Band to entertain Freedom Festival crowds Friday at Lenny Brewster Sports Center
By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
Along with lots of fun, food and fireworks, the Town of Apple Valley’s Freedom Festival is sure to be a real blast from the past with entertainment by the 1980s tribute band, Neon Nation. The popular Southern California-based group will perform from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at Lenny Brewster Sports Center, 20124 Otoe Road.
Its co-founder, Paul Byrd, says ’80s music fans will be treated to tunes made popular by Billy Idol, The Cure, Van Halen and just about every other hair-raising act from the decade.
“The thing about ’80s music is it offers a little bit of everything,” said Byrd, who founded his six-piece band in the early 2000s with his longtime friend, Mike Mahin. “You have your new wave, rock and all the dance stuff by Madonna, etc. And even the young kids are familiar with all the songs. It’s amazing how they seem to be able to sing along and know every word.”
Byrd says that while Neon Nation has become one of the most requested live acts in Southern California, getting the group off the ground proved to be a challenge. Mahin, a guitarist and singer, was reluctant at first but soon came around when other local musicians expressed interest in coming on board.
“Years ago I would have themed music parties at my house and at one point decided to do one around the 1980s,” said Byrd, a guitarist and vocalist. “I told Mike that if we could find some players to perform at the party, maybe we could even start a band and do some gigs. He said that was the worst idea he had ever heard.
“But I kept talking to him about it and finally wore him down. He told me that if I could find people who wanted to be in a band like that, he’d do it.”
To Mahin and Byrd’s surprise, it proved very easy to attract musicians and singers who wanted to be a part of a retro band from one of music’s most popular decades. The group has been rockin’ hard ever since, delivering an energetic show with spot-on versions of songs such as Van Halen’s “Jump,” Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer” and Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.”
Byrd’s wife, Clarissa covers many of the era’s female hits from Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and other pop divas of the decade.
“The band brought Clarissa and I together as a couple,” said Byrd. “I never expected to meet my wife through this. It’s awesome to be able to work with her.”
Throughout its history, Neon Nation has played hundreds of gigs from small clubs to stadiums. The band has entertained fans at the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club, and at a private party for then-New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. The band also has worked at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, the House of Blues in Anaheim and San Diego, and the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
According to Byrd, one of the greatest benefits of doing so many dates has been gaining a large and loyal following. And he says people never to seem to tire of hearing ’80s music and appreciate Neon Nation’s passion to keep it alive.
“I think one of the things that sets our group apart from similar acts is that all of us sing, which allows us to cover almost any song from the ’80s,” said Byrd. “And we work very hard to play the songs just like they sound on the radio. We’re not trying to re-write the book. We just want to give people what they love.”
For more information about Neon Nation, visit www.neonnation.net