Richard Marx, Wilson Phillips, and Starship

Richard Marx has been a billboard-topping, Grammy-winning hit-maker since the 1980s, as both a talented pop-rock writer/ musician in his own right, and with his songwriting- creating songs for huge acts such as Keith Urban’s Long Hot Summer, the N*Sync hit This I Promise You (remember them? That song was huge!) and Luther Vandross’ last hit record, Dance With My Father.
When I saw Marx at the elaborately ornate Shepherd’s Bush Empire venue in London in 2010, he played these songs, in his own impeccably classic style, and Dance With My Father was performed as a poignant tribute to a “dear absent friend”. The setting and atmosphere (picture lavish red velvet curtains and seats, Rococo-style statues adorning the walls, and gigantic chandeliers) really made the song feel all the more genuine and beautiful. The inclusion of a string orchestra in his live set further added to the epic sincerity of the experience of seeing Richard Marx live. His playful, witty audience shout-outs during the heart-wrenching ballad Angelia- “Come on, you all know the words to this one”; “This is where a guitar solo would go” (just before the song’s bridge)- injected humour and a closeness into the show, and added to the layered emotionality Marx is able to tap into and bring out of his audience.
With his timeless, classic approach to song composition and balladic numbers such as the (still-evocative) love songs Right Here Waiting and Beautiful Goodbye, Marx could, on paper, be plonked into the not-exaclty-favourable category of ‘dad-rock’ today. However, the sheer emotional force of his catchy, soaring hooks played out by a full string band, paired with his genuine superstar stage presence and husky yet sweetly sincere vocals, make seeing Marx live a truly incredible and emotive experience, that would stir the heartstrings of even the most stubbornly stoic hardballs in the audience. His songs (and vocal chords) have both definitely stood the test of time. You’ve gotta hand it to the man, he’s most certainly still got it- and trust me, it’s even better live.

Being born the daughters of members of three of the most influential rock groups in history, it wasn’t hard to predict the success of this trio. If you thought Carnie and Wendy Wilson (daughters of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys) and Chynna Phillips (daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas) were destined for greatness when they formed the hit vocal group Wilson Phillips in 1989, you weren’t wrong. Upon release in 1990, their debut album sold over 10 million copies throughout the world and three of its singles reached number one status on the Billboard Hot 100, earning the band the title of best-selling female group that year. Witnessing their magnificence live is something quite different, however. Goosebumps spread over you like an extra layer of skin as Chynna Phillips pours her entire being into the exhilarating lyrics of “Hold On” – their most successful single to date, being nominated for four Grammy Awards and two American Music Awards. Overwhelming emotion consumes you at the first perfectly-harmonised note of “Release Me”, leaving no room for any thought or feeling that does not relate to the uplifting concert. Wilson Phillips take you into their heart-warming and talented arms and let you go with a new sense of optimism and appreciation.

"We Built this City on Rock and Roll". Possibly one the most memorable hooks of the 80s. I have yet to meet a person who is not familiar with this song. And if you are not, then I probably don't want to meet you.
Of course, Starship is the band responsible for this 80s classic and the many others they have blessed us with over the years. Seeing Starship is one of my most memorable live music experiences. They were just fantastic, and their live performance was a real testament to their musical craft.
Having seen the band a few times since then and very recently, the line up has changed but despite this, the chemistry between members, new and old, never flounders, which is so refreshing to see. Mickey Thomas does a fantastic job of fronting Starship solo these days and still commands the stage with the same presence he did 25 years ago.
I will never tire of hearing "We Built This City" live, along with other hit records such as "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" and "Sara", and neither will other fans. As long as they continue to play, then I will continue to jump aboard that 'Starship'.