Rewind the Walkman
Charleston, West Virginia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2023 | SELF
Music
Press
Walking down Kanawha Boulevard in Charleston on a frigid Saturday night in February, I turn the corner to Capitol Street headed to my destination.
At The Blue Parrot, it’s the debut show of “Rewind the Walkman,” a Gen X project celebrating our favorite pop songs from the ’80s. The band consists of Justin Johnson on vocals, Jamie Skeen on bass, Chad Fisher on guitar and Nathan Shrewsbury on drums.
I showed up a little early to soak in the scene. The bar was already on its way to being packed. Charleston was ready for this show. The stage was already set. The band had already sound checked and went elsewhere to perform their pre-show rituals.
Ozzy Osbourne and Guns n’ Roses stare at me from the mural on the wall. A perfect backdrop for this performance.
By the time the opener got ready, the bar was packed. PD Bird and Lip Beats were an acoustic duo performing iconic ‘80s tracks. PD dressed in a long purple jacket ala Prince via Dave Chappelle. LB was decked out in a blue jean jacket with patches and a mullet wig. Rewind the Walkman koozies and slap bracelets added to the mood of the night.
What started out as a project between some friends that would get together and do some covers to make videos and put on YouTube developed into a live show. The band’s commitment to the 80s extends beyond the stage. Their music videos are meticulously crafted visual throwbacks, iconic locations, and even special effects reminiscent of the era. For instance, they even got a DeLorean in one of the videos and filmed one of the videos at Sissonville High School, which most of them attended.
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Their recent debut at The Blue Parrot was a testament to their dedication, transporting the audience back to a time of big hair, MTV, and infectious melodies.
With a full year of promotion through the YouTube videos this debut show quickly sold out. Much to the pleasure and surprise of the band.
Rewind the Walkman hit the stage a little past 10 p.m. The show started with an audio collage of different ‘80s themes including the A-Team, Top Gun and several other movie themes to bring us in the mood. The band nailed every song, the mix was great, they hit songs like Eddie Money’s “Take Me Home Tonight.” Kenny Loggins “Danger Zone” and Huey Lewis and the News “Power of Love” and many many more. The crowd was pumped and audience participation was at an all-time high. Justin having a wireless mic singing to and with the crowd off the stage for much of the show. The rest of the band on stage nailing every note. After the first song the door man yelled to the singer. “We had to shut the door down, we are sold out!”
Whether you’re a seasoned 80s fanatic or simply appreciate good music with nostalgia, Rewind the Walkman is a band you won’t want to miss. Their upcoming shows promise to be high-energy celebrations of a decade that continues to hold a special place in our hearts.
Find Rewind the Walkman on Facebook. - Coal Valley Press
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
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Bio
Rewind the Walkman is a dynamic and energetic band that takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through the iconic sounds of the 80s and 90s. With their passion for delivering high-octane cover music, Rewind the Walkman has become a name that music lovers of all generations recognize and love.
Drawing inspiration from legendary artists such as Bryan Adams, Def Leppard, Phil Collins, George Michael, and Peter Gabriel, Rewind the Walkman has developed a signature style that pays homage to the timeless classics while infusing their own unique energy. Their renditions are characterized by infectious melodies, powerful vocals, and electric guitar solos that transport listeners back to the golden era of music.
The band's rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. Rewind the Walkman made an unforgettable impact with their very first show, which sold out to a roaring crowd. This initial success propelled them into the spotlight, and they soon found themselves embraced by an enthusiastic and devoted fan base.
Rewind the Walkman's popularity has only continued to grow thanks to their captivating presence on social media. Their viral videos have captured the hearts of millions, attracting widespread attention and admiration for their exceptional talent. Their ability to seamlessly recreate the magic of the original tracks while infusing them with a fresh and modern twist has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Recognized for their outstanding performances, Rewind the Walkman was selected to play Charleston's premier summer concert series, Live on the Levee. This prestigious opportunity allowed the band to showcase their captivating live show to a diverse and passionate audience, further solidifying their reputation as one of the most exciting acts on the scene.
Currently, Rewind the Walkman is focused on their Summer Tour, where they aim to bring their electrifying performances to fans across the country. Additionally, the band is devoting their time to recording new music and creating more captivating videos to share with their ever-growing fan base.
With their infectious energy, undeniable talent, and a deep respect for the music that influenced them, Rewind the Walkman continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression wherever they go. As they pave their way towards musical greatness, there's no doubt that this remarkable band will continue to make waves in the music industry for years to come.
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