Totally Tubular Festival • Thomas Dolby • A Flock of Seagulls • Bow Wow Wow • July 26, 2026 Red Butte Garden
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
’80s nostalgia was at an all-time high at Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City. The Totally Tubular Festival delivered an evening packed with timeless hits, vibrant performances, and plenty of memories. This lineup of artists helped define one of music’s most colorful decades. Totally Tubular Fest gave fans the chance to experience multiple legendary acts at one show. Headlined by Thomas Dolby and featuring standout performances from A Flock of Seagulls, Bow Wow Wow, Animotion, Tommy Tutone, The Escape Club, and The Producers, the show was a celebration of the music that is still as beloved as ever all these years later.
Red Butte Garden is usually a venue that you can go to in the midst of a heat wave and find some much-needed cooler temperatures. But it was HOT! One of the hottest days of the year. So hot that not even Red Butte cooled down much. That’s not very common. Despite the extreme heat, fans gathered, and the bands braved the stage.
The festival format worked beautifully by allowing each act enough time to showcase their biggest songs while keeping the evening moving at an enjoyable pace. Animotion impressed with infectious pop melodies, Tommy Tutone had the crowd smiling and singing every word to “867-5309/Jenny,” while The Escape Club and The Producers each reminded fans why their music remains a beloved part of the decade’s soundtrack.
Bow Wow Wow
Bow Wow Wow wasted no time getting the audience on its feet. Their energetic performance captured the rebellious spirit that made the band such a memorable part of the new wave movement. Their biggest hit, “I Want Candy,” immediately sparked dancing throughout the amphitheater, while the band’s upbeat stage presence kept the momentum rolling from start to finish. It was an energetic opening that set the tone for everything that followed.
A Flock of Seagulls
A Flock of Seagulls delivered one of the evening’s strongest performances. Their signature blend of authentic guitars and atmospheric synthesizers sounded remarkably fresh, proving these songs have lost none of their appeal over the years. The audience enthusiastically sang along to favorites including “Space Age Love Song.” My personal favorite A Flock of Seagulls tunes. But, of course, it was the unmistakable opening of “I Ran (So Far Away)” that created one of the biggest moments of the night. Nearly everyone in attendance joined in, creating a singalong that echoed throughout the garden.
Thomas Dolby
Thomas Dolby took the stage to close out the festival. His performance demonstrated why he remains one of the most innovative artists associated with the new wave movement. Combining impressive musicianship with a relaxed sense of humor, Dolby connected easily with the audience while delivering a polished and engaging set.
The night’s biggest response came during “She Blinded Me with Science.” The familiar synth lines instantly energized the crowd, with fans dancing, clapping, and enthusiastically singing along to every memorable lyric. While the hit remains his signature song, Dolby’s performance showcased the depth of his catalog and his ability to entertain well beyond a single classic.
Dolby welcomed back members of the Lost Toy People to perform with him for the first time since the infamous Depeche Mode at the Rose Bowl concert. They played the entire “Aliens Ate My Buck” album.
What made the Totally Tubular Festival so enjoyable was its celebration of an entire generation of music rather than focusing on one performer. Each artist contributed a unique piece of the evening, creating a nonstop journey through the sounds that made the 1980s unforgettable. From catchy pop hooks and soaring synth melodies to energetic rock performances, every set added another layer to the experience.
By the end of the show, the audience left Red Butte Garden with smiles on their faces and plenty of songs still playing in their heads. The Totally Tubular Festival was simply a nostalgic look back on a great decade of music. It’s amazing to see how this music continues to bring people together.