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Rewind 80s at Airlie Beach Hotel. Photo Supplied
Step back to a time of big hair, synthesizers and singalong anthems, because Rewind 80s is coming back to the Airlie Beach Hotel for two free performances this July.
As one of Australia's longest-running 80s tribute shows, the band has been transporting audiences back in time for more than 15 years, through a high-energy performance built on nostalgia, iconic songs and crowd participation.
From the hard-hitting rock of Guns N' Roses and Bon Jovi to the infectious pop of Wham! and Madonna, and the unmistakable new wave sounds of Kim Wilde and A-ha, Rewind 80s encapsulates all the decade's most iconic hits.
“We can do pretty much everything that people want to hear- it’s for people that like to have a party,” said Band Frontwoman and founder Samantha Paul Atkins.
“The thing is, we do the whole genre- we don't just do one style.”
“I'm bringing you back to the 80s.”
“I was very young in the 80s and that's where I got most of my musical influence from,” Samantha said.
“We always had so much music on TV in the 80s that we could learn from, it was our education.”
Before founding Rewind 80s, Samantha had performed in several bands and was running her own groups from as early as 19. She soon realized she wanted to build a show that truly captured the music she loved most.
With that in mind, Samantha carefully handpicked a seven-piece lineup of experienced musicians capable of recreating everything from soaring rock anthems to floor-filling pop hits, featuring fellow lead vocalist Richard Macionis, Brad Cook on guitar and vocals, Matty Slade on keyboards and synth, Timur Togacay on bass guitar, Dallas Gray on keyboards, saxophone and vocals, and Cameron Smith on drums.
“It's not a lineup that changes all the time; it’s a lineup that stays together,” Samantha said.
With 15 years of syncing to each other’s groove, and a deep love for the venue formed through their three yearly Airlie Beach Hotel gigs, the band promises a party everyone can enjoy- especially the children of the 80s.
“We are Generation X. Gen X still party, we still drink, we still have a great time,” Samantha said.
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