EIGHTIES
The 80s remains an iconic decade, cherished for its vibrant culture and unforgettable music. From radio-friendly pop and rock hits to groundbreaking hip-hop, rap, and dance tracks, the era epitomised diversity and innovation. Whether you grooved to synth-pop melodies, belted out rock ballads, or danced to infectious beats, the 80s offered a musical landscape that resonated with people of all tastes and backgrounds. That’s why this era is one of the popular sets for Jean-Paul, who brings the nostalgia and energy of the 80s to life with his captivating performances.
Spandau Ballet
WHAM
Genesis
Bon Jovi
Erasure
Here's some interesting facts about 80's music
Spandau ballet
Did you know the band name ‘Spandau Ballet’ was formed after seeing it scrawled on the wall of a lavatory in a nightclub in Berlin. It was a slang term used in the First World War by the Allied war troops, referring to the twitching of corpses when hit by the German Spandau machine gun.
The band made pop dance fashionable and were instrumental in changing the club music scene in and around London.
1n 1990 three of the band members tried to sue Gary Kemp for royalties on the songs he had written for the band. Kemp won and the band dispersed.
Erasure
Erasure was formed in 1985 by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, who was formerly a member of Depeche Mode. They met after Clarke placed an advert in a music magazine seeking a vocalist, and Bell auditioned in front of Clarke, Alison Moyet, and members of the Communards.
At the time, Andy Bell was a complete novice, incredibly shy, often found sitting alone in nightclubs hoping someone would talk to him. However, joining Erasure changed that. By their second album, Bell began contributing to the songwriting process.
Despite releasing five successful albums, it wasn’t until 1992 that Erasure had their first number one single. They had already sold around 25 million albums worldwide, achieved 24 hits in the UK Top 40, and had five number one albums.
Vince Clarke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, not for his work with Erasure, but as a member of Depeche Mode.
“A Little Respect,” released in 1988, remains Erasure’s most famous hit to this day.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s album ‘Thriller’ released in 1982, is still to date the best selling album of all time, selling over 110 million copies!
In September 1985 Michael Jackson bought the publishing rights for most of The Beatles‘ music for $47 million. He outbid Paul McCartney to buy the rights.
Wham
The Wham duo ruled the pop decade in the 1980’s from 82′ – 86′ claiming 5 UK number 1 hits.
The pair first met in 1975 where Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou ‘George Michael’ moved to Andrew Ridgleys school and Andrew was asked to be ‘George’s’ chaperon. The pair became great friends.
The Wham duo ruled the pop decade in the 1980’s from 82′ – 86′ claiming 5 UK number 1 hits in this time. They split at the height of their career.
“Careless Whisper” is one of the UK’s most loved songs of all time, It is also Jean-Paul’s favourite songs! Michael wrote the lyrics to the song when he was just 17 years old (1981), whilst on the bus, at the time he had no idea of love and relationships.
The popular saxophone part was played by Steve Gregory, a session player based in London. This saxophone part of the song got more compliments on the writing than the actual lyrics of the song!
An early version appeared in 1982 on a demo tape that earned the duo a deal with the record label ‘Innervision’. However the song didn’t reach number 1 until 1984!
80's
Current Setlist
- George Michael – Faith
- Spandau Ballet – True
- Alison Moyet – That Ole Devil Called Love
- The Police – De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
- Hall & Oates – I can’t go for that
- Erasure – Sometimes
- Erasure – A little respect
- Gregory Abbott – Shake you down
- Alexander O’Neal – Criticize
- Alexander O’Neal – The Christmas Song
- The Real Thing – You to me are everything
- Steve Winwood – Higher Love
- Wham! – Last Christmas
- Wham! – Freedom
- Shakin Stevens – You Drive Me Crazy
- Fine Young Cannibals – Johnny Come Home
Do you want to get your party started?
Jean-Paul is a versatile singer and can adapt his set to suit your audience, but one thing he is guaranteed for is getting everybody up and dancing.
He can be available for a public gatherings such as pubs and festivals as well as private parties and functions. A night guaranteed to get the crowd singing and dancing.
Enquire below to find out more.
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