Eighties legends added to Singapore music line-up 25 Apr 2012
Music fans attending September’s 2012 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix will be able to relive some of the greatest hits of the 1980s at a series of free concerts featuring three of the era’s most celebrated performers. Bananarama, Pretenders and The Proclaimers have been added to the entertainment line-up for Formula One racing’s only night time event, joining the already-confirmed Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Jay Chou on the bill at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Bananarama have clocked up a cool 30 million record sales during an illustrious 33-year career, and have even surpassed The Supremes as the female group with the most chart entries. Formed in 1979, the UK duo of Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward have enjoyed endless hits, including ‘Robert De Niro’s Waiting’, ‘Venus’, ‘Cruel Summer’, ‘I Heard a Rumour’ and ‘Love in the First Degree’. Bananarama will perform at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre in Zone 4 on the Saturday, and the Village stage in Zone 1 on the Sunday.
Singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde’s signature vocals will star as the Pretenders perform their hits like ‘I’ll Stand By You’, ‘Brass In Pocket’, ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’, ‘I’m Not In Love’, ‘Stop Your Sobbing’ and more. Their mix of punk, new wave, rock and pop has consistently placed them on the Billboard charts and in March 2005 the Pretenders were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Formed in 1978, the band’s self-titled debut was named one of the best albums of all time by VH1 and Rolling Stone. Race goers can catch the Pretenders at the Village stage in Zone 1 on the Saturday, and the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre in Zone 4 on the Sunday.
Scottish twins Charlie and Craig Reid of The Proclaimers, who have a new album ‘Like Comedy’ out this May, will be performing at Zone 1’s Village Stage on the Friday and Zone 4’s Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on the Saturday and Sunday. With their unique blend of pop, folk, new wave and punk, fans can expect classics like ‘I’m On My Way’, ‘Letter from America’ and ‘Life With You’. Formed in 1983, the duo’s songs have featured in the hit movie ‘Shrek’ as well as the popular American television series ‘Family Guy’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother’. Their biggest hit ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ has become an unofficial Scottish anthem and has even inspired an Internet viral sensation. 2012 also sees the filming of the movie version of the successful award-winning musical drama ‘Sunshine on Leith’, which features their songs.
“At our previous events, ‘80s artistes were phenomenal crowd favourites,” commented Michael Roche, Executive Director of race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd. “Our in-circuit concerts by Boy George, Chaka Khan, Shaggy and Rick Astley had everyone singing along to their hits, adding to the already festive vibe at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The ‘80s is an era with some of the greatest hits that inspired countless musicals and cover interpretations, and since it appeals to a large portion of our audience demographic, Bananarama, the Pretenders and The Proclaimers are the perfect complement to this year’s entertainment programme.”
The 2012 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix takes place on 21-23 September. For more information on visiting the Singapore race, see our Destination Guide.
For tickets and travel to 2012 Formula One races, click here.
