Electric Avenue brings “The 80s MTV Experience” to the MAC Oct. 26

The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) presents Electric Avenue: “The 80s MTV Experience,” a full concert flashback to 1980s New Wave and Radio Pop and the era of big hair, Pac-Man and Tetris, fashion sweat bands, shoulder pads and cruising the mall. The experienced band members of Electric Avenue recreate every nuance of some of the era’s biggest hits. Previous concert set lists have included George Michael’s “Faith,” Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Simple Minds’ “Don’t You Forget About Me,” Talking Heads “Burning Down the House” and more.

Sharing stages with icons like Pat Benatar and collaborating with legends such as Lionel Richie and Paul Simon, Electric Avenue epitomizes the essence of ‘80s music culture. From humble beginnings as a one-off gig in 2012 to more than 100 shows annually worldwide, their dedication to authenticity, using vintage synthesizers and rare signal processors, has garnered acclaim.

The members of the band are as follows:
• Founding member and keyboardist/vocalist Eric Frampton. He has toured with acclaimed artists including B-52s, Boston, Lionel Richie, and Paul Simon, among many others. Frampton has also co-written six musicals and produced commercial music for Cartoon Network and the Atlantic Braves.
• Drummer Will Groth. Drummer for Electric Avenue since 2016, he has toured and collaborated with a variety of well-known artists in different music genres such as the country music’s Zac Brown Band, rock, pop, jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair and jazz guitarist Grant Green, Jr.
• Founding member and lead guitarist/vocalist Shannon Pengelly. He has contributed to notable recordings including Boyz II Men, “II,” which achieved multi-platinum status 12 times.
• Founding member and lead vocalist/guitarist Kevin Spencer. Spencer has composed, arranged, and produced 100+ jingles for US-based corporations. He has also appeared in “The X-Files” and “The Chris Isaak Show,” and spent five years solely working for landmark producer/master musician Daniel Lanois (U2, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan).
• Founding member and bassist/vocalist Tom Young. He has taken part in recordings such as Candi Staton’s “Young Hearts Run Free” 2006 re-record, and William Bell’s “This Is Where I Live.” He has also worked with famous artists including British singer, songwriter and producer Julie Dexter and jazz-punk pioneer Roy Ayers.

The McAninch Arts Center, located on the campus of College of DuPage at 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, Ill., presents Electric Avenue: “The 80s MTV Experience” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Tickets are $46-$57. For tickets visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630.942.4000. The McAninch Box Office is open Tuesday – Saturday, noon – 6 p.m. and two hours prior to performance.