By Honey Rumbles / Jeff Arnhart
Rick Springfield Brings ‘80s Magic to The Woodlands:
A Night of Nostalgia with John Waite,
Wang Chung, and Paul Young
on Friday, July 18 the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
in The Woodlands set the perfect stage for an unforgettable night of
‘80s nostalgia. Fans of all ages packed the amphitheater, ready to
relive their favorite hits under the Texas summer sky. With summer
humidity in the air and fans filing in by early evening, the
anticipation buzzed under the pavilion lights.
Paul Young
Paul Young
opened the evening with a brief but memorable four-song set that
immediately pulled the audience into the emotional heart of the night.
Backed by Rick Springfield’s seasoned touring band; George Nastos on
guitar, Sigve (Siggy) Sjursen on bass, Tim Gross on keyboards, and Jorge Palacios on drums, Young
made the most of his short time on stage. His voice, soulful and
polished, floated effortlessly through tracks that reminded longtime
fans of his lasting impact on '80s pop-soul. The highlight was a
stunning rendition of “Every Time You Go Away,”
which brought a reverent hush to the crowd before rising into a
powerful full-band crescendo. While his set lacked elaborate theatrics,
Young’s stage presence
was easygoing and genuine, his delivery full of warmth and heart. The
performance was a welcome reminder of his musical legacy - short, yes,
but emotionally resonant and delivered with timeless class.
Wang Chung
Wang Chung
took the stage next and immediately shifted the energy up a notch.
Dressed casually in jeans and big smiles, they delivered a vibrant and
polished performance as part of the “I Want My ’80s Tour.” Founding
members Jack Hues (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Nick Feldman
(bass, guitar, backing vocals) led the charge with confidence and
charisma, instantly connecting with the crowd. Their presence, backed
by an exceptionally tight touring band created a dynamic and nostalgic
set that celebrated their signature sound with both polish and
freshness.
The band’s set included beloved classics like “Let’s Go” and “Dance Hall Days,” each
delivered with rich layers of synth and groove-heavy rhythm. Feldman’s
melodic bass lines and backing vocals added texture, while Hues’s
vocals remained smooth and expressive throughout. “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” was the undeniable centerpiece, with the entire Pavilion singing along, transforming the venue into a euphoric dance party.
Though their performance was shorter than a headlining set, Wang Chung
made every minute count, striking a near-perfect balance between
nostalgia and live energy. With their classic songs still hitting hard
and the full band firing on all cylinders, Wang Chung proved they’re far more than just a trip down memory lane - they’re seasoned performers still thriving on stage.
John Waite
John Waite
took the stage next as part of the nostalgic and energetic I Want My
80s Tour, and delivered a performance that proved his voice and
charisma remain as potent as ever. Slotted just before headliner Rick
Springfield, Waite’s set was a
lean, emotionally resonant journey through the highlights of his
career, both solo and with Bad English and The Babys.
Waite’s voice, clear and cutting, was in fine form as he opened with “Change,”
immediately drawing the crowd in with the familiar passion and polish.
He had the audience in the palm of his hand by the time he reached “When I See You Smile” and his delivery of “Missing You” was every bit as heartfelt and stirring as it was in 1984. Each lyric felt lived-in and honest, with Waite giving a performance that radiated experience without losing its youthful spark.
His
band added depth and energy to the performance, complementing Waite’s
vocals with tight, dynamic playing. Guitarist Kyle Cook of Matchbox 20
fame brought a modern edge to the classic tunes, delivering crisp solos
and tasteful fills that never overshadowed the songs. On bass, Tim
Hogan anchored the set with understated finesse, keeping the rhythm
steady and warm. Drummer Alan Childs added punch and drive, his timing
flawless and his energy infectious, elevating each track with precision.
Together, Waite
and his band gave a short but impactful set that stood out not only for
its musical quality but for its emotional authenticity. In a night
packed with high-energy performances, John Waite’s time on stage reminded everyone that sincerity, strong songs, and a seasoned band can still steal the spotlight.
