I Want My 80’s Tour – Treasure Island Amphitheater – Welch MN – June 19th 2025

Treasure Island Amphitheater presents I Want My 80’s Tour staring Rick Springfield with special guests John Waite, Wang Chung and Paul Young.

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

Paul Young proved that age is just a number during his Welch performance, delivering a nostalgic yet vibrant show that reaffirmed his place as one of the UK’s most enduring soul-pop voices.

Opening with a smooth rendition of “Some People,” the crowd was immediately transported back to the 1980s, when Young’s voice dominated radio waves. His vocals, though naturally matured, still carried that distinctive warmth and soulfulness fans know and love.

Backed by a tight, talented band, Paul mixed iconic hits with deeper album cuts, giving long-time fans something extra. Highlights included emotional performances of “Come Back and Stay” and “i’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down,” both of which had the audience singing along word for word.

Young’s charisma was on full display — relaxed, witty, and clearly enjoying himself. He shared anecdotes between songs, often reminiscing about the early days of his career and showing gratitude to the fans who’ve stuck with him over the decades.

Musically, the arrangements stayed faithful to the originals while incorporating subtle modern touches. The band’s close with “Every Time You Go Away” which closed the night to thunderous applause.

In a world of fast trends and fleeting fame, Paul Young’s concert was a reminder of the lasting power of a well-crafted song and a heartfelt performance. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer, his live show is a classy, soulful celebration of a remarkable career.

Walking into a Wang Chung concert is like stepping into a neon-lit time machine that’s headed straight to the best parts of the 1980s. With their signature blend of pop, rock, and new wave, the band delivered a tight, nostalgic, and surprisingly emotional performance that reminded everyone why they were once at the top of the charts—and why they still matter.

The show opened with lesser-known but high-energy track, “Fire in The Twilight,” instantly warming up the crowd. From there, it was a smooth ride through the band’s greatest hits. “Let’s Go” and “Dance Hall Days” had the entire venue on its feet, with fans of all ages dancing, singing along, and throwing it back with true 80s flair.

They even dropped in fan-favorite deeper cuts like “To Live and Die in L.A.,” which added a reflective tone to an otherwise high-spirited night. The set ended with a full-throttle, euphoric performance of “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” complete with audience participation and a big, bold light show.

Jack Hues and Nick Feldman were in top form—musically tight, vocally strong, and fully engaged with the audience. Their chemistry on stage was evident, and their sense of humor kept things light. Hues’ vocals still carry the distinctive edge that made the band a staple of the new wave scene, while Feldman kept the bass lines crisp and grooving.

The crowd loved every second of it—not just the hits, but the banter in between. At one point, the band joked about how no one quite knows what “Wang Chung tonight” really means, but by the end of the show, everyone clearly understood: it means to enjoy the moment, sing like no one’s watching, and dance like it’s 1986.

Technically, the sound was polished. The synths were clean, the guitars had punch, and the percussion kept everything tight. The lighting added to the retro aesthetic, casting a colorful glow that bounced with the rhythm and amplified the celebratory vibe.

The atmosphere was electric—equal parts reunion and rediscovery. Lifelong fans brought their kids, couples relived prom-night memories, and younger audience members experienced the band’s charm for the first time. There was a sense of community, a shared appreciation for a band that never took itself too seriously, yet always delivered musically.

Wang Chung proved they’re more than just a name on an ’80s playlist. They’re vibrant performers who understand their legacy and still deliver it with passion, polish, and a smile. Their concert was a joyful, high-energy celebration of a moment in music history—one that still resonates loud and clear.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Best For: ’80s music lovers, nostalgia seekers, and anyone who wants to have fun tonight.

Stepping into a John Waite concert feels like reconnecting with an old friend—one whose voice hasn’t aged and whose songs still hit with the same emotional clarity they did decades ago. Best known for his solo classic “Missing You” and fronting The Babys and Bad English, Waite’s live show is a masterclass in sincere rock storytelling and vocal prowess.

