My friends saw them in Nashville a while back and really enjoyed the show.
As far as cover bands go my all time favorite is the legendary (in the South) Mel & the Party Hats who just played a 30th anniversary show in Nashville recently.
just saw on their website that they will be opening for The White Animals next year which should make a great show. I have seen the White Animals a few times (including in the 80's) and they put on a great show.
Thanks, David. "Let's Go Crazy"? Cool! There's a number of songs I've love to hear live off "Purple Rain" (including the title track).
I'll come back later with more detail and a concert pic, but this pic my mom took before we left set the stage for the evening...
Not just the pic, but mom telling dad as I'm handing her my camera, "The kids want me to take their picture before they go out."
"Kids"...lol, we're almost 50! It was 1984 all over again...
...and that's what tonight was all about for us, reminiscing through live music.
From Mötley Crüe's "Home Sweet Home" to The Fixx's "Saved by Zero" and Journey's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)", the The Molly Ringwalds covered these songs sooo well live! There were many couples around us also grooving together to the slower tunes, making this show the ultimate date night for our generation. Other than spending an 80's night at a roller rink, I don't see how it can get any better. This is what I've been looking for.
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And then there were the harder hitters, songs off "Pyromania", "1984", "Back in Black", "Appetite for Destruction". I'll post more about it when I get back, but we're going to see The Molly Ringwalds every chance we get (they also play at LSU's Varsity Theatre where we use to go to midnight showings of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (see "Sweet Child" video above for interior).
After splitting a shrimp fajitas dinner plate, we headed to the L'Auberge Casino (same auditorium as Rick Springfield). We arrived about an hour before showtime and had a couple of drinks. By the time the concert started we had a nice little buzz going and were ready to rock.
Wife ran into a co-worker and her husband in the lounge outside the auditorium who are Molly Ringwalds regulars. I figure we'll be running into them again in the future; the Ringwalds are going to be frequently getting our $30.00 ($15.00 x 2)!
The show starts with a cool '80s intro video and they come out on stage and start playing a song I've never heard... "Personal Jesus" - Depeche Mode
What I got from this weird song was that the acoustics/sound was going to be excellent! Really, the acoustics and musicianship exceeded my expectations, sound was loud but not *too* loud and was very clear.
The rest of the show KICKED ASS!!!
The highlights for me were (in addition to songs already mentioned: "Home Sweet Home", "Saved By Zero", etc.):
"Photograph" - Def Leppard "Juke Box Hero" - Foreigner "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" - The Police "Panama" - Van Halen "Jack & Diane" - John Cougar Mellencamp "Cars" - Gary Numan (they admitted this was a cheat...1979) "You Shook Me All Night Long" - AC/DC "Keep Your Hands To Yourself" - Georgia Satellites
Various new wave: "Alive & Kicking", "I Ran", etc. (I can't remember exactly what all they played vs. what I've been watching of theirs on YouTube).
They played for about an hour and 45 min. straight, a LOT of songs!
They ended the concert with:
"Thunderstruck" - AC/DC "Welcome to the Jungle" - Guns N' Roses
Wife took a phone pic just to show how close we were to the stage (see below).
I've never had so much fun listening to a live band, but in fairness I usually don't drink at a concert (especially with Rush, don't want my senses dulled...but Rush isn't a standing couples-type experience). We estimate about 500 people were there (a lot more couples than at Rick Springfield), all having a good time. We forfeited our close stage location for a bathroom break but it was near the end anyway. After it was over we walked around with coffees, making sure I took enough time before driving home (one thing I can honestly say, I wasn't always the safest driver even in my younger days but I've never driven under the influence).
We arrived home a little past midnight, still glowing about the good time we had. Looking forward to the next one, Jan. 29.
The Molly Ringwalds "No better way, to celebrate Boxing Day then rocking with you all at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge!!!" ---------- Ronda Miletello: "I was there... saw y'all for the 1st time. Y'all ROCKED IT OUT! Can't wait to see y'all again. Let me know when you play in/near ATL!!!" Kathy Thomas: "We really enjoyed the fun night. Music was great!! Thanks again Eric for the invite." Cheryl Theriot Bosch: "LOVED the concert tonight. Can't beat it when the band has as much fun as the crowd." ==========
For you Foo fans...
The Molly Ringwalds w/ Dave Grohl & Taylor Hawkins of The Foo Fighters!
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
...and now that I think about it, there were a lot of younger people at the show (you can also see this in the above "Sweet Child..." video). It was very nice to see a younger generation enjoying 80's music (admittedly, some of it I shunned at the time). I agree with what was said in the interview (and top video) that a lot of 80's music still has appeal because it was fun and romantic.
