The tour may be called Lost ’80s Live, but it’s clear from current pop culture that the ’80s are anything but lost. Movies and TV shows continue to mine the time period for nostalgic good vibes, and stars from the ’80s often show up in cameos for quick references or jokes. Both pop stars and indie bands continue to be influenced by music from the ’80s, probably more now than at any time since the decade ended. So 2015 is a perfect time for a group of artists from the ’80s to band together and play for fans both old and new.
This year’s Vegas stop on the tour on Sept. 26 features a massive lineup, including ABC, Wang Chung, A Flock of Seagulls, Naked Eyes, Dramarama, Boys Don’t Cry, Animotion, The Flirts and Gene Loves Jezebel, plus a number of special guests. Each group will get time for its biggest hits, making the show a bit like listening to pop radio in the ’80s (or, these days, an ’80s channel on Spotify or Pandora). It’ll bring a thrill of recognition to people who grew up with these artists, but it might also provide younger folks a lesson in where all their current pop culture got its start.
Mandalay Bay Beach, 9 p.m. Sept. 26, $35 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
