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You Must Suffer and Cry for a Longer Time: Best of the Aging ’80s Alternative Rockers (and Elmo, Too)

By Cindy Davis | Posted Under Seriously Random Lists | Comments (33)



colbert-elvis-2010-2 (1).jpg

Lately, there seem to be as many ’80s acts out on the road as there were in that decade itself. In particular, a lot of New Wave, Synth and Alternative Rock bands (some of whom have never stopped making music and/or touring), have put out new CDs out and gone on tour, with plenty of acts selling out venues. And you know what—some of them don’t look half bad. I give them credit—after this many years in the business—a musician’s life isn’t all about groupies, sex and drugs. These people didn’t get their careers handed to them after an appearance on a reality show or a YouTube video gone viral, they’re (some of) the old schoolers who scraped and scrambled for every dime they’ve gotten. A lot of them have been doing this for upwards of thirty years and they’re still traveling, putting out new music and maybe just learning the art of self promotion; the way the industry has evolved, many bands/artists have only themselves to rely on to get their music to the masses.


Andy Bell, 47; Vince Clarke, 51 (Erasure):

Erasure-2011.jpg

Dave Wakeling (The English Beat), 55:

wakeling.jpg

Peter Murphy, (Solo and Bauhaus) 54:

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Simon Le Bon, 52; Nick Rhodes, 49; John Taylor, 51; Roger Taylor, 51 (Duran Duran):

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Elvis Costello, 57:

elvis_costello_1.jpg

Curt Smith, 50; Roland Orzabal, 50 (Tears for Fears):

Tears_For_Fears.jpg

Stephen Perkins, 44; Perry Farrell, 52; Dave Navarro, 44 (Jane’s Addiction):

janesa.jpg

Howard Jones, 56:

Howard Jones.jpg

Joanne Catherall, 49; Philip Oakey, 56; Susan Ann Sulley, 48 (The Human League):

HumanLeague_.jpg

Morrissey, 52 (Solo and The Smiths):

Morrissey_.jpg

Cindy Davis is still in love with Morrissey .










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Comments

poor poor human league

Posted by: gp at October 20, 2011 3:11 PM

On behalf of us oldsters everywhere, bless you!!

Posted by: NeoCleo at October 20, 2011 3:12 PM

Morrissey looks like the most fabulous Member of Parliament in history.

Posted by: Alabaster Salamander at October 20, 2011 3:13 PM

Elvis and Elmo just made a dull day at work bearable. Thanks!

Posted by: PDamian at October 20, 2011 3:17 PM

The sad thing is not that I was around back then but how surprised I am that some of them have lived this long...

Posted by: cinekat at October 20, 2011 3:28 PM

I had to look up Human League. Came across this picture & realized how easily it could be mistaken as a recent photograph. The 80s are indeed alive in 2011. I actually bought 5 skinny ties today.

Posted by: the new transported man at October 20, 2011 3:34 PM

What, no Sonic Youth? All those guys were still both looking and sounding good last time I checked.

Posted by: TheFelonWind at October 20, 2011 3:37 PM

I;ve seen Dave Wakeling about 10 times in small clubs in the past several years and that bastard NEVER comes on stage until 2-3 hours AFTER he is supposed to. It's like a joke...on me. I never learn. NeverEverNever.

Posted by: klingonfree at October 20, 2011 3:40 PM

John Doe! He's been writing FANTASTIC stuff these past years.

Posted by: sars at October 20, 2011 4:00 PM

I'd like to put in a vote for Thomas Dolby, 53. Has a new album coming out and is fit! Here's a pic:
http://www.billboard.com/photos/stylus/107133-Thomas_dolby_617_409.jpg

Posted by: Jen at October 20, 2011 4:14 PM

And John Valby is playing live tomorrow night.

What? He's the right time frame.

Posted by: BierceAmbrose at October 20, 2011 4:16 PM

We caught that Guitar Center performance of Jane Says just by channel surfing. Thanks for posting it here!

Posted by: mswas at October 20, 2011 4:26 PM

You just had to bring up the Elmo incident.

Posted by: Jay at October 20, 2011 4:38 PM

Mark Mothersbaugh keeps busy.

hmm, maybe not exactly the angle this post was aiming at.

