It was a full-on 1980s revival inside St. Louis’ River City Casino this past weekend, as a near-capacity crowd packed into the venue to celebrate two of the era’s defining new wave acts — A Flock of Seagulls and Berlin. The energy in the room was undeniable, with fans young and old donning retro fashion and ready to relive the shimmering synths and neon-soaked melodies that defined an unforgettable decade.
Opening the night, A Flock of Seagulls wasted no time diving into their catalog of ethereal, guitar-tinged hits. Frontman and keyboardist Mike Score, still sporting his trademark cool composure, led the band through classics like “Space Age Love Song” and the instantly recognizable “I Ran (So Far Away)”. The sound was crisp and atmospheric — that signature mix of melancholy and melody that helped define the early MTV generation. Between the hits, the band mixed in newer material that felt surprisingly fresh, proving Score and company still have creative fuel left in the tank.
Then came Berlin, and the night shifted from nostalgia to full-on celebration. Terri Nunn, the ever-charismatic frontwoman, commanded the stage from the first note. Her connection with the audience was palpable, and her gratitude radiated between songs as she thanked St. Louis fans for keeping the music alive. Berlin’s 80-minute set was a highlight reel of their greatest hits, from “Masquerade” and “No More Words” to “The Metro”, all delivered with electrifying precision.
A surprise highlight came in the form of Berlin’s cover of “She Sells Sanctuary” by The Cult — an inspired choice that brought the crowd to life all over again. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and while Nunn mentioned an upcoming break due to her impending oral surgery, there was no sign of slowing down on this night.
Of course, no Berlin show would be complete without “Take My Breath Away.” The Academy-Award winnng ballad remains both a blessing and a burden for the band, but the audience response made it clear — it’s still a showstopper. By the time Nunn and her bandmates launched into a fiery encore of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” and their steamy anthem “Sex (I’m A…)”, the room was in full party mode.
For fans of 80s new wave, this was more than just a concert — it was a time machine. Both Flock of Seagulls and Berlin proved that their music, and their spirit, still soar decades later.