The night moved fluidly between hits from across Waite’s career. He kicked things off with “Change,” which immediately got the crowd nodding along. From there, the set shifted to The Babys “Midnight Rendezvous” and rockers like “Every Time I Think of You,” delivered with heartfelt intensity.

Of course, the highlight was “Missing You,” performed with stripped-back emotion that left the audience in near silence—until the final chorus erupted into a communal sing-along. He also threw in a couple of covers that showcased his range and influences, often putting a bluesy or acoustic spin on them.

John Waite commands the stage not with flash, but with authenticity. He doesn’t need to jump around or overwhelm you with lights; his charisma comes from how deeply he feels every word he sings. His voice remains impressively strong—clear, raspy in the right places, and emotionally resonant.

Between songs, he shares stories—about writing in hotel rooms, touring in the ’80s, and chasing (and losing) love. There’s a warm, wry humor in his delivery that makes the performance feel more like an evening with an old soul than a rock concert.

The band—tight and tasteful—supports him beautifully. No one overplays, and every arrangement feels intentional. Acoustic guitar and keys play a prominent role, giving the show a more intimate, soulful feel than a big rock spectacle. The sound mix is clean, putting his vocals front and center, exactly where they belong. Kyle Cook from Matchbox Twenty was on guitar and was amazing.

The crowd was a blend of long-time fans and curious newcomers, all drawn in by the power of melody and memory. There were couples swaying during ballads, folks singing along to “Head First,” and even younger attendees mouthing the words to “When I See You Smile.”

John Waite’s concert was a reminder that real songwriting never goes out of style. He doesn’t rely on nostalgia—he earns every cheer with honest musicianship, a still-golden voice, and the ability to make a room full of strangers feel something real. If you’re looking for a night of heartfelt music from a true artist, John Waite delivers.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Standout Track: “Missing You”
Vibe: Soulful, stripped down, emotionally rich rock

Rick Springfield may have gotten his big break in the early ’80s, but watching him perform today, you’d swear he never left the spotlight. His concert is a reminder that rock and roll doesn’t age—it just gets louder, tighter, and maybe even more fun.

The night kicked off with a surge of energy—Springfield opened with a crowd-pleaser like “Affair of the Heart,” immediately drawing fans into a show that moved seamlessly between his hits and deeper cuts. The balance was perfect: enough nostalgia to satisfy longtime fans, with a few surprises to keep things fresh.

Of course, “Jessie’s Girl” closed the night in explosive fashion, but before that, Springfield took the audience through emotional highs with songs like “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Love Somebody,” and the ballad “Souls.” He even threw in a few covers and personal favorites—sometimes playing them acoustically or inviting audience participation for a sing-along.

Rick Springfield remains an incredibly engaging performer. He’s got the energy of a man half his age and the charm of someone who knows how to own a stage without taking himself too seriously. He jokes with the crowd, flirts with the front row, and often jumps down into the audience—sometimes literally.

What sets him apart is how connected he seems to his fans. Whether he’s making eye contact mid-song or telling stories about the songs’ origins, he brings everyone into the experience. And yes, at some shows, he’ll smash a rose-covered guitar—because why not?

His vocals remain strong—still raspy, still passionate—and his guitar work is no less impressive. He proves he’s not just a pretty face from the 80s, but a seasoned musician who can still rip through a solo with soul.

The sound was crisp and powerful, with the full band locked in behind him. Drums were thunderous, the bass kept things moving, and Springfield’s guitar tone—both crunchy and melodic—reminded everyone he’s the real deal.

The vibe? Electric. The crowd ranged from longtime fans who grew up with Springfield’s music to younger folks discovering it for the first time. Everyone was singing, dancing, and shouting out requests.

Rick Springfield’s concert is more than a trip down memory lane—it’s a full-blown rock show powered by talent, charm, and pure love for the music. Whether you came for “Jessie’s Girl” or stayed for the deeper catalog, you left smiling, energized, and maybe a little hoarse.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Best For: Fans of heartfelt rock, dynamic stage presence, and a damn good time
Standout Moment: Springfield leaping into the crowd mid-solo like it was 1983