When I mentioned seeing Dokken in VA Beach, I didn’t really clarify that the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon coincides with the American Music Festival.
We skipped the main stage acts. Aside from not really being our thing (well, I loved the original INXS), we would have had to buy my husband a ticket, travel 20 blocks, and deal with thousands of people. There are busses, but friends have had trouble getting a ride back when the shows let out in previous years.
On Saturday night, we entertained the idea of seeing Vertical Horizon, but we only know one song. I had to get to bed early, anyway — I had a 4:30 a.m. wake-up call on race day!
On Sunday night, with the race out of the way, I was ready to party!
To the 80s stage!
We were a little late, but got there with plenty of time to catch their hit song! I was really far away and maxing out my zoom, so that’s the best I could get for a photo.
We moved closer for the next band:
The emo guitarist (who most definitely was not part of the original band) was a bit distracting, since he didn’t really fit the look.
Also distracting? Well, actually, amusing? 80s girl:
I wonder if she just dressed this way for the show? But, she has an 80s-style asymmetrical haircut!
It was a good show!
Afterwards, my husband and I walked a couple blocks to an Irish pub and sat down at the bar. We chose the quieter side room (there was a band in the main area).
We were just talking, when a man wearing sunglasses walked into the bar and sat down next to us.
My husband turned to him and said, “Hey, Tommy, good show!”
Yes, Tommy of Tommy Tutone and his family (sister, brother-in-law, and nephew) had come to the bar following the performance.
Tommy was a nice, friendly guy; he asked our names, and remembered them throughout the night (well, a couple hours).
We chatted, drank, and attempted to play darts. (The bar didn’t have any!?! I guess you have to bring your own!)
The last song they performed was a cover of Blink 182’s “All the Small Things.” During the concert, my husband laughed. He figured they were covering Blink because Blink covered “Jenny.”
He asked Tommy about that, and Tommy said they covered it because they liked the song!
Anyway … we couldn’t leave without a photo with our new friend!
So while I missed the heart and soul of the 80’s due to elementary school that is still really freaking awesome.
That woman could walk down a street here and look almost fashionable! Well the long boots over jeans are very, very in anyway!
Check you out! How fun!