Looking back at the 80's can be both cringeworthy and awesome. Some of the hair, music and clothing styles are pretty awful, but amongst some of the bad is quite a bit of good. Many who attended Diamond Rings' March 7th concert at the Commonwealth bar are barely old enough to remember the 80's. In fact John O', the creator of Diamond Rings is only 27 years old, born in the very era that he evokes. Yet his dedication to the genre is full throttle.
Touring for the second time in 4 months behind Free Dimensional, John, backed up by two keyboardists and a drummer, sporting sunglasses and Diamond Rings tank tops, strutted on stage in a white tank top, leather jacket amd white pants straight out of a Wham video. Some choreography and dancing like a New Kid added to the retro feel. In many cases it would be horribly cheesy, but in the case of Diamond Rings it works. It is hard to put a finger on the reason why.
Part of it is the fact that the material is original. Songs like Runaway Love, Hand over my Heart, and All The Time had the audience singing and dancing from the start. He is not trying to be anyone but Diamond Rings, a genre yes but not copying anyone. Dynamic and charismatic, John stands out on the stage as someone you want to watch.
Based on the concert and recent opportunities opening for the likes of Robyn, the chance to see Diamond Rings in bars may be for a limited time only. If the occasion comes up again, I would suggest taking it. Whether you are fondly remembering the era of your youth or just like the style, it's a slice of 80's
retro without the cheese.