Uncanny trio rocks on

THE 1980s saw Australian music come of age, and pubs, clubs and concert venues across the nation rocked.

Among the popular touring bands were Uncanny Xmen (Brian Mannix), Boom Crash Opera (Dale Ryder), and Kids in the Kitchen (Scott Carne).

It was an age that will be relived tomorrow at Redland Bay Hotel, when Mannix, Ryder, and Carne rock the stage again with a performance of all their big hits in one huge show.

The Uncanny X-Men was renowned for fantastic live shows, and with sales of more than half a million, a string of top 10 hits, plus the double platinum-selling album Cos Life Hurts, it was was one of Australia's biggest 80s bands.

Kids in the Kitchen was a household name in the 80s with the double platinum-selling debut album Shine plus five top ten singles.

The band also signed an international deal with Madonna's management and, with the release of the album Terrain, which delivered two top 20 hits, 'the Kids' toured the world and broke venue capacity records at all major Australian venues.

Boom Crash Opera's self-titled debut album quickly reached number five on the ARIA chart, its first single Great Wall hit number 1, and the album These Hear are Crazy Times became platinum-selling.

The band's song The Best Thing was recently in the charts again as a dance remix by Hook and Sling.

Scott said he, Brian and Dale were looking forward to visiting the Redlands.

"The 80s is who we are - we love it and so do our fans," he said.

"When we get out on the road playing shows it's a lot of fun.

"I never would have thought in the 80s that 25 years later I'd be on stage playing with Mannix and Ryder, (but) we are great friends."

Born from the sold-out Countdown Spectacular of 2006, Absolutely 80s will deliver two hours of epic 80s flashbacks.

Be sure to catch Absolutely 80s at Redland Bay Hotel, 160 Broadwater Terrace, tomorrow, Saturday, July 14.

Support band DVS will play live from 4pm, and Absolutely 80s from 5.30pm.

Entry is free.