The Stars from the Here & Now 1980s Concert on Saturday 11th August

In 4 weeks time 7 stars from the 1980s will perform their classic hits at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and ‘80s Concert on Saturday 11th August. Over the coming weeks we’ll reveal how these artists became so popular.

Today we’re starting with Howard Jones and lead singer of Katrina and the Waves, Katrina Leskanich.

Howard Jones

There are few artists who came to prominence in the eighties who are as prolific and hard working as Howard Jones. He seems to be constantly out on tour or creating diverse and superbly crafted albums in his Somerset studio.

In the early ‘80s Howard met David Stopps, promoter of the Friars Club in Aylesbury. Stopps became his manager and he secured a residency at the legendary Marquee Club in London. The rest, as they say, is history. Howard had a string of hits including “New Song”, “What Is Love”, “Hide And Seek” and “Like To Get To Know You Well”. To date, Howard has sold a whopping eight million albums.

Katrina Leskanich

Former lead singer of Katrina and the Waves, Katrina is one of the few women from the 80s who is still performing and recording. Born in Kansas, U.S.A., Katrina Leskanich moved to England in 1976.  Growing up with the West Coast sound (Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Heart) she, together with fellow American and future Wave, Vince de la Cruz, formed the band Mama’s Cookin’.

In 1983, Katrina and Vince joined The Waves and she picked up on some of their musical influences such as Etta James, Velvet Underground and the Stones. The band became Katrina and the Waves and they had their first break in 1984 when The Bangles covered their song “Going Down To Liverpool”.  This drew attention to the group and lead to an international deal with Capitol Records. 

Their first single signed to Capitol was “Walking on Sunshine” and it was an international smash hit in 1985 and has become a feel good classic which is one of the UK’s most played summertime radio tracks.  Incredibly it’s been played over 2 million times in the U.S.A.

To see these artists perform at the Here & Now Concert on Saturday 11th August plus watch some thrilling horseracing action from Britains premier jockey competition, call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk. Tickets from £26. Generous group discounts available.

Don't forget children under 18 and all entertainment is included in the ticket price!