Berlin with 80's Fest, The Smithereens, and more

The Smithereens, born out of New Jersey in the late '80s, mixed heavy guitars with British Invasion pop. Known for hits "A Girl Like You" and "Too Much Passion," they gained a cult following. Lead singer Pat DiNizio's haunting lyrics and catchy hooks stood out. Collaborated with Otis Blackwell and the Beau Brummels, signed with Enigma, and later Capitol. Their debut, "Especially for You," featured MTV's "Blood and Roses," leading to chart success. After DiNizio's 2017 death, they continued performing with guest vocalists, earning a spot in the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2019.

The Hooters, formed in Philadelphia by Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian, are best known for their mid-'80s hits "And We Danced" and "All You Zombies." Their rock, folk, and ska blend, featuring a distinctive melodica sound, earned them a dedicated following. Hyman and Bazilian also collaborated with Cyndi Lauper, co-writing the hit "Time After Time," and composed Joan Osborne's Grammy-nominated "One of Us." Despite a decline in popularity, they reunited for tours and continued releasing music, maintaining a legacy in rock history.