MUSIC

The Awakening of Music Exploration

The Early 1980s NYC Music Scene

Welcome to the third chapter in my series, ‘The Men Who Shaped My Playlist.’ This series chronicles the significant influences on my musical tastes, particularly through the lens of the men who’ve been instrumental in this aspect of my life. The first two installments took us through the early stages of my musical awakening, where family and childhood friends introduced me to a variety of genres and artists.

Now, in Part 3, I turn the spotlight on a transformative time in my life — my teenage years, heavily influenced by my first boyfriend, much to my mother’s chagrin. His introduction into my life coincided with a deep dive into the pulsating heart of New York City’s live music scene in the 1980s. It was an era of discovery and musical enlightenment, where each concert and venue visit under his guidance not only shaped my playlist but also left an indelible mark on my personal growth and memories.

Join me as we step back into the vibrant world of live music in New York City, exploring iconic venues and unforgettable performances that defined an era: the '80s. This journey is as much about the thrill and energy of live music as it is about the personal connections and experiences that music can foster. Let’s relive those resonant moments when my first love and live music intertwined, creating the soundtrack of my youth.

By the fall of 1980, I was a sophomore in high school, and my tastes in music were on the cusp of a significant transformation, thanks to my soon-to-be first boyfriend. He would introduce me to a ton of music — an opportunity afforded to him through his part-time job at a talent agency.

Our lockers were close to each other, and after weeks of shy glances his way, he finally spoke to me, making small talk about music. He asked me whether I liked the band Rockpile. I had never heard of them. He told me a bunch of people were going to see the band, and I should go. He was a senior, and I was a sophomore about to turn 16. I couldn’t go — I barely went out at that point, really, except with my best friends, and I had never dated — really. He wasn’t asking me for a date — yet… but music would continue to bring us closer together.

Things changed quickly. Within the next month, we were at the Ritz (now Webster Hall) on the night of December 6, 1980. In the days before The Ritz was turned into a dance club, it was a fabulous small venue to see live music. I remember it being Newcomers Night or something. A relatively unknown band was playing from Ireland named U2.

Their first album, Boy, had just been released two weeks earlier. A massive picture of the young, innocent-looking boy, the album cover, was their backdrop as they sang their setlist. We had backstage and after-party passes — it was there that I met Bono. He took my hand into both of his and kissed it. I would have melted right there had it not been for the drugs coursing through my blood, keeping me on my feet. No man had kissed my hand before upon an introduction before — or since. I had just turned 16 years old.

The Police were becoming big in the early Eighties. We saw them at The Ritz in November of 1981 during their Zenyatta Mondatta Tour. It was the night after they had played Madison Square Garden and hadn’t been announced until the last minute. They opened up with ‘ Don’t Stand So Close To Me’ into ‘ Walking On The Moon’. They closed that night with ‘ Driven to Tears,’ ‘ Message In A Bottle,’ ‘ Roxanne,’ and ‘ Can’t Stand Losing You.’ I would see The Police many more times throughout the years.

Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland weren’t just bandmates; they were architects of a sound that defined an era. Sting, the charismatic frontman, spun tales of alienation and desire with his smooth bass lines and haunting vocals. Together with Andy Summers on guitar and Stewart Copeland on drums, they crafted songs that ranged from reggae-infused rock anthems like ‘Roxanne’ to the minimalist pop perfection of ‘Every Breath You Take.’ Their music was a dance of light and shadow, intellect and instinct, creating a tapestry as complex and compelling as the city streets they often sang about.

Thinking back on the wide variety of shows we checked out, I know we saw the B-52s, though whether it was at The Ritz or Roseland Ballroom escapes me. What I do remember distinctly is their unique sound and the vibrant energy they brought to their music. The B-52s stood out with their eclectic style, blending new wave and punk with a funky, retro flair. Their performance was a technicolor tapestry of sound and style, complete with beehive hairdos and thrift-store chic attire.

Hits like ‘Rock Lobster,’ ‘Private Idaho,’ and ‘Love Shack’ were irresistibly danceable and impossible not to sing along to. The B-52s weren’t just about the music; they were about creating an experience-a celebration of the quirky and the unconventional. Their sound, although a stark contrast to the punk and new wave bands of the time, fit perfectly into the eclectic tapestry of our musical experiences. They encapsulated the spirit of that era — a blend of uniqueness, energy, and sheer fun that defined much of the music scene in New York City at the time.

After the vibrant and quirky experience with the B-52s, another band that significantly shaped my playlist was Squeeze. We saw them live at The Palladium, where their unique blend of New Wave, pop, rock, along with elements of punk, jazz, ska, and blues, created a sound that was both innovative and captivating.

Songs like ‘ Another Nail In My Heart’ stood out with their smooth, jazzy piano sections, showcasing their ability to infuse pop music with complex, nuanced styles. The catchy rhythms of ‘ Cool For Cats,’ ‘ Tempted,’ and ‘ Pulling Mussels’ further illustrated their diverse musical range.

Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, the songwriting duo at the heart of Squeeze’s distinct sound, masterfully combined clever lyrics with melodic compositions, resulting in a rich array of memorable songs. Squeeze’s contribution to my musical journey was significant, offering a different perspective on how music genres could blend and complement each other.

This part of my musical journey was marked by a diverse array of sounds and experiences, each concert and band adding new layers to my understanding and appreciation of music.

As my journey through New York’s vibrant music scene continued, my experiences with bands like Squeeze not only entertained but also deepened my understanding of music’s diversity and complexity. Stay tuned for Chapter 4, where we’ll dive even deeper into the heart of the city’s eclectic music landscape. We’ll explore more iconic performances and unforgettable experiences, featuring bands like The Clash and Peter Gabriel, and their unique contributions to this era.

Now, I’d like to hear about your musical journey during this dynamic decade. The 1980s were an era of musical innovation and groundbreaking performances.

• Which band or artist from the 80s had the most profound impact on you, and what was it about their music that resonated so deeply?
• Was it the lyrics, the rhythm, or the way they captured the spirit of the times?

Also, music venues in the early 80s were more than just places; they were cultural hubs where memories were made. I’ve recounted my unforgettable experiences at venues like The Ritz and The Palladium.

• Did you have a go-to spot for live music?
• Is there a particular concert that still stands out in your memory?
• What was it about that venue or concert that made it unforgettable?

If you’ve just joined us on this musical adventure, I invite you to explore its beginnings. Delve into the earlier chapters of my story to see how it all started and to discover the influences that have shaped my musical landscape. You can find the first two parts of this series through the links below. Each chapter offers a unique glimpse into the different stages of my journey through music, setting the stage for the stories shared here. Happy reading!

Originally published at https://vocal.media.