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[Bylli Crayone]

For kicks and Giggles, Lawrence man’s Web site keeps ’80s alive

By Lauren Carter


For ’80s music lovers who want a little nostalgia without digging those roller skates out of the attic, a new Web site has your back.

But it’s more than just a trip down memory lane: 80sinyourface.com gives visitors the scoop on what ’80s artists are up to in the here and now.

Launched last January by 38-year-old Lawrence resident Bylli Crayone (pronounced: Billy Kray-OH-nay), the interactive site counts such artists as Taylor Dayne, Samantha Fox and Lisa Lisa among its more than 700 members.

When Boy George was recently released from prison, he contacted Crayone for an interview. Among the other ’80s heavyweights who have shared their thoughts are Ralph Tresvant of New Edition, LL Cool J, Al B. Sure, Chico DeBarge, Rob Base and this month’s featured artist, Bananarama. Next act in Crayone’s sights: Tiffany. Yes, that Tiffany. Don’t pretend you never liked “I Think We’re Alone Now.”

You might liken 80sinyourface.com to VH1’s “Where are They Now?” on steroids. There’s news about virtually every artist you could have possibly forgotten - Spandau Ballet, Howard Jones, Joan Jett, MC Shan, Klymaxx, Billy Ocean, Twisted Sister and even Ricky Martin (who qualifies as an ’80s artist because of Menudo). There’s even a Dolly Parton Halloween contest.

Why the ’80s?

“That era was the most unique and creative, with the best pop music,” Crayone said. “You look at people like Cyndi Lauper and Boy George, there’s nobody out there now like that. They’re the originals. And if you look back to 1984, that’s when Madonna, Michael (Jackson), (Prince’s) “Purple Rain” and all this stuff hit big-time.”

The ’80s homage began when Crayone, who dabbles in electronica/pop/club music himself, tried to help his friend Giggles launch a musical comeback. He searched for ’80s-related Web sites where he could promote Giggles’ new material, but found none.

“All the ’80s sites are just on the ’80s,” Crayone said. “There’s nothing on what the artists are doing now.”

Crayone took matters into his own hands, launching the site and contacting every ’80s artist he could think of. He knew things were taking off when he interviewed Gloria Estefan and got free goodies to give away online.

Now Crayone is getting calls, texts and e-mails full of updates and packages full of free merch from the likes of 2 Live Crew and Chaka Khan.

“I never expected the site to take off like it did, but I obviously wasn’t the only one craving such a Web site,” he said. “There’s definitely a demand for it. To me, it feels like the ’80s are still here. I get messages all the time saying, ‘I love what you’re doing’ and ‘it’s awesome how you found out about so-and-so.’ People are like, ‘Wow, that person’s still recording? Performing? Oh my God, I totally forgot about them’.”


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