News

Pop Goes The Eighties For Mencap

• 26th Apr 2010

The cream of the 80’s crop are set to gather at the IndigO2 on 13th May for Our Friends Acoustic, a very special, one-off concert in aid of learning disability charity, Mencap. Hosted by 80’s legend, Nik Kershaw and featuring Andy Bell (Erasure), Jimmy Somerville (Bronski Beat and The Communards), Howard Jones, China Crisis, Carol Decker (T’Pau) and Steve Strange (Visage) the night promises to be one to remember as each artist will perform acoustic, stripped back versions of their greatest hits.

This unique evening of music proves that the 80’s may be the decade that fashion forgot but when it comes to great music, its the decade that can’t be beaten! The Our Friends Acoustic audience will be treated to a totally new take on some of the best songs ever written – whether it’s China In Your Hand, Fade To Grey, Blue Savannah or Smalltown Boy, all these classic tracks will be given a contemporary twist to bring them bang up date.

From the team behind the highly acclaimed Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions, this exclusive event is set to breathe new life into all things eighties, making the inaugural Our Friends Acoustic heads and shoulder pads above everything else!

Nik Kershaw says: “Our Friends Acoustic promises to be an exciting reunion with friends and fans and will be helping raise money for Mencap, which we all know is a great cause. It’s a one-off concert so everyone who loves music should get their tickets before they sell out”.

Carol Decker adds: “With so much talent coming together to raise money for the learning disability charity, Mencap, you know you can’t afford to miss out!”

Andy Bell has enjoyed phenomenal success with the synth-soaked Erasure. With hits including I Love To Hate You, Sometimes and the anthemic A Little Respect, the crowd is sure to be in Oh L’amour as Andy takes to the stage.

When it comes to songs that define a decade, Jimmy Somerville can’t be beaten, whether it’s the bell clear melodies of You Are My World, or the disco inspired You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real), Mr. Somerville can hit the high notes like no one else.

Taking on the duel responsibilities of both host and performer, Nik Kershaw was an absolute 80’s heart throb! It wasn’t all about his looks though, as he enjoyed worldwide success with hits including Wouldn’t It Be Good and The Riddle and will be bringing his brand of eighties rock to the Indigo2.

Howard Jones penned some of the most thought provoking and meaningful tracks of any decade. From New Song to Like To Get To Know You Well, every song had a message that audiences took to their hearts. Known for his exceptional acoustic performances, Howard will be right at home performing at Our Friends Acoustic.

Also on the bill are the incomparable China Crisis who dominated the US charts throughout the eighties. A brilliant mix of new wave and post punk, the band are making sure it isn’t just Wishful Thinking that they’re part of this unique night of music in aid of learning disability charity, Mencap.

The flame haired beauty who fronted T’Pau, Carol Decker, will be bringing her soul soaked vocals to the gig, giving the evening its Heart and Soul. Her track, China In Your Hands was a defining musical moment in the eighties and continues to be hit with audiences over twenty years on, making her appearance at Our Friends Acoustic an absolute must see.

The line-up wouldn’t be complete without Steve Strange who kick-started a whole new era of sound with his band Visage. He had the complete package, the look, the voice, the style and was de rigueur for anyone who aspired to be cool….. Mr. Strange continues to have that same cachet today!

Tickets for this not to be missed acoustic extravaganza are on sale now from link / 0844 844 0002. Tickets are priced at £25 and £50 VIP (which includes admission to a very special 80’s after show party). For more details visit link

Mencap supports the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK and their families and carers. Mencap fights to change laws and improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities, supporting thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want.