Synth pioneer and singer-songwriter Thomas Dolby will return to the UK in 2027 to perform his new show Requiem for The 80s at The Barbican Centre in London on 13th July.
The world premiere performance of Requiem for The 80s follows this year’s success of Dolby’s Iconic 80’s Recollections tour, which served as a work-in-progress preview of the symphonic concept he will now fully realise at The Barbican next summer.
Blending the anthems of the MTV era with the decade’s defining cultural events and Dolby’s own remarkable story, Requiem for The 80s will feature Dolby’s band performing with a 55-piece live orchestra, electronics and stunning visuals via a giant LED screen.
Dolby said, “Requiem for The 80s is my musical memoir of a decade that, in reality, was nothing like the airbrushed stereotype of big hair, big snares and shoulder pads.
“If you lived through that decade, it was a darker time, so with a dash of humour, I’ve written a symphony that holds a mirror to the real 80s, weaving its defining moments with music from the iconic artists of the era, including The Smiths, Joy Division, Eurythmics, The Cure, Depeche Mode and many others.”
In addition to the orchestra, Dolby’s band will feature guitarist/arranger Andrew Lipke (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), guest instrumentalist Jakko Jakszyk (King Crimson), Mat Hector (Iggy Pop, Thom Yorke) on drums and, at long last, Ukrainian internet phenomenon Ana Pshokina on bass – who had to appear virtually during the preview shows after she was denied entry to the UK despite having a certificate of sponsorship for the tour. Trailblazing Brazilian conductor Alexandra Arrieche (Night of the Proms) will be on the podium.
Tickets for Thomas Dolby’s Requiem for The 80s go on sale at 10.00am on Friday 13th November, available from www.thomasdolby.com.
The world premiere performance of Requiem for The 80s at The Barbican will be followed by it US debut in Baltimore on 26th September, where Dolby will be backed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
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