Get to Know the MTV VJs On Board The 80s Cruise!
November 27, 2024
By Lori Majewski
“Being trapped on a boat in the ocean for seven days with 2,000-plus humans who share nothing but unconditional love for the 80s and for each other? Pretty awesome!” So says Alan Hunter, one of the original MTV Veejays who, along with fellow OG VJ Mark Goodman, and former VJ and Club MTV host Downtown Julie Brown — Wubba! Wubba! Wubba! — keeps coming back year after year to co-host The 80s Cruise. On board, they help to interview the artists, so I thought, as we’re still on land (only three months to go!), why not turn the tables?
What’s one thing you still have from your MTV days?
Downtown Julie Brown: My sanity! All my clothes and shoes!
Mark Goodman: The working script for Live Aid
Alan Hunter: Arm-pit hair. But seriously, my Michael Jackson Beat It jacket and an MTV VMA Moonman award
Who were you in high school: a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, a criminal — or something else?
Julie: What’s high school? I went to Disco School! I stayed on the dance floor for most of my youth.
Mark: I was the music nerd — the opposite of an athlete.
Alan: I considered myself a renaissance teenager: I was a football star (wide receiver), in the school choir, loved doing theatre, and I played piano and sang goofy, original songs in talent contests.
You’re in a Hot Tub Time Machine: Which year do you set it to?
Julie: 1986 — my move to New York City!
Mark: 1984
Alan: 2040-ish when I can be among all my family, enjoying my four children and my grandkids
Favorite music act(s) on The 80s Cruise over the years:
Julie: I admire those who still jam — the 80s greats. Such a variety of music and meaning and memories. So: ALL OF THEM!
Mark: Squeeze
Alan: Midnight Star, Kenny Loggins, Wang Chung, Cheap Trick — and damn it, Air Supply was surprisingly good, Yacht Rock-y fun.
Besides a toothbrush and underwear, what are your cruise must-packs?
Julie: My husband is a must-pack!
Mark: My spandex workout wear.
Alan: Underwear? Naw, I’m guerilla on the cruise. Beyond the toothbrush, I’m thinking fishnets stockings for Rocky Horror night (even if there isn’t one) and massive amounts of Vitamin D, B12 and antacids.
Favorite thing to do on the cruise when you have down time?
Julie: Check out all the decorated cabin doors! I love all the candy and treats!
Mark: Eat!
Alan: I cruise the pool deck, which at any given time is populated with people begging to take a picture with me.
Star Wars or Star Trek?
Julie: Star Wars. I love Yoda — and baby Yoda on SNL
Mark: Original Star Trek — none of the TV sequels
Alan: Star Wars. I’m often mistaken for Mark Hamill.
American Bandstand or Solid Gold?
Julie: Soul Train and Club MTV
Mark: MTV!
Alan: TRL! Love me Carson D!
David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar?
Julie: I’ll jump off the roof if I’m forced to choose!
Mark: What?! No question! DLR rules!
Alan: Both! I met David Lee Roth rock artist upon landing in New York. And Sammy took me around the race track one time — he likes to go fast!
Your top-3 80s songs of all time?
Julie: 1. “Thriller” 2. “Walk This Way” 3. “Let’s Groove”
Mark: 1. “In Your Eyes” 2. “All Fired Up” 3. “Let’s Go Crazy”
Alan: 1. “Once In A Lifetime” 2. “Thriller” 3. “In Your Eyes”
80s song(s) you could do without ever hearing again?
Julie: “Disco Duck” and “Party All the Time”
Mark: “We Built This City,” “Mickey” and “Lady in Red”
Alan: “Sausalito Summernight” by Diesel. (Please god!)
Just a Few Cabins Available!
There are only a few cabins remaining on The 80s Cruise, and they’re selling fast! Don’t miss out on this epic voyage packed with over 50 concerts and live performances from your favorite 80s bands, theme nights, and non-stop 80s action. Book now before cabins sell out!