LIVE REVIEW: Berlin, A Flock of Seagulls in Lincoln, RI (04.04.26)
This past Saturday at the Bally’s Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island, a thrilling crowd of young and old came together to relive the iconic music of the 1980s with performances by the famed bands Berlin and A Flock of Seagulls. Before the show even began, the intimate space created an electric rumble—a mix of nostalgia, fun, and just that pure 80s vibe. During these times, everybody deserves a night of entertainment, and I was glad to attend.
To kick off the night, A Flock of Seagulls, held together by original member Mike Score, performed a mix of fan-favorite classics, deep cuts, and new tracks from their latest album “Some Dreams,” which was released in December 2024.
I went into the show only familiar with the most popular tracks, such as “Space Age Love Song“ and the famed “I Ran (So Far Away),” and once the band left the stage, I couldn’t help but explore their catalog, realizing why their fan base is so strong.
They opened with “Him,” the first new song of the set. This mellow opener fit their style perfectly. But for everyone else in attendance, it was the type of starting point that you either love or say, “eh.” The vocal mix did seem buried at many points throughout the set, and this was just the beginning. You could see the emotion, strain, and power in the vocals, but not everything matched well.
What stood out to me, as it did when I previously reviewed the band in December, was the bass guitarist, Pando, who has been with the band since 2004. The man had non-stop energy—jumping up and down, constantly in motion, almost restless. Not to mention, as a bassist myself, I couldn’t help but appreciate his tone and playing style. Furthermore, the band is finished with lead guitarist Gord Deppe and drummer Kevin Rankin, who powered the group, even through problems with the sound mix.
My personal favorite, “The More You Live, the More You Love,” followed and immediately influenced the set after an abrupt start. Tight, catchy in a way that moves you, and well-structured together. Afterward came the deeper track “Transfer Affection” and the vibrant “Say You Love Me,” a personal favorite of mine, which I had forgotten about. Afterward were the final new tracks of the set, “Lovers and Strangers” and “Some Dreams,” which included Pando throwing out a handful of guitar picks.
From there, everything I came for was finally happening. “Space Age Love Song” and “I Ran (So Far Away)” were key moments of the set, where tempos increased, and the set tightened together. Although many attendees remained seated, many, including me, couldn’t help but stand to dance for such important tracks.
Next came Berlin, and every sense of calmness had disappeared. As the band’s intro video played on the screens, the energy slowly but surely built. Soon after, the lights flickered on and off as the band instantly rocked into “Masquerade” from their debut album.
Berlin is one of those famed bands that gets love, but not the recognition they truly deserve. Lead singer and original member Terri Nunn has been singing with the band since 1979, and you wouldn’t be able to tell. At 64 years old, she has that beautiful voice she’s known for, yet that powerful rasp which fits perfectly with the following tracks, “No More Words” and “Touch.”
Then came the unexpected turn. I had seen the band open for Howard Jones and Culture Club in 2023, so I knew this was coming, but I had forgotten how thrilling it was. The band covered “She Sells Sanctuary” by The Cult. Much like Berlin, The Cult have never gotten enough recognition. This track brought Terri out into the crowd, creating another connection with the audience, much as A Flock of Seagulls had earlier in the evening.
Next up was the emotional part of the set, where Nunn dedicated the track “Like Flames” to all the people who fight for our country, and her son, who is a member of the U.S. military. Also included were “Pleasure Victim” and “For All Tomorrow’s Lies,” performed acoustically by the band’s three original members: Nunn on vocals, John Crawford on bass guitar, and guitarist David Diamond, with pictures of their younger selves shown on the screen. The band is completed by guitarist Carlton Bost, who seemed to shred all night long, keyboardist Dave Schulz, and former New England resident Ric “Rocc” Roccapriore on drums.
Furthermore, the band performed their most recent track, “Transcendence,” and “The Metro,” plus a surprising cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit,” a song that could have been performed better. Maybe I’m too used to the original version!
Somewhere in the middle of all this, with no warning, “Take My Breath Away” popped up. And just like that, the entire crowd shifted. Everyone sang! Loud, joyful, and immediate. It uniquely cut through the evening, slowing down the energy before throwing it right back with more hits.
“We can’t leave without playing you our favorite religious song,” singer Terri Nunn stated, before the band kicked into an incredible cover of “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC. It’s not the easiest song to sing, and I was stunned they chose to play it, but as the first line was sung, Terri blew me away. You could say she almost took my breath away! This track was soon followed by the legendary “Sex (I’m a…),” which brought bassist John Crawford out on the vocals, before taking their final bows.
If Saturday night proved anything, it’s that the 80s are not dead. For a few hours in Lincoln, Rhode Island, there was a full-on return to that nostalgia feeling. Rockin’, powerful, unpredictable, and deeply magical. And most importantly, it showed that Berlin can still throw a party.
