DJ Richard Blade sails into sunset

Big hair and leg warmers are things we would like to forget about the 1980s, but the music is something that lives on thanks to disc jockeys such as KROQ's Richard Blade.

After 18 years of faithful service, Blade is sailing to the Caribbean. But he did not leave until the FM station threw him a bash fitting for a connoisseur of '80s music.

The Palace in Hollywood was packed with Blade fans Friday morning, while bands bid farewell to the man many of them say launched their careers in the United States.

Save Ferris kicked off the free four-hour concert with a three-song set. With the horn section wrestling on stage while they were not playing and lead singer, Monique Powell, belting out 1980s hit "Come on Eileen," the set proved to be a perfect opening to an amazing concert.
 

Tears for Fears, Berlin, Dramarama, members from the English Beat, Duran Duran and surprise guest Billy Idol all played amazing sets with some performances that ranged from simple acoustic sounds to loud and outrageous music fit for the Coliseum.

The most memorable vocal performance belonged to Dave Wakeling from the English Beat. With only a guitar and a tambourine, Wakeling sang to improvise the absent piano, drums and horns.

His voice flowed like melting butter as he sang "Tenderness" and "Sooner or Later." Showing no strain, his unique voice carried over the hundreds of screaming fans.

The performance that caused jaws to drop belonged to Berlin.

As they played "Sex," a lot of sexual simulation occurred between lead singer Terri Nunn and guitarist Dallan Baumgarten. The other members left the stage as the two did a lot of moaning, licking and grinding.

With the wonderful vocals and performances, the highlight of the day was the announcement "Ladies and gentlemen, Billy Idol!"

With his signature bleached-blond spiked hair and dark sunglasses, Idol caused the until-then tame audience to push and nudge to see the rock star curl his lip and throw his fist in the air as he sang "White Wedding" and "Rebel Yell."