‘80’s tribute band headed to the State Theatre

The Breakfast Club, an ‘80’s tribute band, will be playing tomorrow at the State Theatre at 9 p.m. Anyone is welcome, tickets will be sold at the door and students will even receive a discounted rate.

Jerry Finley started the band back in 1993 and has taken on a range of positions in the band. For the last 12 years, he has been the keyboardist and one of the lead vocalists. The original band he played with, Two Pound Planet, called it quits after accruing some debts.

To repay them Finley and a few other of the band’s members created The Breakfast Club to play at small gigs in order to repay those debts. Finley recalls how he thought of the idea of the tribute band by watching an ad on TV for an ‘80’s music compilation CD at 3 a.m.

“The next day I told the guys what had happened and that we should be the first and only cover band (at the time) to play nothing but ‘80’s music covers, as close to the record as possible, with vintage clothing and instruments,” Finley said.

Finley explained he had never seen the idea of a tribute band. That being said, he said he was met with resistance from club owners and agents. The band has been coming to Greenville since 1995 and has been attracting a range of audiences, Finley explained.

“Back then it was almost entirely ECU students. Our target demographic has gotten a little older since then, but surprisingly, we are starting to draw more 18 to 25-year-olds. Maybe their parents did a good job raising them, playing their generation’s music in the minivan on the way to soccer practice or dance rehearsal. So Greenville is a natural choice,” Finley said.

Finley said the people in Greenville are amazing and supportive and the State Theatre is one of the best live music venues the band played in the Southeast. Performing at the venue was an incredible experience not only for the audience but for the band.

Tony Williams, drummer for The Breakfast Club, has been playing for the band for a little over five years. He explained that he has been playing drums almost his whole life but loves the idea of tribute bands due to the role he gets to play.

“I've played in several other tribute bands and I just really enjoy getting into character and playing the role. It's more than just learning the songs. You really have to fully dive into it if you're gonna do it right and dress and act the part,” Williams said.

While the band plays all over the United States, The Breakfast Club has played in North Carolina, and even Greenville, numerous times. Williams recollects the time the State Theatre in Greenville was opened.

“One of our favorite venues to play is Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh. So obviously we were very excited to hear the owners of Lincoln were opening a new venue in Greenville. They took all the things that make Lincoln Theatre so cool and made it even better. We were very impressed from the second we stepped foot in the State Theatre,” Williams said.

Co-owner of the State Theatre, Mark Thompson, explains that the band attracts so many fans of different ages that he can ensure ECU students will enjoy the show.

Thompson said the ‘80s produced so many fun music that everyone of all ages will love The Breakfast Club. He also thinks ECU students will enjoy the band also and will offer a student discount for the show.

“The ‘80’s produced so much fun music that everyone from high school to people in their 60’s love this band. I think the ECU students will love this band and we even offer a student discount for this show. The regular tickets are $12 and the student tickets are only $7,” Thompson said.

Williams explains how much fun both he and the crowd has when playing the best songs of the ‘80’s. He said the band works hard to make sure to keep the crowd engaged and entertained.

Williams adds on saying that the band is so appreciative of the fans for making their performance so much fun. He said the band will take the audience on a two and half hour journey through the best songs of the 80’s.

“Our crowds are part of what makes our shows so much fun. We always have fun, happy crowds that are dancing and singing along to every song. We take you on a two and half hour journey through the best songs of the 80’s playing hit after hit. It's hard not to sing along, “ Williams said.

Finley said the band enjoys their fans and they would not be where they are now without them and try their best to hang out and talk to them as much as they can after the show.

“New fans, young fans, old fans, we love our fans. We could not do what we do without them and for that we are truly blessed. We do our best to hang out and talk to folks after the show, take pictures, sign drumsticks, etcetera. We can’t thank them enough.” Finley said.