Sold-out Girl Talk concert in Bozeman ushers back the 80s

Recycling the worst parts of the 80s (or the best, depending on whom you’re talking to), many members of the sold-out crowd at Friday’s Girl Talk concert at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman were there for one reason: to dress like was 1982.

Slinky tops with exposed bras, pink fishnet tights, glow-stick bracelets and stunner shades were all the rage. Complete with pink-rimmed sunglasses with baby blue legs, a blonde chatting incessantly with her circle of gals, glitter and glam dripping from them, mentioned proudly, “I got them at Hot Topic.”

Attendees weren’t all leg warmers and leotards, though. The metal-barn-turned-venue was packed to capacity. Some leaned on the ropes that separate the rodeo stands from the dirt floor, some kicked up dust in the arena, and many hung out in the makeshift bullpen for the 21+ crowd.

When Girl Talk’s signature riffs filled the arena, starting with “Once Again,” the crowd let up a cheer. Dashing through the mob, people pushed to get closer to Gillis. A hand-selected group surrounded Gillis on stage; burly bouncers with arms crossed kept the rest of the crowd from doing the same.

Gillis closed with “Play Your Pt. 2” and a lovely sing-along mashup from the 70s and 80s, and then the sweaty crowd filed out of the barn. “I have your shirt,” a guy yelled across the metal building to a girl shambling along in her bra. Others embraced in the aftermath, bathing in their love of modern hiphop mashed with artists making music before many of them were born.