We didn't really dress 80's (although some people did, and you see it in the videos). I didn't think about it until the afternoon and the attic was just too hot to keep digging for Panama Jack, Jamaica Joe's and Coca-Cola shirts, plus it was too warm for my Members Only jacket. I did come across one item in the "Retired Clothing" container, some high school 80's airbrushing (see below). But...err, no, you have to draw the line somewhere! We thought about it, in the 80's she usually wore jeans and a long sleeve oxford tucked in with sleeves rolled up, I did too sometimes or just wore a t-shirt. In other words, we wore what we always wear (I guess we haven't changed much in 30+ years).
We're going to hold off on purchasing Def Leppard/Styx/Tesla tickets until we know for sure there won't be a work conflict. Even $45.00/seat for the cheap seats might not be worth it if the only seats available are really far back, plus it would be at least a 2 hr. drive each way.
To be honest, I don't think that concert would be as enjoyable as what we experienced Sat. night, plus that concert date is only a week away from the next Molly Ringwalds show. Not to mention there's a good chance of getting Tesla's "Love Song" from the Ringwalds. It's all covers but man, we didn't know this concert was going to be so incredibly entertaining! So, we'll see...
First, I want to point out that I didn't give the typical 80's covers enough credit. I listed my favorite Classic Rock songs (and was surprised there were so many), but there were many more songs played that might be considered to be more 80's sound.
The ones we remember hearing (and not all of them are listed on their webpage)...
"Save A Prayer" - Duran Duran "Don't You (Forget About Me)" - Simple Minds "Things Can Only Get Better" - Howard Jones "In A Big Country" - Big Country "Karma Chameleon" - Culture Club "Girls On Film" - Duran Duran "I Want Your Sex" - George Michael "All Night Long" - Lionel Richie
Also, it was kinda funny seeing a big dude dressed as Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) singing female vocals in songs like...
"99 Luftballons" - Nena "Mickey" - Tony Basil (a song I can do without) "Shadows Of The Night" - Pat Benatar
...and something from Madonna (I forget).
Funny too was seeing Pee-wee Herman sing "Paradise City" and "Welcome To The Jungle"!
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I've purchased tickets for Jan. 29, a little cheaper this time at only $12.00 (+ $5.00 service charge - half the price of the ticket). Tickets for Mar. 4 aren't available yet.
This next show is going to be a little more nostalgic for me, at the Varsity Theatre just outside the gates of LSU.
Pic from my LSU game day thread as we walked by it...
The last time I was in this theater was the early morning (just after midnight) of August 31, 1985, seeing "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" for the last time. It was my 18th birthday (legal drinking age, not that it mattered) and I was completely wasted, even more so than usual. My future brother-in-law had to escort me out of the building mid-movie (he wasn't too happy about it), slapped me around a little outside and then walked me around campus trying to sober me up. Wife stayed home that night to study (she had just started college) and I ended up back at her place, barfing on the front deck and then passing out in the yard.
The following two months (Sep. and Oct.) she gave me the cold shoulder, evolving into our one unofficial breakup and even going on a date with another guy (fortunately they just kissed...big linebacker dude, but an 80's gentleman). By Nov. we were reconciled, I had quit some bad habits and by early '87 we were engaged.
I never thought I'd see the inside of the Varsity Theater again, and to think over 30 years later I'll be back inside, listening to some of my favorite 80's tunes while holding my wife like we were teenagers again. It's amazing to me how things work out sometimes, I'm feeling strongly now that moving back home was a good decision.
Anyway, I'm really looking forward to it. We'll probably park at the Student Union, have dinner there and walk the half mile to the theater. If there's anything special about the show, I'll revisit this thread.
Outstanding show tonight, better than the first one, played right at two hours. Many of the same songs as the first show, but they did mix it up a bit (e.g. playing "Back in Black" instead of "You Shook Me All Night Long"). Their "Tom Sawyer" was much better than what I heard on YouTube, as were a couple of others. They did a nice little tribute to David Bowie as well.
I believe all but the bassist played drums for a song, and all played them well. Wife caught me a stick.
Placed was packed, they announced 700 people in attendance. I didn't recognize the inside of the Varsity as it's been remodeled since the 80's (theater seats removed), but they left some of the old charm in the lobby.
YouTube really doesn't do these guys justice, they sound that good. The same 5-guy lineup for 13 years now, not bad for a $12.00 ticket cover band. Tomorrow I'm getting our Mar. 4th tickets.
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On a related '80s note, I see on the Molly Ringwald's Facebook page that the Delorean is coming back into production in 2017. Maybe we'll get the Fiero back as well.
Just printed my tickets for tonight (show #3, back to the casino) and I wanted to wrap up this blog of a thread.
I posted just a bit ago...
"I'm about to enter a self-inflicted time portal, losing television and internet this morning. I'll be disconnecting and re-routing cables and devices throughout and outside of the house, no hurry to finish the job once I get started. It's nice to disconnect from the world every once in a while, this one can't be helped."
