By Luke Voogt
“Weekend warriors” of rock Absolutely ’80s will return to Geelong Friday, blinged-up and ready to roll.
The band features an all-star line-up of ’80s rockers including Brian Mannix (Uncanny Xmen), Dale Ryder (Boom Crash Opera) and Scott Carne (Kids in the Kitchen).
“We’re here to help people get in the time machine,” Carne told the Indy last Friday.
“It’s all about bringing out the crazy teenager in them all again.
“We’re looking forward to getting to the pub, smashing out some hits and having some fun.”
Absolutely ’80s formed in 2006 from the remnants of iconic Australian ’80s bands during a revival of the famed Count Down TV music show.
“Brian and I had such a fun time doing that so we’d thought do a bit of a super group,” Carne said.
“None of us ever thought we’d be in this position now – a lot of us have been in this band more than our original bands combined.”
After decades of performing Carne and his band mates are addicted to the rock-star lifestyle.
“If I sit around too many weekends at home I get a bit edgy,” he said.
“It’s kind of our version of golf – if we didn’t have it we would probably go crazy.”
But while their shows are just as “high energy” their schedule is not as packed as it was in the ’80s, Carne said.
“Back then you were just worked to the bone. You didn’t question it – we were happy to do it – but it was burning us out.”
“Now we do a Friday night show, then a Saturday night show and then we’re ready for a body bag.”
The band members have gone from being rivals to best mates, or as Carne put it:
“Back in the ’80s we couldn’t stand each other because we were playing for the other football team – now we’re more like a retired league.”
“There’s lots of people who were fans of Brian’s but not fans of mine who now are, and vice-versa, because of this show.”
The ’80s icons are a bit older and wiser, but also more fun, Carne said.
“None of us are pretentious now – I think that’s what getting older does to you.”
“We’re not the young insects we once were in the day, when we serious about our careers and a bit self-important.”
The band will play their “’80s jukebox” of rock at the Gateway Hotel Friday night.
“We pay tribute to a couple of fallen comrades, whether it’s George Michaels, Prince or INXS,” Carne said.
“It’s a fun show – we always change it up a bit.”
