80s Classical 2026
at Symphony Hall, Birmingham
From £43.20
Includes booking fee
Add to your event list
See all dates for 80s Classical
Step back into the decade of big hits, big hair and even bigger anthems!
80s Classical brings together the most iconic voices and songs of the 80s in stunning, full orchestral glory performed live by the original artists and the spectacular Orchestra of Opera North. It’s the ultimate feel-good 80s celebration bursting with joy, nostalgia and the greatest music of all time!
Nik Kershaw, Johnny Hates Jazz and Jaki Graham take to the stage to perform their timeless classics including, Wouldn’t It Be Good, Shattered Dreams, and Set Me Free backed by the breath-taking power of a world-class orchestra.
And that’s not all! Get ready for supersized performances of the songs that defined a generation, reimagined on a massive scale. Experience the hits you know and love like never before, from epic singalongs by Queen, ABBA and The Eurythmics, to all-out party anthems from Whitney Houston, The Jacksons and Kenny Loggins.
This is more than just a concert... it’s a non-stop, high-energy musical experience that will have you dancing, singing and smiling all night long!
Appearing:
Nik Kershaw
80s pop hero and acclaimed singer/songwriter. Expect a mixed selection of new material as well as all the old favourites.
See Nik Kershaw tour dates
Johnny Hates Jazz
In 1987, as the era of Electronic Pop and New Romantics was reaching its culmination, Anglo-American group Johnny Hates Jazz featuring Clark Datchler and Mike Nocito were catapulted to success with the release of their single 'Shattered Dreams' on Virgin Records. It became a top 5 hit worldwide, reaching number 2 in the USA and Japan, and has since been played over 3.5 million times on American radio alone. 'Shattered Dreams' was followed by other hits including the anti-war anthem 'I Don't Want To Be A Hero', 'Turn Back The Clock' (featuring Kim Wilde) and 'Heart Of Gold'. Their album 'Turn Back The Clock' entered the UK charts at number 1, going double-platinum and selling 4 million copies in the process. It is arguably one of the definitive albums of the 1980's, and is one of only two debut albums released by Virgin Records that immediately went to the top of the charts upon its release — the other being ‘Never Mind The Bollocks’ by The Sex Pistols. The band went their separate ways shortly afterwards, deciding to focus on other musical projects instead. In fact, over the next 20 years, they completely lost contact with one and other. However in 2010, original members Clark Datchler (lead singer/songwriter/keyboard player) and Mike Nocito (producer/engineer/ bass guitarist) decided to come back together to write, record and produce a brand new Johnny Hates Jazz album. At the same time, they began to perform live at international festivals. That album, titled 'Magnetized', was released in 2013, and the single of the same name became a huge radio hit in both the UK and Germany. Unfortunately, Clark collapsed in London shortly afterwards, and was diagnosed with a serious illness. All promotion came to an abrupt halt, and he spent much of the following year recovering. Fortunately, he made a full recovery and JHJ began to perform again at festivals in Europe and Asia. They toured the UK in 2016, appearing at theatres across the country. During this time, Clark also joined forced with Genesis legend Mike Rutherford to co-write the new Mike and The Mechanics album, ‘Let Me Fly’.
See Johnny Hates Jazz tour dates
Jaki Graham
Jaki Graham is one of the most appealing Soul entertainers to emerge from the UK, as a true pioneer having paved the way for many a black British female solo artist who followed. Jaki achieved international success with a string of hits from '85 including Could it Be I'm Falling In Love?, Round and Around, Set Me Free, Step Right Up and Breaking Away, also making the Music Guinness Book of Records in the 80's as the first black British female solo artist to have 6 consecutive Top 10/20 hits. Her career excelled in the 90's with her album Real Life selling more than 800,000 copies in less than four weeks. Her cover of Ain't Nobody reached No. 1 in the US Billboard Dance charts for 5 weeks as well as achieving gold in Australia, Japan and the USA. Jaki is officially a Motown artist, as one of the only British females to hold this credential alongside Kiki Dee. Jaki also holds a Doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton, for which she was also made Pro-Chancellor due to her outstanding contributions to the music industry and awarded her very own Star on Birmingham’s Broad Street. Jaki Graham firmly maintains her position as one of Britain’s most revered ladies of soul with the 2018 release of her long awaited new studio album When a Woman Loves which topped the UK Soul Charts and produced a US Independent Chart No.1 single!
See Jaki Graham tour dates
Symphony Hall
Broad Street
Birmingham
B1 2EA
- Website:
- bmusic.co.uk
- Disabled Booking:
- 0121 780 4949
See all events at Symphony Hall
Find places to stay near Symphony Hall
on Thu 11 June 2026