Tickets for June 7 now on sale; lineup includes Big Country, Tommy Tutone, Bow Wow Wow, Gene Loves Jezebel
Fans of ‘80s rock and new wave will have the chance to relive the music of an unforgettable era as The Totally 80’s Tour makes a stop at The Boardwalk on June 7, 2025. Presented by Michael Berton, the tour features a powerhouse lineup of Big Country, Tommy Tutone, Bow Wow Wow, and Gene Loves Jezebel—bands that graced the Billboard charts during the decade.
Scottish rock band Big Country rose to fame in the early ‘80s with their signature anthemic sound, blending rich guitar harmonies and evocative lyrics. Their debut album, The Crossing, was an international success, producing hits like “Fields of Fire,” “Chance,” and the iconic “In a Big Country.” The album’s success led to three Grammy nominations and solidified the band’s place in rock history.
Their momentum continued with albums like Steeltown and The Seer, which featured the UK chart-topping single “Look Away.” Over four decades later, Big Country remains a force on stage, delivering electrifying performances that transport fans back to their golden era.
Tommy Tutone brings classic power pop energy to the tour, best known for the 1981 smash hit “867-5309/Jenny,” which became a cultural phenomenon. The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the most recognizable tracks of the decade. Led by Tommy Heath, the band originally gained traction with their 1980 single “Angel Say No” and went on to tour with major acts like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Now, decades later, Tommy Tutone continues to perform with the same high-energy spirit that made them a household name.
Also joining the lineup is Gene Loves Jezebel, the British rock band formed by twin brothers Michael and Jay Aston. With roots in gothic rock and post-punk, the band found mainstream success in the mid-‘80s with albums like Discover, which produced hits such as “Heartache,” “Desire (Come and Get It),” and “The Motion of Love.” Their signature mix of new wave and alternative rock gained them a dedicated following in both the UK and the U.S. In 2023, Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel released their critically acclaimed album Love Death Sorrow, proving that their signature sound remains as dynamic as ever.
Rounding out the bill is Bow Wow Wow, the groundbreaking new wave band known for its Burundi-style drumming and the distinctive vocals of Annabella Lwin. Originally formed in 1980 by Malcolm McLaren after the breakup of the Sex Pistols, the band quickly made waves with their eclectic style.
Their best-known track, “I Want Candy,” became an instant classic and remains a staple of ‘80s pop culture. With a career spanning decades, Bow Wow Wow continues to bring their signature energy to live audiences, ensuring an unforgettable performance for fans at The Boardwalk.
The Totally 80’s Tour will take the stage at 8:00 p.m. on June 7,at The Boardwalk. To accommodate the high demand for this special event, additional seating is being added to the venue, but tickets are still expected to sell out quickly.
Located in Orangevale, The Boardwalk has been a historic fixture in the Sacramento music scene since 1987, originally founded by Mark Earl. The venue closed in early 2022 following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Earl’s passing in late 2020. Later that year, Derek Clark and Sara Green, owners of Palm Tree Brewing Company, stepped in to revive and revamp the space, equipping it with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems to create an immersive live music experience.
Under their leadership, The Boardwalk not only hosts national and up-and-coming artists but also operates with a commitment to giving back. All concert door profits are donated to local and regional nonprofits, reflecting Clark and Green’s dedication to the community. Their philanthropic efforts extend beyond the venue, with hundreds of thousands of dollars donated to organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation, Central Park Conservancy, Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank, and Save the American River Association.
Fans are encouraged to act fast when tickets go on sale March 31 to secure their spot at this nostalgic night of ‘80s rock and new wave. The Boardwalk is located at 9426 Greenback Lane, Orangevale, CA 95662. For ticket details and more information, visit rocktheboardwalk.com.
