Trevor Steel of The Escape Club on ‘Wild Wild West,’ MTV and The 80s Cruise

During the late 1980s, The Escape Club carved out a unique place in the MTV era with a sound that blended rock, pop and atmospheric new wave energy. Songs like Wild, Wild West, Shake for the Sheik and I'll Be There helped the band stand out on radio and MTV during one of the most crowded and competitive periods in pop music history. This week on the Stuck in the ’80s Podcast, Spearsy sits down with lead singer Trevor Steel for a conversation about the band’s history, enduring legacy and the emotional loss of drummer Red Broad.

During the interview, Trevor reflects on the rise of The Escape Club during the late MTV era and what it felt like to suddenly hear the band’s music exploding across American radio and television. He discusses the creation of the band’s biggest hits, the experience of touring during the height of ’80s music culture and how the music industry transformed almost overnight during the transition from the 1980s into the alternative-rock era of the early 1990s.

The conversation also touches on the recent passing of drummer Red Broad and the lasting impact he had on the band’s chemistry and sound. Trevor shares memories of Red’s musicianship, humor and friendship while reflecting on the strange emotional experience of revisiting music tied so deeply to a specific moment in time and to the people who helped create it.

Along the way, Spearsy and Trevor discuss the continuing popularity of ’80s nostalgia tours, including The 80s Cruise and the Lost 80s Live Tour, where longtime fans continue celebrating the music that shaped the MTV generation. The conversation highlights how songs from the era continue finding new audiences through streaming, retro playlists and live performances decades after their original release.

If you love forgotten ’80s hits, new wave nostalgia, MTV music history and behind-the-scenes stories from artists who lived through one of pop culture’s most exciting decades, this episode belongs in your playlist.

The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.

And don’t forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade’s biggest artists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.