Posted by: idleprimate at October 20, 2011 4:40 PM

I fucking LOVE Jane's Addiction.

Posted by: A-schaef at October 20, 2011 5:16 PM

Elvis Costello is still making new people, in fact. In Canada, even.

Posted by: Jerry at October 20, 2011 5:27 PM

No Crowded House? My imaginary boyfriend Neil Finn is a genius! And still looking yummy.

Posted by: Lemon Poundcake at October 20, 2011 5:40 PM

Good call on Crowded House. One of the most underrated bands of the 80's and 90's

Posted by: Chester at October 20, 2011 5:47 PM

Elvis Costello started in the early 70s, and most of his most famous songs ("Allison," "Watching the Detectives," etc.) are all from the 70s.

Also, since the Colbert Christmas special, he has a lifetime pass from me to do whatever the hell he wants.

/rant

Posted by: ChristianH at October 20, 2011 5:53 PM

Oh, and Jane's Addiction's new single couldn't suck any harder.

Posted by: ChristianH at October 20, 2011 5:59 PM

Must add Blondie to the list. I saw them live last month and at 66 Debbie Harry can still bring it.

Posted by: Phil H at October 20, 2011 6:35 PM

It's "Alison".

"Allison" is a Pixies song.

"My Aim Is True" was released in 1977.

Posted by: Jay at October 20, 2011 7:41 PM

Oooh, snarky Jay!

Posted by: frank _247 at October 20, 2011 8:14 PM

Too bad Morrissey is kind of an asshole though. At least he seems to be. Ever followed him on Twitter? Don't ruin your day...

Posted by: Drea at October 20, 2011 9:31 PM

Going to see '80s refugees Matthew Sweet and James McMurtry on Sunday (with Jason Isbell -- Mountain Stage, y'all -- who only writes songs like he's old). They're looking a little rough these days, so if you want images, you'll have to find them your ownselves.

Posted by: , at October 21, 2011 12:50 AM

No one commenting about how great Perry Ferrell sounds. Pretty awesome. Lotta stars start to lose it in their 50s but I can't tell with him.

Posted by: gunnertec at October 21, 2011 8:42 AM

We saw Howard Jones a few years ago. He was gracious, generous, talented and incredibly funny. He said, "You don't really know me. I don't really know you. But we're connected by a song-my song - that was Playing during the best? The worst? Moments of your lives. Favorite of your dead best friend? Me too. We're old, old friends."
And he was tres chaud.


Posted by: Agogagogo at October 21, 2011 10:07 AM

frank_247:

Jay was being kind. I have seen him eviscerate commenters for lesser offenses. You DO NOT mess with Jay when it comes to '80s alternative music. And I love him for that. We all need a flame-keeper.

Also missing from the list and still touring and delivering great energetic live shows:

Echo and The Bunnymen
Psychedelic Furs
Billy Bragg

And if anyone of you dares to dis on The Bunnymen, I will sic Jay on you.

Posted by: PaddyDog at October 21, 2011 10:54 AM

As a straight man, I must say that Morrissey is a gorgeous being.
Also, Tears for Fears: both guys look like they're in their 30s.

Posted by: adam at October 21, 2011 12:01 PM

The Chauffeur is still gorgeous.

Spandau Ballet re-united - still sounds good, tho Tony (beautiful beautiful Tony) ballooned up a bit. LOVE anyway.

Posted by: ChickaBoom! at October 21, 2011 12:24 PM

I'll tell you why
I'll tell you why
I'll tell you why
but you wouldn't believe me

Damn it. Now look what you've done.

Posted by: Brian at October 21, 2011 1:23 PM

Simon LeBon.....nuff said

Posted by: jessididla at October 21, 2011 3:26 PM

I've seen Peter Murphy live recently and that picture is very kind to him. Unless he had some work done in the past few years, that picture makes liberal use of photoshop. Still has that voice though, damn. That amazing voice is why I'm going to see his show in November, despite the fact that I'm unsure whether or not it will be any good. Depends on whether or not he leaves his jerkface attitude backstage.

Posted by: stardust at October 23, 2011 7:41 AM