Forty years ago this week, Animotion’s synth-laced anthem “Obsession” was entrenched in the Billboard Top 40 while its surreal, cinematic music video was in constant rotation on MTV. With its hyper-stylized visuals and addictive hook, “Obsession” didn’t just become a Top 10 hit—It helped define the visual and sonic landscape of 1980s pop.

We chatted up co-lead singer Bill Wadhams recently to dish on all things ’80s and his upcoming visit to KC.

Wadhams and Animotion are currently back on the road for the I Love the 80s tour alongside fellow New Wave icons A Flock of Seagulls and Bow Wow Wow, landing at Kansas City’s Uptown Theater on Friday, June 13. For Wadhams, the tour doubles as a sort of family reunion.

“When we reformed in 2001, our original drummer was not available, so we pulled

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