There are certain songs from the 1980s that instantly change the mood in a room. The opening guitar riff hits, the chorus kicks in, and suddenly everybody is smiling like they just got handed the keys to a Camaro and a pocket full of arcade tokens.
“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves is one of those songs.
This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, Spearsy catches up with Katrina Leskanich to talk about her remarkable career, her return to touring, and the unique magic of performing aboard The 80s Cruise.
And honestly? Katrina sounds like someone who genuinely loves every minute of it.
The conversation begins with memories from The 80s Cruise itself, where Katrina not only performs but also dives headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of ’80s trivia contests and fan interactions. One of the coolest things about the cruise has always been how quickly the walls come down between artists and fans. Everybody shares the same musical language. Everybody remembers the same songs, movies and moments. Katrina clearly understands that connection better than most.
Of course, no conversation could avoid the legacy of “Walking on Sunshine,” one of the most joyful songs to ever escape the MTV era. Katrina reflects on recording the track with producer Scott Litt at the legendary Power Station studio in New York — long before the song became a permanent fixture at weddings, sporting events, road trips and basically every playlist designed to improve your mood.
The episode also dives into the early days of Katrina and the Waves, back when the band emerged from a rougher, grittier London music scene before suddenly finding themselves navigating the corporate machinery of Capitol Records and international pop success.
Like many musicians from the era, Katrina’s story includes unexpected twists that most casual fans never realize. One of the biggest came years later when she and the band won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997 with “Love Shine a Light.” The victory opened an entirely new chapter in her career and helped launch her into solo work and international touring opportunities.
Spearsy and Katrina also discuss her upcoming appearances on the Lost 80s Live tour, one of the longest-running and most beloved nostalgia tours celebrating the music of the MTV generation.
More than anything, the interview serves as a reminder that the artists of the 1980s weren’t simply creating catchy songs. They were creating emotional landmarks for millions of people who still carry those memories decades later.
And yes — hearing Katrina talk about “Walking on Sunshine” still makes you want to roll the windows down and turn the radio all the way up.
You can listen to the full episode now on Stuck in the ’80s.
And if you’ve never experienced The 80s Cruise, trust us: It’s unlike anything else in pop culture nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive onboard credit and join Spearsy, Brad and hundreds of fellow Gen X music fans for the ultimate floating celebration of the decade.