They’re dubbed “The Galaxy’s Most Excellent ’80s Tribute Band” for good reason. It’s because the members of Rubix Kube pride themselves on re-creating the music from the decade of decadence with gnarly note-for-note precision.
Their high-energy, costume-fueled, interactive extravaganzas have not only earned them critical acclaim as the premier ’80s act, but many of the original artists whose music they cover have actually joined their stage, with Rubix Kube performing as the artist’s backing band for extended sets.
On Monday, Rubix Kube will once again bring the soundtrack of the 80’s to Musikfest’s Air Products Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks for a summer performance every fan of the decade should experience.
Just be sure to bring along your neon socks, Aqua Net and a few spare quarters for Galaga and Pac-Man (I’m kidding).
I recently spoke to Rubix Kube founder and frontwoman Cherie Martorana Neve about the band’s Musikfest appearance, what makes the music of the 1980s so timeless and more in this new interview.
Q. What can fans expect from Rubix Kube’s performance at Musikfest?
Cherie Martorana Neve: They can expect an all-out ’80s extravaganza of endless energy taking them back to the best decade of music of all time.
Q. In your opinion what makes the music of the ’80s so timeless?
First of all it’s the only decade of music that has so many sub genres. The ’80s had pop, hair metal, new wave, dance, punk. It’s something that continues to appeal to so many demographics even after all of these decades. We’re doing just as many college parties now in 2025 for people who are between the ages of 18-22 who didn’t even grow up in the ’80s. It’s a testament to how appealing the music is to have so many different types of people and age groups as fans. The ’80s also had MTV — the first generation to have videos and picture stories put to the music. So you were no longer just listening to the music but were also seeing it. It was a really exciting and fun time.
Q. What do you enjoy most about performing at Musikfest?
Hands down it’s the energy from the fans. I’m born and raised in Massachusetts and we have a great fan base there and in NYC, but there’s no other fan base like PA because they never disappoint. They come dressed for the occasion, sing all the words and there’s this awesome exchange of energy. With Musikfest especially — just being outside with the SteelStacks in the background and the tradition of it being the longest free running festival. We look forward to it every year and are honored to be a part of it. This year we also have one of the greatest guitar players on Earth joining us as a special guest — Joel Hoekstra from TSO, Rock of Ages on Broadway and Whitesnake. It’s going to be a great show.
Q. What’s it like to receive kudos from the original artists whose music you perform?
It’s amazing. We’re one of very few ’80s cover bands that have actually performed with many of the original artists. And I don’t mean we opened for them or had a photo-op. I mean these original artists have joined our stage and we played a whole hour of their music as their backing band. Over the years we’ve been fortunate to have done that with artists like Rick Springfield, Bret Michaels, Richard Marx, Eddie Money, Debbie Gibson and Howard Jones. We may joke around on stage, have fun and wear crazy costumes but we take the music very seriously We have the philosophy of playing the song as if that artist was sitting right in front of us.
Q. How did Rubix Kube come together?
The music scene in NYC is very intimate and I was part of the World Famous Live Rock & Roll Karaoke Band at Arlene’s Grocery in the Lower East Side. It was a place where people could get up and release their inner rock star. One night, Moby of all people came in and he wanted to get up and play guitar on a Led Zeppelin song and wanted me to sing it. I did and afterwards he asked me to be in a side project, Through that I got immersed in music and about a year later met Scott Lovelady, our front man and John Laspina, our original drummer. A few years later David Z joined us on stage. He was one of my best friends who passed away eight years ago. That’s when things really took off. None of us remember who originally said “Let’s do our own ’80s band” but we did and over time it organically grew and gathered a following.
Q. I’m going to put you on the spot right now: what are your top three ’80s songs?
First off, “Under Pressure” [Queen], and for every reason. Two of the most legendary vocalists ever and the lyrics become more and more relevant over time. I really connect with that song. I also love “Jump” by Van Halen — pretty much anything Eddie is incredible. And then I’d say anything by Richard Marx or Pat Benatar. I’m also a huge Police and Tom Petty fan. There’s so many subgenres to the ’80s that it’s hard to pick!
Q. Of all the highlights of your career, is there something that stands out to you as most memorable?
Yes! In 2009 I performed at Radio City Music Hall at the David Lynch Change Begins Within Foundation’s fundraiser. The headliners for that show were Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. That was a gig I was on with Moby. There was also artists like Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper and Eddie Vedder. I even got to sing backup vocals with the legendary Donovan. After all the artists did their songs we all got to wait in the wings and watch the main event. The best part was that Ringo played some songs and then Paul went out and played some songs. When Paul was on stage performing, someone started doing the hip bump with me. I turned to see who it was and it was none other than Ringo Starr! So our hips are bumping and I’m in shock and smiling. He looks at Paul and then jokingly says to me, “See that guy out there? He’s all right. He might go somewhere.” Inside I was like, “What… is… happening?!! [laughs].”
Q. Have a message for Musikfest fans prior to your performance?
I would like to say thanks for being you and keep letting the music in your life keep you young. Most of all, keep letting the music be that one thing that unifies us. In this crazy world, no matter where you are, there’s one thing that keeps everyone together, and that’s music.
James Wood is a freelance writer. His new music-themed novel, “Beyond What We Know” will be released on Aug. 31. You can contact him at jimmywood@gmail.com
