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The Motels

Rock

The Motels Tickets

Events3 Results

United States

About

THE MOTELS IN CONCERT:

More than three decades after their breakout hit "Only the Lonely" made them global sensations, LA new wave pioneers The Motels remain the epitome of cool.  Frontwoman Martha Davis is as iconic as ever in concert, commanding the stage with style and intensity as she casts her emotive voice over the band's angular guitars, icy synths, and skeletal rhythms. The group's restrained songs are minimal but full of nuance and sentiment, and Davis squeezes every last drop of emotion out of melancholy anthems like "Suddenly Last Summer". Fans looking for a taste of the '80s while hoping to catch some of the band's highly anticipated new material will  relish The Motels as they continue to make new wave feel fresh.

BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:

The Motels formed in Berkley, CA in 1971 under the name The Warfield Foxes. After changing their name and relocating to Los Angeles in 1975 they became a staple of the city's burgeoning new wave scene, playing shows at iconic venues like Madam Wong's and sharing rehearsal space with The Go-Go's. Capitol Records took note, and in 1979 the band released their self-titled debut album on the label. The record went gold on the strength of popular singles like "Total Control", and their 1980 sophomore album was equally successful thanks to favorites like "Danger". Things really took off with their 1982 album All Four One, which cracked the Top 20 thanks to the international hit "Only the Lonely". The band's chart run continued in 1983 with the song "Suddenly Last Summer", which peaked at No. 1 on the mainstream rock charts and went on to become one of the decade's most enduring tunes. Despite their success the band's classic lineup called it quits in 1987, but Davis began performing again with a new lineup in 1998. Since then several of the band's original members have rejoined the group, drumming up excitement among fans for The Motels' continued touring and return to the studio.

Reviews

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 based on 51 reviews
  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    Biggest bait and switch concert ever!

    by David on 8/9/23

    Purchased concert tickets for 80's Tribute band (Duran Duran, Boy George, Pat Benatar, etc). Bands that performed were heavy death metal music

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Martha still rocks!

    by Tam on 8/8/23

    Martha's voice is still great! Not enough of our favorites though.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    The Totally NOT 80s Tour

    by ItsMeJenniG on 8/7/23

    First, the House of Blues was great. First time there & all the employees were awesome. Drinks were waaay expensive but seems to be a trend. Ok but I thought I was going to The Totally 80s Tour. But there was nothing 80s about it. I was so confused. Ended up leaving before The Motels came on. Partly because I was bummed about the whole 80s confusion, partly cuz it took forever between bands as one took down all their equipment while the next band was setting up theirs.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Motels--another five star rating!

    by destar100 on 8/7/23

    I attended The Motels concert at the Toyota Center (The Backyard by Stater Bros.) on August 3, 2023. As always The Motels provided an exciting and life affirming experience! Martha Davis is incredible. The venue was clean, and the sound was pretty good. The crowd of people gathering around had a wonderful energy that lent itself to a very enjoyable evening.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Vocals and Guitar even better than before

    by Happy Good Thing on 8/7/23

    Still, sound great and have gotten better as artists. The vocals sound great, and there's depth in feeling and interpretation that has gotten better. Guitar-wise, the lead guitarist has gotten even more adept over the years. The rhythm section was tight. The crowd had a blast! Not just me. I loved it and will see them again when back in So Cal.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fantastic! Even better than before. Go!

    by Happy Good Thing on 8/7/23

    Still sound great and have gotten better as artists. Vocals sound great and there's depth in feeling and interpretation that has gotten better. Guitar wise, the lead guitarist has gotten even more adept over the years. They rythym section was tight. Crowd had a blast! Not just me. Loved it and will see them again when back in So Cal.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    HOB San Diego

    by Mickey on 8/7/23

    The motels were great - put on a good show! Martha Davis came out in the crowd and was doing her thing with all the fans.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Martha took amazing care of her vocals

    by Shelly on 8/6/23

    They were incredible!! She took amazing care of her vocals. Sounded great. I loved the venue because it was small and intimate. The Mayor even came on stage and spoke! I brought my son, to experience some of the music I grew up on and he loved it!! There were lots of younger generations there. It was good to see them liked by them as well. Martha if you read these, thank you for being so cool ❤

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    the bands were downright awful

    by Typically a fan on 7/8/22House of Blues Anaheim - Anaheim

    The opening bands were just SOOOOOOO terrible I did not even stay to see the Motels. This was my worst experience with House of Blues ever. I've attended many concerts and events here and always have been very pleased but not for this one. I left in the midst of it all because the singing was terrible and seemed so far off the 80's experience I was expecting. They needed to have the Flashbacks play instead of this cluster lineup. The Flashbacks were great great and was a way better 80's experience. I was just so disappointed.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great 80's Bands

    by FIG on 7/6/22House of Blues San Diego - San Diego

    Enjoyed the evening listening to The Motels, When in Rome, Bow Wow Wow. Great to hear and see their passion in their music. Music lives in our hearts forever!! Thank you House of Blues, San Diego And San Diego Reader