DJ Robert Drake

First, let me say I love the band BERLIN - they were a favorite of mine when I first listened to the 7” of Sex (I’m A…) back in ‘82. Terri’s voice was hypnotic and she never disappointed during the 3-LP stint of the band … I happily bought and wore-out each of their releases!

So, when I was asked to open for Berlin featuring Terri Nunn, I eagerly accepted with a mix of excitement and humbleness. Excited to be part of Terri’s return to Philadelphia and humbled to have our paths cross after all these years.

I arrived early to World Cafe Live and caught a bit of the sound check - Terri sounded as great as always. Having just celebrated her 50th birthday in June, she has kept all the power and energy her voice had 30 years ago.

After the sound check, I took to the stage and set up my gear - as the doors open, began my set. I started with “This Is Helena” from OMD’s Dazzle Ships, glided into “Music For Chameleons” from Gary Numan and I was off and running! 

About seven songs into my set (approximately 15 minutes) - the house manager pops over and gingerly lets me know he has a request from Terri if i could not play so much 80s music. I explained that “um, that’s who I am and that’s what I do”.  I continued with “plus it’s all I have here to play”. He took that information backstage and returned saying that Terri preferred newer music - so I suggested that they fire up the house iPod mix and we carry my table off stage, so I could breakdown my equipment, away from the eyes of the audience.

Now, I’m all for respecting a headliner’s opinion - but when you’re a band that is entrenched in the Rock of the 80s culture as strongly as Berlin, the idea that you DON’T want a quality 80s mix ahead of your set - to entertain those who have come to see you - is simply ridiculous.

Whether it’s because she was fearful of me showcasing bands that might have been more successful than they were, or perhaps she just doesn’t personally like 80s music if a paycheck isn’t involved - I’ll never know.

But the fact is, once she took the stage, 90% of what she performed was from the 80s. Between songs, she even boasted that her band was opening for INXS on a national tour. (All that was missing was a classic MTV montage on the video wall behind her).

I respect a band who - having performed for three decades, continues to produce new music and, upon touring to support their new releases, wants to limit their attention to the past.

But we’re talking Berlin.

If it wasn’t for the band’s first 3 releases, no one would have been there.

The other fact is, having been part of the marketed bill since it was announced - many people were there to see/hear me. People were excited about an 80s dance party mix prior to Berlin’s performance. During the night, staffers at the venue were inundatied with questions as to where I was and why I wasn’t on stage (instead it was a mix of current songs - including tracks from Fountains of Wayne).

I hung out at the bar and talked to friends and fans. Many were bored with the hour+ wait for Berlin with nothing to do except stand around. I explained that I was ready to play and that the venue was excited to host me - but alas, at the headliner’s request, here I sit at the bar.

So - that’s the story. Despite reports that cite its destruction 22 years ago; last night I personally faced the Berlin Wall. 

A gracious thanks to all of you who came out to see/hear me — If you’re heading to see OMD at the TLA next month, I’m slated to be their opening act - fingers crossed (haha!)

Rock on!