Johnny Hates Jazz star eager to Turn Back The Clock at Blackpool Winter Gardens 80s Weekender

Clark Datchler eagerly looking forward to the 80s Weekender coming up in Blackpool later this month.

He’s the lead singer of Johnny Hates Jazz, who are among the stars from that decade performing that weekend - and he can’t wait to revive memories of hits such as Shattered Dreams and Turn Back The Clock for what he’s sure will be an appreciative audience.

“I love events like this and I love coming North, especially to the seaside towns - and Blackpool is really special,” said Clark, who reunited the band in 2009 after their initial run of success.

“My dad was a musician and I have fond memories of accompanying home on trips to places such as Blackpool, while we also spent time there as a family.

“I’ll be thinking of him when I come up for the 80s Weekender and I know it is going to be a really special weekend in so many ways.

“We have a wonderful bill of performers and the audiences at such events and in locations such as Blackpool are great.

“When the 80s nostalgia started, the initial thought was that it was perhaps unlikely to last and that audiences would move on to appreciating another era.

“But it seems there’s an endless appetite for the music and memories of that time. We even get young fans who weren’t even born then coming along to gigs - and they know all the words. It’s great.

“As for the others on the bill, it will be marvellous to spend time with them. We were all doing our own thing back in the day so didn’t see much of each other. It will be really good to catch up.”

A fellow performer Clark and his band mates are keen to catch up with is Kim Wilde, who provided backing vocals on one of the group’s biggest hits, Turn Back The Clock.

Johnny Hates Jazz and Kim Wilde feature on a bill at the 80s Weekender which also includes Toyah - fresh from performing at Lytham Hall earlier this month - ABC, Go West, Toyah, The Christians, Hue and Cry and Katrina, formerly of Katrina and The Waves.

And when the main stage lights go down, the party continues - The Weekender will host after show parties featuring TV and radio presenter Jenny Powell, alongside high-energy 80s aerobic dance troupe 80s Lycra.

Across two unforgettable days, the iconic Blackpool Winter Gardens will transform into a full 80s playground - from the grandeur of the Empress Ballroom to immersive experiences, themed events and surprise moments throughout the venue.

After Blackpool, Johnny Hates Jazz will continue preparations for an extensive tour to mark 40 years since their iconic track Shattered Dreams was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic - and they also have new music to promote.

Just last month, they released a new single called Soul Believer featuring Clark singing alongside 80s vocal icon Jaki Graham.

The 80s Weekender at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens is on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26 and details of tickets and the weekend schedule are at www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/blackpool-80s-weekender/