Backstage at 80s Central

 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.  

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 occasionally introduce him on stage or credit him on albums as "impossible guitar parts," Steve Vai has always paved his own path. 

 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 that inspired a generation. 

 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 from the stoic music label model. 

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.