For a generation of fans, The Transformers: The Movie wasn’t just a Saturday morning cartoon on the big screen. It was a rite of passage… and also a little traumatuzing, due to the death of an iconic character. Now, 40 years later, Hasbro is returning to the scene of the emotional damage with what they’re describing as an official “Apology Tour”, as first reported by Billboard.
On Thursday, July 23 at 8pm, San Diego Comic-Con attendees can head to the House of Blues for The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Celebration of Life Concert, an evening dedicated to the music of the beloved 1986 animated film. They’ll be treated to a mix of power ballads, metal anthems, and synth-heavy score selections that helped make the movie as memorable as it was heartbreaking — with a special appearance by Stan Bush, the voice behind the immortal anthem “The Touch,” will be taking the stage.
Tickets are on sale now for $53.50 for general admission, or $105 for VIP (which includes early entry, exclusive merch, a private viewing area, and a gift bag of curated items).
“I’m thrilled to be part of The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Celebration of Life Concert and to celebrate this incredible film with the fans who have kept its spirit alive for four decades,” Bush said in a statement to Billard. “It means so much to me that the music, especially ‘The Touch,’ still connects with people in such a powerful way. This anniversary is a tribute to the lasting impact of the movie, the memories it created, and the amazing Transformers community that has embraced these songs for 40 years.”
Bush won’t be the only legendary name rolling out for the event. The concert will be led by Knights of Unicron and feature music from The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition, a reimagined version of the original soundtrack that arrives on streaming platforms and limited-edition vinyl on July 24.
Fans can also look forward to appearances by Vince DiCola (composer for the film), Britta Phillips (original singing voice of Jem), and Cold Slither (the Cobra rock band that made its real-world debut at Comic-Con last year). Additional guests are expected to be announced closer to the event.
