August 22, 1981 – A legendary outdoor concert featuring some of the most iconic names in new wave and ska
On August 22, 1981, nearly 20,000 fans packed the Liberty Bell Race Track just north of Philadelphia for an unforgettable outdoor concert that brought together a vibrant lineup of new wave, ska, and rock trailblazers. Headlined by The Police, the show also featured high-energy performances by The Go-Go’s, Oingo Boingo, The Specials, and The Coasters, who opened the night with their classic R&B charm.
The event wasn't just a major cultural moment—it captured the dynamic energy of a musical era on the rise. At the time, The Police were preparing for the release of their soon-to-be classic album, Ghost in the Machine, and the show served as both a tour stop and a live proving ground for some of their new material.
There was a genuine sense of camaraderie among the artists that night. The Police, The Go-Go’s, and Oingo Boingo all shared the same record label—A&M/I.R.S.—which fostered a collaborative spirit backstage and beyond. Despite performing later in the evening, The Police arrived early to watch and support The Go-Go’s, who were rapidly rising in fame thanks to their breakout hit “We Got the Beat.”
The 1981 Liberty Bell show was a particularly meaningful night for fans of The Police. It marked the live debut of three tracks from Ghost in the Machine:
These performances gave fans an early taste of the darker, more politically charged direction the band was exploring at the time.
August 22, 1981
This landmark concert remains a shining example of the energy and experimentation that defined early ’80s rock and new wave. It wasn't just a live performance—it was a convergence of styles, generations, and musical revolutions. For many fans, it marked the first and only time to see all these iconic acts share a stage at the peak of their powers.
Though the Liberty Bell Race Track no longer hosts concerts, the memory of that summer night in 1981 lives on through bootlegs, fan stories, and the legendary setlists that continue to circulate today. I still have my WYSP Police badge from the show -- a small but powerful keepsake from an unforgettable day at the races.