Cover band Go Go Retro took to the stage Sunday afternoon to close out THON 2022 just moments before dancers sat.

Go Go Retro, which played some of the best hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, performed at THON for the first time. For the past two years, Go Go Retro’s sister band, Go Go Gadget, has performed in the premiere slot. However, the band announced last week that it would be unable to perform at THON this year due to scheduling conflicts.

Still, the energy was nothing less than spectacular in the final moments of THON 2022 thanks to Go Go Retro. The band opened up “Teenage Wasteland” by The Who — the perfect energizer the BJC needed after an emotional Family Hour.

Next, “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen got everyone in the arena jumping. The song served as a reminder to all of the dancers on the floor that they were so close to their end goal and nothing could stop them now.

Now, it wouldn’t be the final hour of THON if “Dancing Queen” by ABBA didn’t get the thousands of folks at THON singing in unison. Go Go Retro rocked out to the ABBA hit and then smoothly transitioned to “Staying Alive” by Bee Gees.

“Take on Me” by A-ha was up next, and if the energy wasn’t already sky-high in the BJC, this song took it to a whole new level.

“This is the 50th year of THON ladies and gentlemen, all of your dancers are so close. You should be so proud of yourself,” the group said.

The band then rocked into what they call an 80s-themed “power hour”. The first two songs, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley and “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Ozbourne got the half-hour off to a great start.

A few songs later followed “We Didn’t Start The Fire” by Billy Joel.

Go Go Retro then provided a personal Penn State touch to “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil. Instead of singing “Hey Mickey” in the chorus, the group sang said “Hey Nittany” while pointing to the Nittany Lion on the side of the stage.

Suddenly, everyone in the BJC was hit by “The Jitterbug”, but folks didn’t seem to mind too much. To make everyone was feeling loose and still grooving along, the band then jammed out to “Footloose by Kenny Loggins. That concluded the end of the band’s “power hour” (it was only about 20 minutes), and it then started back up again with “Man In The Mirror” by Michael Jackson.

The band dedicated its final song of the evening to all the kids, angels, and families. Go Go Retro closed out with a strong cover of “Hey Jude” by the Beatles, which got the whole arena lit up with flashlights and singing and dancing together.

Go Go Retro, it’s safe to say your first THON as a group was a success. You’re welcome back next year, too!