Rick Springfield
At the Clock Struck the 9:10p.m. mark Rick Springfield
brought the fire and heart of the 1980s roaring back to life at the
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas. Headlining the
I Want My ’80s Tour, Springfield
proved that age hasn’t dulled his edge and that he’s still a commanding
force on stage, delivering a show packed with power, charm, and
sincerity.
Dressed in a jacket and leopard print shirt, Springfield launched into “I’ll Make You Happy” with unrelenting energy, setting the tone for a night filled with massive singalongs and guitar-driven hits. “I’ve Done Everything for You” and “Affair of the Heart” hit with full impact, while “Love Somebody” and “Human Touch” reminded the crowd why Springfield remains a beloved icon of the era.
Between the anthems, Springfield
offered heartfelt reflections on mental health and personal struggles,
reminding fans that even rockstars face demons. The vulnerability only
added depth to the performance, connecting him even more with the
thousands who packed the Pavilion.
His
band was nothing short of outstanding, bringing muscle and precision to
every track. Lead guitarist George Nastos delivered blistering solos
that had the crowd roaring, while George Bernhardt added rhythmic drive
and energy with guitar and backing vocals. Siggy Sjursen held the low
end tight on bass, anchoring the groove alongside drummer Jorge
Palacios, whose power and finesse kept the set moving at a relentless
pace. On keys, Tim Gross filled out the arrangements with layered
textures and harmonies that elevated the sound far beyond a nostalgia
act - it was a fully realized rock show.
Of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without the explosive closer, “Jessie’s Girl.”
As soon as the opening chords rang out, the Pavilion erupted, voices
blending into one euphoric chorus as Springfield grinned and played to
every corner of the stage.
From start to finish, Rick Springfield
delivered a thrilling, emotional, and tightly executed performance that
showcased not just his classic catalog, but his enduring connection to
fans. It wasn’t just a trip down memory lane, it was proof that the
spirit of ’80s rock is alive and still kicking, louder than ever.
The
production was polished without being overdone. Lighting enhanced the
mood, neon hues for upbeat tracks, softer glows for ballads - letting
the music, not the spectacle, take center stage.
The crowd mirrored the artists’ enthusiasm. From 40 & 50 somethings reliving
their youth to younger fans discovering classic hits, everyone was
singing, dancing, and celebrating the night together.
Final Thoughts
Rick Springfield’s
July 18 concert was a stellar showcase of enduring talent and
nostalgia. Supported by engaging openers: John Waite, Wang Chung, and
Paul Young - it became an evening-long celebration of ‘80s music at its
best. The Pavilion’s atmosphere, the heartfelt performances, and the
shared memories made it a must-see experience. If you ever get the
chance to catch this tour, do not miss it - this night proved it’s more
than a concert; it’s a time capsule of joy, youthful spirit, and
musical craftsmanship.
Rick Springfield Setlist:
I'll Make You Happy
Affair of the Heart
I've Done Everything for You (Sammy Hagar cover)
Medley (Living in Oz / Bop 'Til You Drop / Souls / Two Tickets to Paradise /
Jessie's Girl / What's Victoria's Secret? / Rock of Life)
Love is Alright Tonight
World Start Turning
State of the Heart (Mondo Rock cover)
Don't Talk to Strangers
Love Somebody
Human Touch
Jessie's Girl
John Waite:
Change
Midnight Rendezvous (The Babys song)
Every Time I Think of You (The Babys song)
When I See You Smile (Bad English song)
Missing You
Head First (The Babys song)
Back on My Feet Again (The Babys song)
Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin cover)
Wang Chung Setlist:
Wait
Fire in the Twilight
Let's Go
Dance Hall Days
Should I Stay or Should I Go / Should I Wang or Should I Chung
Everybody Have Fun Tonight
Paul Young Setlist:
Some People
I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down (Ann Peebles cover)
Come Back and Stay (Jack Lee cover)
Everytime You Go Away (Daryl Hall & John Oates cover)
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Rick Springfield
                     
John Waite
                 
Wang Chung
              
Paul Young
                 
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