Frontman Mike Score talks with Folsom Times about ’80s greatness, longevity, and playing the intimate Helwig Winery stage

PLYMOUTH – Get ready for a blast of ’80s synth-pop nostalgia that will have you running—not so far away—to the nearby Shenandoah Valley. Flock of Seagulls is set to land at Helwig Winery’s picturesque amphitheater this weekend, bringing their iconic sound to the rolling hills of Amador County wine country for a night of timeless hits under the stars.

The iconic ’80s new wave band Flock of Seagulls will officially kick off the summer concert series at Helwig Winery in Plymouth this Sunday, bringing their iconic signature sound to the scenic Amador County venue. Known for their atmospheric synths, soaring guitar riffs, and timeless hits like “I Ran (So Far Away),” “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You),” and “Space Age Love Song,” the band will be the first of several nationally known acts to perform at the winery’s amphitheater this season. 

For Flock of Seagulls founding front man Mike Score, performing at an intimate venue like Helwig Winery offers a unique opportunity to connect with fans in ways larger arenas often don’t allow. Folsom Times caught up with Score to talk about this, the band’s past, present and Sunday’s show.

“The good thing with smaller shows is that, you know, you’re not restricted. The fans are there to see you. You can go out and talk to them,” Score said. “At some of the bigger shows, you’re basically restricted to backstage. They don’t like you going out and mingling because I guess their insurance or something doesn’t cover that. But at smaller shows, maybe 20 or 30 people will hang around to meet you. That’s fun. That kind of makes it—you’re in with your crowd then.”

Score, now 72, reflected on the band’s enduring appeal and the unique sound that catapulted them to fame in the early 1980s. It was three key songs that shot up the charts back then and today, are still some of the bands most played tracks.

“I think what helped us was that we still used lead guitar and we used atmospherics,” he explained. “We were into different things and balancing the atmospherics of using the synths. And yet we were into dance music, which was also, you know, the big beat and the heavy bass lines.”

A Flock of Seagulls was one of the prime movers of the ’80s new wave era, growing out of the synth-heavy and ruthlessly stylish new romantic movement. Score, a former hairdresser, formed the band in Liverpool in 1980 with his brother Ali (drums), fellow hairdresser Frank Maudsley (bass), and guitarist Paul Reynolds. Their debut EP, released on Bill Nelson’s Cocteau Records in 1981, included “Telecommunication,” an underground hit in Euro-disco and new wave clubs.

Later that year, the band signed with Jive Records, and their self-titled debut album was released in 1982. The first single, “I Ran (So Far Away),” gained widespread attention thanks to heavy rotation on MTV, driven by its sleek, futuristic video—and Score’s now-famous gravity-defying hairstyle. The track soared into the U.S. Top Ten and launched the band into international prominence. While “I Ran” didn’t crack the Top 40 in the UK, their follow-up single “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)” became a Top 10 hit there and made it to the U.S. Top 40 in 1983.

That combination of influences helped Flock of Seagulls stand out during a time when individuality was celebrated in the music industry.

“In the ’80s, it was just an atmosphere around, and if you had an individual sound, people liked that. They were like, ‘I know who that band is. I can tell by their sound,’” Score said.

The band’s hits, including “I Ran,” remain staples of ’80s playlists and continue to resonate with fans across generations. While “I Ran” is widely recognized as their very well known radio hit, Score revealed that hardcore fans often gravitate toward deeper cuts like “Space Age Love Song.”

“For the real fans, the ones that get into it deeply, I think ‘Space Age’ is probably a more emotive song,” Score said.

Flock of Seagulls’ performance at Helwig Winery will not only feature their classic hits but also selections from their latest album, Some Dreams, which was released in December. The album marks the band’s first collection of entirely new material in decades, a project Score largely recorded at home before collaborating with producers in Los Angeles and Europe.

“This is the first one that’s totally, totally new music, new songs,” Score said. “I recorded most of mine at home, took it to L.A., finished it out there, and then a European producer, he remixed it and that’s how it went out.”

Despite the advances in recording technology, Score acknowledged how dramatically the art of producing music has changed over the years. He noted that his home studio now includes equipment that would have cost millions just two decades ago. While he enjoys access to high-end gear like professional compressors that were once out of reach, he emphasized that knowing how to use the technology remains essential. Fortunately, his early experience recording in major studios during the 1980s gave him the hands-on training that he uses today.

When asked about the reception to the new album, Score shared that fans have been enthusiastic.

“It’s had great reviews, he said. “For a lot of people, it’s kind of a hard thing to say, but the art of producing a record properly has changed. We managed to produce this well and maintain our sound true to how it has always been.”

