← Back to the dial
The Motels
📷 Fyunck(click) · CC BY-SA 3.0

▸ Artist · 1982–1982

The Motels

1 song in the crate.

🎧 Ask the DJ about The Motels

The Story

Formed1971OriginUnited StatesGenrenew waveLabelCapitol Records

With a sound that perfectly captures the essence of new wave, The Motels emerged from the vibrant music scene of Berkeley, California. This dynamic band made waves with their hits, especially the hauntingly beautiful "Only the Lonely," which resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the pangs of solitude. Their knack for blending catchy melodies with introspective lyrics set them apart in the early '80s, drawing listeners into their world. Under the Capitol Records label, The Motels crafted songs that lingered in the hearts of fans, with "Total Control" echoing through Australian airwaves and "Danger" captivating listeners in France. Their music remains a nostalgic time capsule, reminding us of the bittersweet moments that define life and love. Dive into their catalog, and let the melodies transport you back to a time when every note felt like an adventure waiting to unfold.

By The Liner Notes · facts via Wikidata & Wikipedia.

Facts via Wikidata (CC0).

🎟️ Admit One

Ticket Trail

Find the setlist. Save the memory.

No.
8282

Trying to remember what they played when you saw The Motels back in the day? Jump to Setlist.fm to search real historical setlists, then come back and save the memory.

Search historical setlists on Setlist.fm.

Were you there?

Setlist searches open on Setlist.fm. G33Z3R does not host or verify external setlist data.

🛍️ Get the The Motels merch

Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate and an 80sTees affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Details

Only the Lonely
The Motels
1982

📼 The Motels by decade

📺 Heard on these vibes

📀 More like The Motels

Songs from the same scenes, sound, and era — by other artists.

I Ran (So Far Away)
A Flock of Seagulls
1982
The Winner Takes It All
ABBA
1981
Be Near Me
ABC
1985
When Smokey Sings
ABC
1987
Goody Two Shoes
Adam Ant
1983
Der Kommissar
After the Fire
1983
Even the Nights Are Better
Air Supply
1982
Every Woman in the World
Air Supply
1980

What does The Motels remind you of?

The drive, the dance, the heartbreak, the summer. Add a memory of The Motels.

💭 No rules — but if you’re stuck: what was on TV · what you were eating · the movie it brings back · who you were with

💜 Memories are kept forever — they live on this artist’s wall. You can delete yours anytime.

Community Memories