If you came of age in the 80’s, you know the song “Only The Lonely.” The smash hit song sent hopeless romantics into a fury every time a Rock Jock spun the #9 single over the airwaves. This song got some serious airtime, and was followed by another hit single, “Suddenly Last Summer,” the next year getting the same treatment. The Motels, fronted by the sexy and sultry Martha Davis, became a household name throughout the 80’s. Tonight, they headline the “Back to the 80’s” evening, the first night, of the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine festival.
The evening began with other notable 80’ pop-stars, echoing the early beginnings of digital music and drum triggers throughout the valley. Martha and The [NEW] Motels took the stage, as ready as ever, as the crowd was already at full capacity. We could tell the band they were here to see. Screaming and excited fans rushed to the front to see their childhood idol live and in the flesh. The Motels performed the hits everyone knew as well as some more recent tunes from her solo career. Interestingly, this current iteration of The Motels has been touring together longer than the first group was together. That means they might’ve just found their groove.
Fresh off of a release of a 27-song collection titled “If Not Now, Then When,” The Motels are now touring while getting ready to release a new album. Throughout the years, this band has changed their name, their backline, and even their style. This current form, going simply by The Motels, is very different from the original, and many would say better. Check out the 2-CD set “If Not Now, Then When” to whet your appetite for the new stuff.
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