After their early success with albums like Listen (1983) and The Story of a Young Heart (1984)—which featured the minor hit “The More You Live, The More You Love”—guitarist Paul Reynolds left the band. Mike and Ali moved to the U.S., eventually settling in Pennsylvania. Their next album, Dream Come True, was released in 1986, and as bandmates departed, Mike Score carried on the project solo, releasing The Light at the End of the World in 1995.

While the original lineup drifted apart, A Flock of Seagulls never officially disbanded. Mike continued to tour with session musicians, and the band’s cultural impact quietly grew over the years, with references appearing in shows like Friends, video games like Grand Theft Auto, and films such as Pulp Fiction, The Wedding Singer, and X-Men. These moments helped introduce a whole new generation to the band’s music and iconic image.

In 2003, the original members reunited for a one-off performance on VH1’s Bands Reunited. A brief tour followed in 2004, and by 2018, the original lineup returned to the studio for Ascension, a symphonic reimagining of their hits recorded with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 2024, Score released Some Dreams, the band’s sixth studio album and first in over 19 years. Featuring all-new compositions, the album demonstrated that, even at 71, Score’s songwriting remains fresh and inspired.

The band’s setlist at Helwig Winery will feature a mix of their career-defining hits, deeper cuts, and tracks from the new album.

“It’s a mixture. It’s a bit of a deep dive,” Score said. “We do a few songs maybe that fans wouldn’t expect us to do live. Of course, we finish with the big hits, you know, and we play some of the new album. The show’s about an hour and a half long, and it’s a really good mix of our career.”

Score, who has been performing for more than 45 years, said he still finds joy in playing live.

“Even now, when we’re playing live, we hit certain things and I just go, ‘Wow, I remember that from 45 years ago.’ I remember doing that in rehearsal and it having the same effect,” he said. “Playing live is almost the most exciting thing you can do in a band.”

For Score, music remains a passion and a focus, even as he approaches his eighth decade.

“Writing new songs—it’s hard not to,” he admitted. “I’m starting to write the next album. I’ve got a bunch of songs that I’ve written, and I’m starting to sort through them to pick out the next bunch that I’ll work on. I think probably by next summer there’ll be another album out because this one we have now is doing really well.”

While Score has seen the music industry evolve dramatically over the decades, he remains grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing his music with fans.

“I’ve been doing it 45 years. I can still go out. I still enjoy playing live,” he said. 

Sunday’s concert at Helwig Winery promises to be a memorable evening, blending nostalgia with fresh material in a picturesque setting. For fans of Flock of Seagulls and ’80s music, it’s an event not to be missed.

There are still tickets available for Saturday’s concert for those who act quickly. General admission tickets are $75 for amphitheater seating, while VIP tickets and overlook table seating are $175 and can be purchased at www.helwigwinery.com. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and the event will conclude by 10 p.m.

More Music to Come at Helwig Winery This Summer

Flock of Seagulls is just the beginning of a summer filled with music, wine, and community at Helwig Winery. The winery’s 2024 summer concert series, sponsored by Pinnacle Emergency Management, will feature six evenings of live performances beneath the stars, with each event set against the rolling hills of Amador County.

“Summer is the perfect time to unwind with friends and family, and what better way to enjoy the season than with a glass of our award-winning wine in hand and live music under the stars,” said Dave Helwig, owner of Helwig Winery. “We’re thrilled to welcome these legendary bands to our winery and bring the community together to experience unforgettable performances in an intimate and unbeatable setting.”

Following Sunday’s kickoff, the series continues on Saturday, June 21, with Pablo Cruise, known for their laid-back California sound and hits like “Watcha Gonna Do” and “Love Will Find a Way.” On Saturday, July 12, Girl Named Tom—winners of Season 21 of The Voice—take the stage, bringing sibling harmonies and a fusion of folk, pop, and country to the vineyard.

Asia, featuring John Payne, will perform on Friday, August 15, delivering progressive rock favorites such as “Heat of the Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell.” On Saturday, September 6, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas brings arena-sized anthems like “We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” to life in the intimate amphitheater setting.

The series closes on Saturday, October 18, with special guest DJ Frank Zummo of Sum 41. Known for his energetic sets and punk-pop roots, Zummo’s performance promises a dynamic end to the season.

Gates open at 6 p.m. for all events. Off the Vine Catering will be onsite with food options, while Cowabunga Ice Cream Truck will help beat the heat with frozen treats. Guests can also enjoy a 360-degree photo booth hosted by Audacy Radio to capture the night’s memories.

Tickets vary per show and are available at www.helwigwinery.com. VIP upgrades, show openers, and meet-and-greet opportunities are also available.

From the first guitar riff to the last encore, Helwig Winery’s amphitheater offers the ultimate blend of music, views, and vino to make this summer unforgettable.

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