So no pics for tonight, but it all looks the same. They mix their songs up pretty good for each show, but also play a constant staple of crowd pleasers.
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Also posted previously, a show opener...
The Molly Ringwalds - Panama - Varsity Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA - August 8, 2014
I plan to be enjoying a nice buzz when the curtain rises, unfortunately it'll last only half the show, gotta drive home after coffee and dessert.
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Not bothering with 80's attire.
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That's about it. I put in a request for a couple of slower grooves (e.g. Tesla's "Love Song", a couple from REO Speedwagon) but they're more of a party band so I don't expect them all to be played, hopefully one will get played.
Oooh, I gotta remember to request Night Ranger's "Sister Christian" for the next show.
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One more thing...we usually claim our spot early, right side of stage under the lead guitarist with the Devo hat. Dude reached over and shook my hand after the last show, I gave them some much deserved praise. I'm sure they start recognizing the same faces over time, I *know* they're going to get to know ours!
Going to add one more pic to this thread, grabbed it from The Molly Ringwald's Facebook page (1st pic).
I'm the guy to the left, front of stage, light blue shirt, behind wife, hands in air. I prefer to be on that side to watch the guitarist play, much like I always tried to do for Rush, although I could be so far back it wouldn't matter (2nd pic).
...or worse, lol (3rd pic).
Again the guitarist and the others stuck around after the show to talk to us for a bit, very cool guys.
May 13th, back to the Varsity Theater, can't wait!
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
I'm going to top off my thread on a super high note, I think it'll be hard to ever beat last night's show [including a tribute to Prince who had recently died]...
Last night was surreal because the audience was just insane! Even the band (who have probably played The Varsity more than any other venue) made comments about it and exchanged glances. The place was packed and rockin' for the entire show, except at the end (more in a moment). There must be a lot of hoarse people around Baton Rouge this morning (myself included). We occupied our regular spot in the very front, a little closer to center stage (if they post an audience pic on FB I'll show it here).
We believe the reason for the hyperactive crowd was that LSU graduation was also yesterday and the Varsity is right off campus (just a few feet from the main gates). We parked at the Student Union as usual and walked the few blocks (weather continues to be gorgeous in these parts) and noticed as we arrive that the atmosphere outside of the Chimes/Varsity seemed a little more festive than usual. This would continue throughout the show, until the end of the set...
Last song of the regular set, the guitarist does this cool little mellow solo as the crowd quiets, it had a familiar melody but wasn't quite recognizable until he began the beginning chords to "Purple Rain". You could hear a pin (or at least a drumstick) drop, the audience was mesmerized as they began the song, and they did a very nice job on it, IMO (not the first Prince song of the evening). They also improvised a longer ending solo, you could tell the guitarist was pouring his soul into it. Just...#%&*$#. And of course the audience did the arm swinging like you see in the movie. When the song was finished, the singer removed his purple robe and hung it on the mic stand as the Ringwalds walked off stage and the crowd thundered for an encore...
...which was AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long!", ending on a more upbeat note.
Easily their best performance yet, helped I believe by an updated stage presentation (new monitor and light show), these guys are obviously spending money on their act. They started late (after 10PM) so the show didn't end until after midnight, but the people pouring outside acted as if the party was still in full swing. We didn't hang around, but we did take a longer path back to the car if just to enjoy a very pleasant walk, it was just that kind of evening.
The only thing topping this show recently was lying on a blanket together under the stars, listening to a live cover performance of The Beatles' "Something" and "The Long and Winding Road", among other softer and harder hits. Man, I can't wait for that one to come around again!
Anyway, if you enjoy 80's music and you get the chance to see the The Molly Ringwalds, just do it!... http://themollyringwalds.com/home
OCT 30 Baton Rouge, LA L'Auberge Casino 9:00pm $10.00
Their last show before the 'rona was their absolute BEST...best playing, best song selection, and all new stage show including groovy lights and awesome lasers! Is it really happening? Are we really finally getting back to normal?! And are we going to enjoy rocking out for a little while longer before we get too old and retire from what will likely become loud noise?!
Recent videos (Mar 4, 2021, Sep 30, 2020)...
The Molly Ringwalds - "Shout" (Live) from "An Evening With The Molly Ringwalds"
^ And that was at the LSU Varsity Theatre (posted: Mar 30, 2019), not sure how we missed it unless we had tickets to another concert that evening.
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
Jul 24: Australian Bee Gees (tribute) Jul 30: Three Dog Night Aug 20: Bag of Donuts (80's) Aug 28: The Chee-Weez (80's) Sep 10: The Marshall Tucker Band
But not the Varsity, Manship or River Center Theatres (waiting for the Fixx to return to one of these).
So I'm cautiously optimistic about the Molly Ringwald's Oct. 30th casino date with COVID cases on the rise again.
