Backstage at 80s Central

Brian May looks back on Queen’s legendary Live Aid performance 40 years later. With no lights, no soundcheck, and just 20 minutes on stage, Queen delivered a stripped-down yet electrifying set that redefined their legacy. 

 Former MTV VJ Mark Goodman relives the chaos, magic, and music of Live Aid Philly — from no script to backstage jams with Dylan and Richards — and why, 40 years later, he still believes it changed the world. 

 Forty years ago, on July 13, 1985, Live Aid wasn’t just a concert—it was a global reckoning. Sparked by a haunting BBC report and ignited by one punk rocker’s outrage, it became a planet-spanning call to action. 

 In this special feature, iconic frontman Mike Score of A Flock of Seagulls and legendary DJ Richard Blade reflect on the enduring impact of 1980s music as they gear up for the upcoming Lost 80s Live Tour. 

 ABC, led by the charismatic Martin Fry, whose stylish charisma and sharp wit turned the group into one of the 1980’s most defining acts.  

 Alex Lifeson of Rush discuses latest album "Stygian Waves" from his band Envy of None, the making of Rush's masterpiece "Moving Pictures" and one of his favorite Rush songs.  

Guitarist Paul Langlois and director Mike Downie talk about the making of the recently released documentary on the legendary Canadian band The Tragically Hip

 In a candid chat, Mark Rivera, longtime saxophonist for Billy Joel, opens up about his new book, Sideman: In Pursuit of the Next Gig, offering an insider’s look at life on the road. 

Nick Feldman of Wang Chung and Martha Davis of The Motels take a stroll down 80s Boulevard, talking about the making of their classic hits, the Abducted by the 80s Tour.

Michael Sweet of Stryper talks about the evolution of the band during their heyday in the 80s on the Sunset Strip, battles with MTV and finally reaching the heights of arena rock. 

We catch up with the synth-pop legend and talk about the 40th anniversary of his debut single "New Song" and tons of memories of his heyday back in the 80s. 

 Since his early days with Frank Zappa who would introduce him on stage or credit him on albums as "impossible guitar parts," Steve Vai has always paved his own path. 

 A helicopter was carrying the members of the Canadian band Triumph, who were about to play their biggest show ever in front of 375,000 screaming fans during Heavy Metal Day at the U.S. Festival.  

Rocky III was one of the biggest movies in 1982 and for a small Chicago band who saw their career mimic that of Rocky author Sylvester Stallone, as they took "a million to one shot" and turned it into platinum success.

 Twenty years ago, the idea of asking fans to fund the making of an album was unheard of, but Marillion knew they had a good idea that would help them leverage their own independence. 

Night Ranger's debut album "Dawn Patrol" was released in Nov. 1982 and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" was immediately put into heavy rotation on MTV and was beginning of the band's rise to superstardom.  

 Ronnie James Dio. He was more than just a voice for millions of heavy metal fans. His story is filled with hardship and pitfalls mixed with this "never give up" attitude.