The House of Blues Anaheim transformed into a time capsule last week as three pioneering female-fronted bands from the ‘80s new wave scene delivered a master class in musical nostalgia.
The triple bill featuring Bow Wow Wow Band, Missing Persons, and The Motels reminded the packed venue why these acts remain influential decades after their initial chart success.
The evening kicked off with Bow Wow Wow Band, led by original bassist Leigh Gorman. For fans expecting original vocalist Annabella Lwin, some clarification might be needed – there are currently two touring versions of the band. This incarnation features Gorman (who also played with Adam and the Ants) alongside vocalist Dame Madelyn, drummer Michael Collins, and guitarist Matt Fuller.
Any initial skepticism from the crowd quickly melted away as the band launched into “Aphrodisiac.” Dame Madelyn proved a compelling front-woman, bringing her own energy to the material while respecting the band’s signature sound.
The tribal-influenced rhythm section of Gorman and Collins formed the backbone of each track, particularly on “Orangutang” and “Go Wild in the Country,” where the interplay between bass and drums showcased why the band’s sound was so distinctive in the early ‘80s MTV landscape.
By the time they hit their cover of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” the audience was fully on board, singing along to every word. The inevitable closer “I Want Candy” had the crowd bouncing as if it were 1982 all over again, with Gorman’s distinctive bass line driving the party atmosphere.
As stage crews reset for Missing Persons, anticipation built for Dale Bozzio, whose distinctive voice and persona helped define the visual aesthetic of early MTV.
At 70 years old (as she proudly announced her recent birthday to cheers from the crowd), Bozzio remains a captivating performer, her platinum hair calling back to the band’s heyday while her voice has lost remarkably little of its range and character.
The set opened with “Mental Hopscotch,” immediately showcasing the technical proficiency of the band. What stands out about Missing Persons in a live setting is how their studio sound – filled with complex arrangements and unexpected tempo shifts – translates so effectively to the stage. “Noticeable One” and “Words” highlighted this musical complexity while remaining danceable crowd-pleasers.
Between songs, Bozzio engaged warmly with fans, even pausing to sign an album someone held up from the crowd.
This wasn’t just a performance but a genuine connection between artist and audience. When she mentioned her recent 70th birthday, her gratitude for still being able to perform was palpable and met with enthusiastic applause.
By the time the band closed with their one-two punch of “Destination Unknown” and “Walking in L.A.,” the House of Blues was fully transported to the glory days of Southern California new wave.
The latter track, with its ironic take on Los Angeles culture, felt particularly resonant performed so close to its geographical inspiration.
After two strong opening acts, The Motels had a high bar to clear as headliners – and front-woman Martha Davis proved more than up to the challenge. From the moment she took the stage for opener “Dressing Up,” it was clear why she remains one of the most respected vocalists of her era. Her voice – rich, emotive – carried each song with the same intensity that made the band’s records so compelling.
Midway through the set, Davis shared that this was her first show playing guitar since a wrist injury caused by her horse.
You wouldn’t have known it from her confident performance, particularly on deeper cuts like “People, Places and Things” and “So L.A.” that benefited from her rhythmic playing.
What made The Motels’ set particularly impressive was its scope. At 18 songs, it served as both a greatest hits collection and a journey through album tracks familiar mainly to dedicated fans. “Suddenly Last Summer” and “Take the L” had the expected impact, but equally compelling were less-frequently performed tracks like “Counting” and “Danger.”
By the time they reached the emotional one-two punch of “Total Control” and “Only the Lonely,” Davis had the audience completely in her thrall. Her voice conveyed the longing and alienation these songs require, reminding everyone present why The Motels were never just another new wave band but rather sophisticated musical storytellers with Davis as their beating heart.
The night represented more than just nostalgic entertainment. It demonstrated how these pioneering women helped shape alternative music through distinctive vocals, innovative songwriting, and strong stage presence long before female-fronted bands became commonplace.
Bozzio and Davis in particular blazed trails that countless artists have followed since.
What’s remarkable is how fresh the music remains. These weren’t museum pieces being dutifully recreated but living songs performed with conviction by artists still connected to their material. The packed House of Blues crowd – spanning multiple generations – responded accordingly, singing along to hits and deep cuts alike.
As the final notes of The Motels’ “Tipping Point” faded, what lingered wasn’t just appreciation for a well-executed concert but recognition of the lasting impact these artists have had on alternative music. In an era when many legacy acts tour on autopilot, Bow Wow Wow Band, Missing Persons, and The Motels demonstrated that the spirit of new wave innovation continues to thrive when placed in capable hands.
