Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Massaoke: 80s v 90s Live

 
Stuart Mckenzie Review by Stuart Mckenzie 5 Published: 22 Aug 2023 Assembly George Square Gardens Show Dates: 3 Aug 2023-27 Aug 2023

From humble beginnings in a downstairs bar in London, originally styling themselves as Friday I’m In Love, Massaoke have certainly ventured a substantial journey in their more than a decade long quest for recognition, playing to crowds up and down the country in their trademark spandex get ups complete with the required stage presence to match. For the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Massaoke is no stranger, and they return this year with a twist on their classic mass karaoke act by focusing upon a late 20th century set list that pits the 80s against the 90s.

A thoroughly well-received show that taps into the millennial spirit with tremendously deft aplomb

Massaoke’s touring band – officially named Rockstar Weekend – are comprised of the energetic and enthusiastic quintet of lead guitarist El Neilio, lead vocalist and pianist Mac Savage, drummer Mat Factor, VJ and vocalist McClean, and Rebel Rye on bass. El Neilio and Savage make for the perfect combination of flamboyant and forceful as leading players on the stage, not taking themselves seriously and involving the audience at every turn. Ensuring no punches are to be pulled, the band ring us in the opening with a dynamic rendition of AC/DC's Thunderstruck before the night truly takes off.

The act gives us the all-important riffs, choruses and rhythms we are familiar with in short blasts, trimming the fat of songs rather than play them in their entirety, save a handful of totemic classics. Whilst this may seem like undercutting the point of live music, it offers a unique experience where you swiftly move from head banging to Guns N' Roses to singing along to the catchy and camp lyrics of Barbie Girl, to swaying hands in unison to the renowned power ballad of Total Eclipse of the Heart.

Agility is the word here, but this plays into the overall crowd-pleasing strategy of the act itself, one which offers an unrivalled euphoria from hearing everyone’s favourites in rapid succession. All in all, Massaoke 80s vs 90s is true to its name, delivering the audience a thoroughly well-received show that taps into the millennial spirit with tremendously deft aplomb.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

The legendary live band, late-night party is back for a spandex-clad showdown between the greatest smash hits of the 80s and the biggest hairbrush anthems of the 90s. Are you team Toto or a Destiny's Child? Bon Jovi or Britney? Eminem or Erasure? Dress up as your decade, bring the sing and fight for your right to party! Massaoke is a dazzling, high-energy live music experience with mash-ups, megamixes and more – supercharged with videos, giant singalong lyrics, rock-star poses, face-melting guitar solos and you – the real stars of the show.