Things Can Only Get Better Tour - Week One
- richardblade
- Jul 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 30
Opening Night - Napa, CA - July 19, 2026 Blue Note Summer Sessions at Meritage Resort
The Things Can Only Get Better Tour officially kicked off in beautiful Napa, California, marking the opening night of what would become my fourth national tour alongside Richard Blade, Howard Jones, Wang Chung, The English Beat, and Modern English.
The day began with an early flight on Alaska Airlines before heading straight to the venue, where the tour buses would become home for the next several weeks. Even before the first note was played, fans were already arriving for the free pre-show meet and greet, creating the kind of excitement that only opening night can bring. Meeting people who have followed these artists—and my photography—for years is always one of the highlights of every tour.
As showtime approached, the atmosphere continued to build. Because the concert was held outdoors at a resort with an early curfew, everything started earlier than usual, but the energy from the crowd never let up. I opened the evening with the first of my four stage appearances, taking the audience on a journey through the music of the 1980s before introducing an incredible lineup of artists.
Howard Jones delivered a remarkable performance, reminding everyone why his music has remained timeless, while Wang Chung, The English Beat, and Modern English kept the celebration of the decade alive throughout the night.
Opening night set the tone for the entire tour—great music, enthusiastic fans, unforgettable performances, and the beginning of another month on the road capturing memories from both onstage and behind the scenes. If Napa was any indication, this was going to be a very special tour.
Saratoga, CA - July 21, 2026 Mountain Winery
The second stop on the Things Can Only Get Better Tour brought us to one of Northern California's most breathtaking concert venues—The Mountain Winery in Saratoga. Perched high in the hills with panoramic views and not a bad seat anywhere in the amphitheater, it was the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening of 80s music.
The afternoon began with soundchecks as Modern English prepared for the show, followed by another free meet-and-greet with fans before the music began. One unexpected surprise? Every one of my tour T-shirts had sold out on opening night in Napa. While we scrambled to restock for the upcoming shows, it was a wonderful reminder of how excited fans were to be part of the tour.
As the lights came up, the winery came alive with incredible performances. Modern English delivered an outstanding set, while The English Beat brought their trademark energy to the stage, proving once again why they've remained one of the most exciting live bands of the era. Their performance was full of nonstop enthusiasm, leaving everything on the stage from the first song to the last.
Between my stage appearances, introducing the artists and keeping the audience energized, I made sure to capture another collection of behind-the-scenes moments and live performance photographs that tell the story of the evening from a photographer's perspective.
By the end of night two, it was clear the momentum from Napa hadn't slowed. The tour was finding its rhythm, the crowds were growing, and the excitement continued to build as we packed up for the next stop—Paso Robles and the California Mid-State Fair.
Paso Robles, CA - July 21, 2026 California Mid State Fair
Three nights into the tour and the momentum was building.
During soundcheck, I stood on stage with Jack Hues of Wang Chung looking out across an empty California Mid-State Fair venue. A few hours later, that same view was filled with thousands of fans ready for a great night of music.
Modern English and The English Beat delivered fantastic performances, and the crowd responded with incredible energy all evening. Paso Robles was one of those shows where you could feel the excitement from the stage—a perfect way to wrap up the first three stops before heading to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, CA - July 23, 2026
The Greek Theatre
Playing the legendary Greek Theatre is always something special, and this stop on the Things Can Only Get Better Tour didn't disappoint. Before the show, I hosted another free meet and greet at the merchandise booth, where fans lined up for selfies, book signings, and a chance to catch up before the music began. The response was overwhelming—I wish there had been time to meet everyone before I was called to the stage.
The Greek delivered exactly what you'd expect from a hometown Los Angeles crowd: incredible energy, enthusiastic singalongs, and a packed house from start to finish. During my "History of the '80s" sets, the audience was completely engaged, making it one of the most enjoyable nights of the tour.
The evening also brought a few surprise guests, with Jimmy Jam, Wil Wheaton, and Andy Richter in attendance. Andy even joined me on stage for part of the countdowns, adding another memorable moment to an already unforgettable night.
With a sold-out crowd, amazing performances from Howard Jones, Wang Chung, The English Beat, and Modern English, and the excitement of playing one of Southern California's most iconic venues, the Greek Theatre proved once again why it's one of the highlights of any tour. The next morning, it was time to head south for another great night in San Diego.
San Diego, CA - July 24, 2026
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Night five of the Things Can Only Get Better Tour brought us to Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU, one of my favorite Southern California stops. During soundcheck, the amphitheater sat quiet and empty, but everyone knew that would change the moment the gates opened.
Before the show, fans gathered for another meet and greet, sharing stories from the KROQ and 91X days—and now as listeners of SiriusXM's 1st Wave. It's always amazing to hear how these songs continue to connect generations of fans decades later.
The day also included a special backstage celebration as Modern English lead singer Robbie Grey celebrated his birthday. A spontaneous chorus of "Happy Birthday" in catering made for a fun moment before the evening got underway.
Once the lights came up, San Diego delivered another incredible audience. Howard Jones was in top form, the crowd was engaged from the very first song, and the energy never let up. Five shows into the tour, it was becoming clear that every stop had its own personality, but one thing remained the same—the fans made every night unforgettable.
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