Back to the 80s: China Crisis, The Lotus Eaters’ Peter Coyle Co-headline Manila Show

Jul 17, 2017

“New Wave” is one of the genres that punctuated the early and mid-80s. A term that emerged after the 70s punk rock, AllMusic defines it as one that embraces “stylistic diversity” and “fascination with electronics, styles and art.”

 

Last July 7 was a fine Friday night to hark back to this era as China Crisis and The Lotus Eaters’ vocalist Peter Coyle, two notable British acts from the said movement, made waves in a back-to-back intimate show at the Kia Theater.

 

Peter Coyle, together with a five-piece band, delighted his Filipino fans by singing his hits, while frequently descending from the stage to interact with them.

 

Peter Coyle is the vocalist of the English New Wave band, The Lotus Eaters.

 

“It’s lovely to be here with you. The songs shine in your eyes, and this is why it’s really beautiful to come here,” the Liverpool-based singer said.

 

Coyle’s concert segment featured tracks from The Lotus Eaters’ catalog, like their hit debut single, “The First Picture of You,” and their signature song, “German Girl,” as well as cuts from his solo efforts such as “The Wildflowers of Fire” and “Outstretched Arms.”

 

He and The Lotus Eaters first fired up the music scene in 1982.

 

Eddie Lundon (left) and Gary Daly (right) return to Manila to perform for their Filipino fans for the fifth time.

 

Meanwhile, China Crisis carried on the evening’s youthful and nostalgic vibes as they brought their songs to the center stage. The band, which was formed in 1979, is mainly known for the dynamic tandem of vocalist Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon.

 

The group’s performances hyped up the crowd and ignited them to groove, throw their hands up in the air, and be eagerly transported straight back to the good old 80s.

 

China Crisis’ smash-filled setlist included songs that became radio staples in the country, such as “Wishful Thinking,” “Black Man Ray,” “African and White,” and “King in a Catholic Style.”  

 

The five-time Manila visitors enjoyed success in the UK in the mid-80s, spawning three Top 40 albums and five Top 40 singles.

 

Both China Crisis and Peter Coyle hopped on the Wish 107.5 Bus before their co-headlining concert. The two New Wave acts graced the program “Roadshow,” performed their respective hits, and lauded the concept of Wish 107.5’s FM-on-wheels.

 

 

Coyle said that the musical vehicle is “cool and really different” while China Crisis’ Lundon remarked that it is “a great idea” and wished that they “should have one of this in Liverpool [UK].”

 

 

China Crisis and Peter Coyle Live in Manila was presented by Steve O’Neal Productions. The show also featured budding OPM artist JV Decena as the front act.

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