Live Review: Debbie Gibson & Friends @ Town Hall NYC: ELECTRIC YOUTH 35th Anniversary 7/26/24 by Eileen Shapiro 

A virtual fireworks display plunging into the night sky and shattering the dark, Debbie Gibson exploded onto the stage with the energy of supernova for her Electric Youth 35th Anniversary concert at Town Hall in New York City July 26, 2024. The celebration paid tribute to her chart-topping album that she wrote, recorded and produced at age 18. 

A trail blazing music icon, Debbie Gibson rocked the 80’s with her dance-pop showcasing songs including “Only In My Dreams”, “Lost in Your Eyes”, “Electric Youth” and more. Joining her on stage were featured guests including John Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys), Orfeh (Saturday Night Fever, Pretty Woman on Broadway), and performers from BBK Rocks (Broadway Bound Kids). Also joining her were musicians (some from her original cast) Joey Fingers (drums), Kirk Powers (bass), Adam Tese (sax), Ariel Bellvalaire (guitar), Stepp Stewart and Ronda Reese Heagaama (backing vocals) and dancers Buddy Casimano & Eddie Bennet.

Coming full circle in her hometown, Debbie referred to her concert as a second act. People leave traces of themselves where they feel most comfortable, and she was at home on stage. The past is not a series of events that we carry around for the rest of our lives, but rather a kaleidoscope of experiences that when viewed through different lenses can change color and we can see a present and future. Her outfits were the originals from the 80’s and her songs have survived the echoes of our memories. 

Aside from her own songs, she did a tribute Whitney Houston medley with Orfeh and an ABBA medley as well. She also did a mash-up of the Four Season’s “Your Just to Good to be True” and her song “Lost in Your Eyes” with John Lloyd Young which was beyond over the top. Her dance routines dazzled and her stage presence sparkled. The two-hour show ended with the kids from BBK Rocks which was adorable.

 Debbie Gibson is one of those rare artists who loves performing and loves her fans to the highest extent … and her audience feels those vibrations. With a reputation of being one of the kindest women in rock, she did a marathon meet and greet and hugged every one of her fans as if they were family….

Very special thanks to Cindy Byram (who represented Town Hall and the concert PR wise) for her kindness and professionalism….

Photo Credits: Anthony Mulcahy @mulographynyc