Music
Everybody Wang Chung Upcoming Sunday Night in Ft. Lauderdale!!

Jack Hues Unveils the Future of Wang Chung: New Beats, Old Hits and Timeless Magic. The band is set to perform with Men Without Hats, The Motels and Naked Eyes at the Broward Center in Ft. Lauderdale on June 23rd.
June 7th, 2024
As the “Abducted by the 80s” tour sweeps through South Florida, fans are in for a nostalgic yet modern twist on the classic 80s experience. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jack Hues of Wang Chung, who shared insights on their musical journey, their latest projects, and how they continue to resonate with fans old and new.
When asked about incorporating unexpected modern elements into their classic 80s sound, Jack Hues emphasized that Wang Chung remains true to their original feel. “These days music is a bit heavier, more of a rock band vibe. We don’t really delve into modern genres like electronic music, trap beats, or dubstep,” he explained. This adherence to their roots has helped maintain the band’s unique identity, even as they continue to evolve.
Wang Chung’s forthcoming release, Clear Light, Dark Matter: Greatest Hits, promises exciting surprises for fans. Jack revealed, “Our catalog has never been properly remastered or presented consistently. This release includes two vinyl albums: one with the greatest hits and another with rare outtakes and demos from our early days with Arista.” Adding a unique orchestral dimension, the band collaborated with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. “We worked with an arranger for six months and recorded the entire album in a single day. The result is fantastic, with some people preferring these versions over the originals.”
Reflecting on the creation of Points on the Curve, which turns 40 this year, Jack shared valuable lessons learned. “I would tell my younger self to be more spontaneous in the studio. We meticulously crafted the album using early 48-track recording and sampler technology, which was time-consuming. Today, I’d emphasize enjoying the process more.”
Transitioning to the band’s continued relevance, Jack spoke about their enduring appeal. Their hit “Dance Hall Days” was recently featured in the Amazon Prime movie The Idea of You. “Seeing the song used in such a prominent scene was fun. It’s amazing that our music still has contemporary resonance,” Jack mused. This exposure has introduced Wang Chung to a new generation of fans.
Wang Chung’s music continues to captivate new generations. Jack noted, “It’s interesting to see younger fans at our gigs, bringing albums they found in thrift shops for us to sign. Streaming gives them access to our entire catalog, allowing them to discover and appreciate our diverse range of tracks.” He acknowledged that while the band’s genre-hopping might have been confusing in the 80s, it now adds to their unique appeal.
Discussing the future, Jack shared a humorous and intriguing story about their music being part of a moon mission by Intuitive Machines. “We joked about recording new music on the moon. If NASA called, we’d probably choose our track ‘Stargazing’ for a space-themed album.”
Reflecting on the drastic changes in the music industry since the 80s, Jack contemplated how Wang Chung would navigate today’s landscape. “MTV started associating music with visuals. Now, visuals are central, with music often secondary. Despite these changes, our focus would remain on writing meaningful songs.” This adaptability underscores their lasting influence.
Sharing the stage with bands like Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes brings back great memories for Jack. He praised The Motels’ contemporary sound and guitarist, likening him to Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood. “Fans attending an ‘Abducted by the 80s’ show will see that these bands are still vibrant and rejuvenated by the music.” This camaraderie among 80s bands adds to the tour’s appeal.
Life on the road leaves little downtime, but Jack mentioned they sometimes find time to enjoy activities like watching movies. “Last year, we saw Oldboy at the Alamo Drafthouse, which was a fabulous experience.” This balance of work and leisure helps maintain their creative energy.
As Wang Chung approaches its 50th anniversary, Jack hinted at exciting new projects. “I’ve released a couple of solo albums and plan another in early 2025. Nick and I have also discussed working on new Wang Chung material.” This forward-looking perspective ensures that the band remains relevant and innovative.
Jack shared a surreal studio moment involving Paul McCartney. “While working on a track at Abbey Road, we needed a bass guitar. We borrowed one of Paul’s basses, and he walked in with another one. Meeting him was incredible, as he was a major reason we were in the studio in the first place.” Such moments highlight the band’s storied career and their connection to music legends.
Wang Chung’s journey is a testament to their enduring appeal and adaptability. As they continue to explore new musical avenues, fans can look forward to more exciting releases and unforgettable live performances. Catch them in South Florida on the “Abducted by the 80s” tour for a blast from the past with a fresh twist.
Music
Sessanta’s Musical Alchemy is Back, Bigger and Better

Maynard’s 60th Birthday Celebration is Back for Round Two With an Incredible One-of-a-Kind Show – Photos and Review of the “Sessanta 2.0” : Primus, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle Concert at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL
Music
Dark Matter, Bright Night for Pearl Jam

Vedder Days Are Here Again: Pearl Jam Blends Heart, Hits, and Humanity in a Night to Remember. (more…)
Music
Melvins and Napalm Death Are Back With A Vengeance

The Savage Imperial Death March Blitzkreigs Its Way Through South Florida – Photos and Feature on The Melvins and Napalm Death Concert at the Culture Room in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Music
Disturbed Heat Up Panthers’ Home Turf

Disturbed Celebrates 25 Years of The Sickness with Electrifying Performance – Review of the Disturbed Concert at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL
Music
Saturday Night with Chicago

Vintage Vibes and Timeless Tunes, Chicago Turns Back the Clock at a Sold-Out Hard Rock Live Show. (more…)
Music
Life’s a Beach at Tortuga 2025

Tortuga 2025 Provided A Sun-Soaked Musical Celebration For South Florida Country Fans – Photos and Feature on the Tortuga Music Festival 2025 in Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL
Music
Chicago’s Legacy Continues to Endure

Late Nights, Long Rides, and Legendary Songs: Lee Loughnane on What Really Keeps Chicago Going. (more…)
-
Music4 weeks ago
Life’s a Beach at Tortuga 2025
-
Music4 weeks ago
Saturday Night with Chicago
-
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Dog Man Unleashed on Stage at The Parker
-
Travel3 weeks ago
Amsterdam Odyssey: Connecting the City’s Past to the World Beyond
-
Music3 weeks ago
Disturbed Heat Up Panthers’ Home Turf
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
Dive Into 2025 with Viva
-
Travel3 weeks ago
A’DAM Lookout – REVIEW
-
Sports4 weeks ago
UFC 314 – RESULTS