youth sporting versions of their favorite 80's attire from mullets to leg warmers and lots of neon.

The show began slightly after 8 and ended around 10:45. There were no breaks between songs aside from Kevin introducing the band at one point and then giving details about how to win tickets to the next local show. Mingling through the crowd, I witnessed people catching up with old friends they hadn't seen in ages, meeting new friends, and enjoying every moment with the ones they came with. People danced. People sang, loudly, to every word of every song. The band, from Atlanta, Georgia, is comprised of vocalist Kevin Spencer, drummer Wil Groth, guitarist Shannon Pengelly, bassist Tom Young, saxophonist Gary Paulo, and keyboardist Eric Frampton. They were more than entertaining and very aware of what they crowd expected. The energy from the crowd, inspired by the band throughout the entire set was explosive and untamed. Toward the end of the show, Kevin introduced Steve Moretti, drummer and member of the local Macon Pops Performing Arts Group, who played with the band for a couple of songs. The crowd was wild on their feet all night as they jumped and screamed each time a new song began; a new, old song, that was better than the one before it.

It didn't take long to understand why Electric Avenue has graced the stages alongside so many great musicians. This Tribute band kills it in every way possible with their rendition of each and every song. Radio will never be the same as it was when this music was at it's peak but when you have brilliant musicians like Electric Avenue taking you back in time to keep it alive and kicking, it's a ride well worth taking.

The full set-list form tonight's show is below:

Relax - Frankie Goes to Hollywood

One Thing Leads to Another - The Fixx

Raspberry Beret - Prince

Hold Me Now - Thompson Twins

Things Can Only Get Better - Howard Jones

Burning Down the House - Talking Heads

Let's Dance - David Bowie

Dance Hall Days - Wang Chung

Always Something There to Remind Me - Naked Eyes

Something About You - Level 42

Just Like Heaven - The Cure

Land Down Under - Men At Work

Just What I Needed - The Cars

The Look of Love - ABC

Hungry Like the Wolf - Duran Duran

I Would Die 4 U - Prince

No One Is To Blame - Howard Jones

Valerie - Steve Winwood

Don't You Want Me - The Human League

Everybody Wants To Rule The World - Tears For Fears

Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds

Africa - Toto

Faith - George Michael

Footloose - Kenny Loggins

Take On Me - Aha

What You Need - INXS

Tainted Love - Soft Cell

Cars - Gary Numan

Whip It - Devo

Rio - Duran Duran

Let's Go Crazy - Prince

Encore song: Oh Sherry - Steve Perry

Follow the band:

Official Website: http://www.electricavenuemusic.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electricavenuemusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/electricave80s

Instagram: http://instagram.com/electricave80s

Bands In Town: http://bandsintown.com/ElectricAvenue

very aware of what the crowd expected as they made sure to

#ElectricAvenue #ElectricAvenueThe80sMTVExperience #The80sMTVExperience #TheHargrayCapitolTheatre #HargrayCapitolTheatre #HargrayCapitolTheatreMacon #ElectricAvenueBand