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It just occurred to me that the Ringwalds have been together with the same 5-man lineup for almost 20 years! Not bad for a cheap (currently $10.00 TM) cover band.
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
Jul 24: Australian Bee Gees (tribute) Jul 30: Three Dog Night Aug 20: Bag of Donuts (80's) Aug 28: The Chee-Weez (80's) Sep 10: The Marshall Tucker Band
I would absolutely go to the Three Dog Night concert. Yeah I know one of the lead singers is no longer with us but the rest of the original band members are still active as far as I know.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
I would absolutely go to the Three Dog Night concert. Yeah I know one of the lead singers is no longer with us but the rest of the original band members are still active as far as I know.
Some of these older bands I consider semi-tributes (Chicago), or even full tributes if all members are gone who were there for the hits (i.e. Little River Band). And I have no problem with this as long as the price reflects the band's current status. So I'd pay the $35.00 for Three Dog Night in the casino auditorium (more intimate than an arena) if I were really a fan, buts that's about my maximum (paid this for Kansas). I balked at Skynyrd prices.
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,478PanzerMeyer
Pro-Consul of Florida
PanzerMeyer
Pro-Consul of Florida
King Crimson - SimHQ's Top Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 121,478
Miami, FL USA
Originally Posted by MarkG
I balked at Skynyrd prices.
I think those tickets are expensive because the current Skynyrd touring line up is huge! The last time I checked there were at least 8 band members.
Last edited by PanzerMeyer; 07/19/2106:11 PM.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
It just occurred to me that the Polaroid pic I posted above of my wife and I was taken in 1984 (and our living room TV poking out in the background didn't have cable yet), the same year that the two recent audience-free (pandemic) Molly Ringwald's covers I posted were released: TFF's "Shout" and U2's "Pride (In The Name Of Love)". Something about that year...I'm going to have to read the George Orwell book one day.
When everything opens up, I'm going to do a 70's/80's Rock night at least once a month! The Ringwalds will always be my favorites, and I'm glad they didn't hang it up during lock down.
Just can't wait...
House lights go out; 'crowd' begins to roar. Intro starts as the Ringwalds take their positions on stage to Jan Hammer's "Miami Vice Theme" with 80's-style video playing on stage screens. Then as soon as the last dramatic note is played, Devo guitar guy starts the beginning of "Welcome To The Jungle" (just one example). Audience is fired up, ready for ~2 hrs of live 80's Rock, Pop and New Wave (and a little Punk)!
Best $10.00 x2 (+ fees, but free parking) I'll ever spend.
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
One more thing about that Polaroid above (it's nice that digital pics never fade, but chemical film pictures sure do)...
Hard to tell because it's a digital camera pic of a Polaroid which added glare to the fade, but the speaker on the floor to my left is a JBL L19 from my brother's first hi-fi stereo. What an outstanding little 2-way bookshelf speaker for the day (and price). He surprisingly chose them over the legendary Bose 301 Series II, another great sounding cheaper (when on sale) bookshelf speaker, IMO.
But I remember very vividly the evening I became addicted to nicer sound (for relatively small coin, we're not talking McIntosh tube amp separates with Klipschorns or greater here ).
I placed my head between these speakers with proper spacing (Akai receiver and Marantz turntable, forget the tape deck...Sanyo or Technics) and listened to Steely Dan's "Aja" and Heart's "Dreamboat Annie" LPs in their entirety. Blown freaking away, it changed me.
The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in Gives way and suddenly it’s day again The sun is in the east Even though the day is done Two suns in the sunset, hmph Could be the human race is run
Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,478PanzerMeyer
Pro-Consul of Florida
PanzerMeyer
Pro-Consul of Florida
King Crimson - SimHQ's Top Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 121,478
Miami, FL USA
Originally Posted by MarkG
I placed my head between these speakers with proper spacing (Akai receiver and Marantz turntable, forget the tape deck...Sanyo or Technics) and listened to Steely Dan's "Aja" and Heart's "Dreamboat Annie" LPs in their entirety. Blown freaking away, it changed me.
I had a stereo system very similar to yours when I was a kid in the 80's even though I stopped listening to LP's by about 1985. It was all cassettes for me afterwards until I bought my first CD in 1990.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
![[Linked Image]](https://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/946/filename/DSCF4434.JPG)
![[Linked Image]](https://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/947/filename/DSCF3334.JPG)
Really, the acoustics and musicianship exceeded my expectations, sound was loud but not *too* loud and was very clear.
We thought about it, in the 80's she usually wore jeans and a long sleeve oxford tucked in with sleeves rolled up, I did too sometimes or just wore a t-shirt. In other words, we wore what we always wear (I guess we haven't changed much in 30+ years).![[Linked Image]](https://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/950/filename/LSU_4.png)
![[Linked Image]](https://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/33032/filename/thread-necromancy.png)
