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The Motels

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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: 4 out of 5

    Motels were great!

    by KN on 7/5/22House of Blues San Diego - San Diego

    Martha Davis sounded amazing! Was very impressed. Bow Wow Wow performed before them and was so awful. We were going to leave bit so glad we stayed for the Motels!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Good with a rocky start!

    by Leesapoo on 7/5/22House of Blues San Diego - San Diego

    WE had no idea there was more than one band (that was to play) and were pleasantly surprised that the final band was the Motels! It really was not advertized well, and the marketing could have been so much better! Good show, though!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great show

    by Dawners on 7/5/22House of Blues Anaheim - Anaheim

    Great show and always love this venue ! Show was no disappointment

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Motels amazing as always

    by Alagria on 7/5/22House of Blues San Diego - San Diego

    Martha Davis and the Motels were excellent Saturday night. I wish they had played Mission of Mercy.

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    It’s was ok not their best but it was ok

    by Paul on 7/5/22House of Blues Anaheim - Anaheim

    I want to hear their hits but I didn’t hear them because they didn’t play it I guess with age the hits don’t matter much to the artist but to a fan it does.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great Concert

    by James on 4/4/22The Canyon Montclair - Montclair

    Great Concert Martha sounded like the 80’s Original Keyboardist and saxophonist

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    The hostess was very pleasant and welcoming.

    by Ms I on 10/28/21The Canyon Santa Clarita - Santa Clarita

    The meal was good but needs a little more. The dessert needed to be a little better. The chocolate cake could be better. Very low scale. The sound techs were horrible. For your room the acoustics was just really bad. The Motels are not a heavy metal band. They don't need to be distorted. Martha the lead singer has a great voice. The speakers drowned her out. I was disappointed. Really, no cocktail waitress.. Not too good. I ended up leaving my credit card at the bar. Had to go back 6 days later to go back and get it. Thanks for free Halloween tickets. That was really cool. OMG! YOU HAVE TO HAVE A DIRECT PHONE NUMBER,! TRY GETTING A HOLD OF SOMEONE IS JUST IRRITATING! Nice place. You might want to make it a little more personal. And hire real sound techs. You could make more money and have more people pay to come to your venue. You need to get creative with events. This was my first time ever to your venue.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Motes Rock it!!

    by Sue on 10/25/21The Canyon Agoura Hills - Agoura Hills

    The Motels were so AWESOME. They were one of my favorite bands in the 80's, but I could never see them in concert as a teen. So, now 40 years later I finally got to see them. Martha Davis, at 70 years old, completely ROCKS it! She is so authentically present and intense...it was awesome. I swear as the show went on she appeared younger and younger and her true essences of beauty shined. I was so impressed. Even if you are not a familiar fan of the Motels, but like 80's rock...you will love the show. I will for sure go again when they are back in town at the Cannon club in Agoura. They should do a comeback. Plus, Martha rocks on the electric guitar and her band is stunning, especially the sax player..WOW!! Stupendous show!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Motels rocked it

    by JF2021 on 10/25/21The Canyon Agoura Hills - Agoura Hills

    Great show 10/22/21 at the Agoura Hills Canyon Club. Saw The Motels & they rocked it. We really enjoyed the opening show Guilty Pleasure too, great band. Martha and the Motels were awesome. Loved hearing my favorites from the 80's, and we loved their new songs too. Great venue, great show, delicious food and amazing staff at the club.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Marth Davis Rocks

    by DJ Belle on 9/20/21Brighton Music Hall presented by Citizens - Boston

    Such a great show and a nice night.. Opening Acts were fantastic. Martha and Marty are always fantastic. The young man on lead guitar was insanely talented!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great night of music.

    by Joe on 9/20/21Brighton Music Hall presented by Citizens - Boston

    The Motels put on a great show, as always. Actually, all three bands were good and seemed to enjoy playing for a small but lively audience. It was nice to be able to get close and really watch them perform.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    the best

    by Robw on 9/20/21Brighton Music Hall presented by Citizens - Boston

    Martha and the band never disappoint. Great sound. Great band. Great music to listen with great friends. Brought me right back many years. Can’t wait to see them again!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Martha still rocks!

    by happyrebel on 3/3/20Aztec Theatre presented by Cricket Wireless - San Antonio

    Martha Davis and the Motels put on a great performance. The vocals were on key, her guitar playing was stellar! Only downside was the opening act of Bow Wow Wow. It is not the original line-up or singer and the singer seemed better fit for an amateur karaoke night! What a disappointment. Full disclosure of the acts prior to ticket sales would be appreciated.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great Show

    by Evil steve on 3/3/20Aztec Theatre presented by Cricket Wireless - San Antonio

    All of the bands were great. Talented musicians. Fun to visit the 80's again.loved how they came and saw their fans after the show it was incredible

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Martha Davis and the Motels

    by JR on 3/3/20Aztec Theatre presented by Cricket Wireless - San Antonio

    The best experience was the cheapest ticket, 10 feet away from the stage, standing room only. The songs they picked were not the most famous radio plays, but the best for live, old school, club play. Martha's voice is AMAZING still!! and she still ROCKS her guitar! (can't believe she's my parent's age!) Never had the chance to see her live before and always felt like I missed out. She is proof that sometimes live is better than processed studio. All the emotion she put into her song writing is still raw and honest. Any motels fan should try like hell to get to this show.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    Motels rocked

    by K. on 2/22/20House of Blues Las Vegas presented by Cricket Wireless - Las Vegas

    The Motels put on a good show but the two opening bands were a disappointment. The ADA seating was the bomb. Best seats weve had yet. As always the staff and venue were great.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    amazing

    by E. C. on 2/20/20Mercury Ballroom - Louisville

    The Motels were absolutely outstanding. She can still belt it out with missing a note. Will not disappoint!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Wow wow wow!!!!!!

    by D. S. on 2/18/20Mercury Ballroom - Louisville

    This was so fun!!!! Great music!! Great crowd! Great fun. Thank you Motels for a wonderful evening!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great Fun!

    by C. K. on 2/18/20Mercury Ballroom - Louisville

    All three bands were excellent. Everyone, including the bands, had a great time. Thanks for coming to Louisville!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great show

    by e. on 2/17/20Old National Centre - Indianapolis

    Martha davis still has her great powerful voice and met with fans after the show and was very personable.