Animotion’s So. Calif. ‘Obsession’

Celebrating three decades since the single “Obsession” was a worldwide sensation, Animotion has lined up a few Southern California dates leading to a 30th anniversary celebratory party in Los Angeles this Sunday.

It was nearly impossible to escape “Obsession” in 1985. Written and originally recorded by Holly Knight and Michael Des Barres in 1983, the song first appeared in the 1983 film “A Night In Heaven,” but didn’t necessarily capture the ears and hearts of fans until synth-pop band Animotion included it on its debut album released in late 1984.

By early 1985 “Obsession” was all over radio while the song’s video received endless showings courtesy of MTV.

Now Animotion is celebrating the song’s 30th anniversary with a brief So. Calif. journey that includes playing the New Wave Bar in Bellflower May 21; That ’80s Bar in Montclair May 22 and Totally ’80s Bar in Fullerton May 23.

Animotion’s members haven’t exactly been idle since those glorious days when “Obsession” ruled the airwaves. Guitarist Don Kirkpatrick is Rod Stewart’s touring guitarist while keyboardist Greg Smith has toured with Chick Corea and recently appeared on “American Idol” with Harry Connick, Jr.

Now Kirkpatrick and Smith, along with Bill Wadhams, Charles Ottavio, and, of course, vocalist Astrid Plane, will celebrate 30 years of “Obsession” with a party at Los Angeles’ La Poubelle where the band will perform the song with Knight and Des Barres. What’s more, Animotion will let the public join in on the fun beginning at 9 p.m., which should make for a very interesting evening this Memorial Day weekend.