80’s icon joins Big Country, Gene Loves Jezebel, Bow Wow Wow for Totally 80’s Tour at The Boardwalk

ORANGEVALE – Tommy Tutone may have found his calling into music history over four decades ago with one unforgettable phone number—but this week, he’s dialing in The Boardwalk. On Saturday, June 7, the Totally 80s Tour rolls into Orangevale’s iconic venue with a celebration of the decade that changed music the show also features Big Country, Gene Loves Jezebel, and Bow Wow Wow.

While many assume his last name is actually Tutone, he’s Tommy Heath who is the front man of Tommy Tutone and the voice forever linked to 867-5309/Jenny—the chart-climbing single that became an instant 1980s pop culture touchstone. Released in late 1981, the song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and thanks to the rise of MTV, it became an earworm that’s never really left the airwaves and made Tutone a household name. That name

Through the years, Heath has done numerous interviews surrounding the famed tune and in all of them he has cited that the fast paced success of Jenny transformed his life almost overnight. While the band had achieved modest traction with the single Angel Say No in 1980, it was Jenny—reportedly fueled by radio play, MTV rotation, and one famously catchy phone number—that cemented his legacy, at least far from home.

 “MTV was a big part of it,” Heath said. “I would be recognized on the street in Omaha, Nebraska. We were from San Francisco and didn’t get the time of day there. We’d get on a plane and fly to Texas and they’d literally have actual red carpets for me.”

The song’s lyrics sparked fascination from fans—and even some confusion. “Jenny and I think she’s real,” Heath has mused. “Jim and Alex [the co-writers] say she’s not. She did give me that number, and I did write it on the bathroom wall instead of giving it to Jim. But they claim that never happened.”

For years, the song became both a gift and a challenge. Heath never expected that people wouldn’t want to hear anything else. “I got so tired of going on and playing a bunch of songs, and you’d see people thinking, ‘None of these sound like Jenny, and I can’t tell if they’re any good,’ he has admitted. Despite the desire to do much more, his affection for the song never dimenished. “I love the song. In fact, I’m still learning from it today.

Heath has even recorded alternate versions over the years—including a swing remake—and has joked about once needing auto-tune software to recreate the charming imperfection of his original vocals. “When I do remakes, I can’t sing out of tune the way I did, so I recently had to use one of those ‘put yourself in tune’ things to put myself out of tune,” he says.

Though success branded him a “one-hit wonder,” Heath has noted a pretty actual fact when he says. “There aren’t many books on two-hit wonders,” He’s long come to terms with the title, and even embraces it. These days, when he hits the road—still playing 30 to 40 shows a year—he brings new music, storytelling, and even a memoir in progress. Along with those, of course is his beloved song.

“I’ve also started playing solo guitar now,” he shared. “I’ve become this old storyteller, and it seems like an area I could keep going on and playing, so that’s nice, too.”

Headlining the show,  alongside Heath is Scottish rock powerhouse Big Country, who carved out their own sonic identity in the 1980s with soaring guitar tones and Celtic influence. Their debut album The Crossing yielded the hits “In a Big Country,” “Fields of Fire,” and “Chance.” Known for simulating bagpipe sounds through layered guitars, the band helped define a more anthemic side of rock during the era. With the passing of original frontman Stuart Adamson, the group continues to tour with Bruce Watson and Mark Brzezicki, keeping the spirit and sound of Big Country alive for longtime fans.

Also performing is British glam-goth outfit Gene Loves Jezebel, led by twin brothers Michael and Jay Aston. The band broke through with atmospheric tracks like “Heartache” and “Desire (Come and Get It),” merging post-punk mood with radio-friendly melodies. They became fixtures of the alt-rock scene in the mid-80s and remain fan favorites for their theatrical sound.

Wrapping up the night’s lineup is Bow Wow Wow, known for their tribal drumming, infectious beats, and colorful new wave flair. Their biggest hit, “I Want Candy,” is still a staple of retro playlists and commercials. The band’s fusion of punk roots with global percussion and pop made them truly ahead of their time—and a perfect addition to this night of throwback energy.

The Totally 80s Tour at The Boardwalk is looking to be more than just a concert—it’s expected to be a portal back to a time when music videos ruled, cassette tapes lived in car dashboards, and phone numbers became legends. For Tommy Heath, the tour is a chance to share a piece of that history in person, with the fans who’ve kept Jenny’s number in their heads for over 40 years. If you haven’t been one of those people, you likely have it in your head after reading this.

The show starts at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7 at The Boardwalk in Orangevale. The all-ages event is expected to sell out by showtime but limited tickets are currently still available. Additional seating has been added, but availability remains limited.Tickets and more details are available at www.rocktheboardwalk.com.

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