A Flock Of Seagulls Frontman on 1980s HIT I Ran (So Far Away) | Premium | Professor of Rock

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#AFlockOfSeagulls #IRan #80s #Pop
A Flock Of Seagulls frontman Mike Score takes us behind the 80s classic “I Ran (So Far Away) ” one of the most impactful songs and music video of any era. Mike Score was not only font and center for his voice and lyrics, his hair was just as memorable and influential as the song itself. Ironically he now has no hair. Mike and A Flock of Seagulls were on the front line of the second British invasion and were true originals on MTV in its infancy.
Hey music junkies Professor of Rock always her to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time. We invite you to join our community of music lover by subscribing below for our daily episodes. Also support our mission of curating the rock era by becoming a patron.,
Today we go behind one of the most impactful songs and music video of the 80s. I Ran (so far away) by english New Wave band A Flock Of Seagulls with lead singer Mike Score. A man who’s hair was just as memorable and influential as the song. Ironically he now has no hair. Mike and A Flock of Seagulls were on the front line of the second British invasion and were true originals on MTV in its infancy.
Thanks for watching, Leave us a comment about Mike Score and A Flock of Seagulls and this transcendent song. Tell us your memories of the song and the video. Celebrate this masterpiece the right way by getting A Flock Of Seagulls on vinyl or CD below and other merch If you like our content join our community by subscribing to this channel below. Become a patron to help us keep the music alive. Until next time three chords and the truth my friends.

[@kevinkaatz883]

Unlike most Internet "journalists ", this interviewer asks great questions. And surprise, he let's the interviewee answer without being cut off nor turning the interview in to being about himself

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you much!

[@mbgrafix]

Indeed...he puts the pro in Professor!

[@RenePeraza]

Absolutely! If you like what they do, become a Patreon - it's the best way to show your support!

[@ProfessorofRock]

@rrr ccc Well, I will anyway. Thank you so much for your support!

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@RenePeraza Thank you so much for you support!

[@pmcgee78]

My favorite has always been Space Age Love Song, Paul Reynolds doesn't get enough credit for how good of a guitar player he is

[@reubenroman8801]

I was just about to mention Space Age Love Song. Such a classic.

[@Lance37a]

Space Age Love song is better than I Ran.

[@dorarie3167]

My favourite too. Reminds me of the wistful tone of The Korgies’ “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime”.

[@nicholasschlegel473]

Same. Reynolds is ridiculously underrated.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree, Paul doesn't get the credit he deserves.

[@graemeknowles1431]

Paul Reynolds solo at the end is fantastic. But the whole arrangement with the opening fade in keyboards is so cool. Brilliant song.👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Graeme Knowles couldn’t agree more!

[@john0691]

Talked to Paul in the parking lot after the gig and he just looked so sad he was so young must have been hard for him in another country away from home

[@jasonlieberman4606]

Have you listened to the extended version?

[@duanesealy3592]

Probably what most people don't know Paul never played his guitar with a pick he used a penny

[@rodrigorojas1432]

Paul is the best

[@richarddeleon8601]

My first concert was IRON Maiden, School Girls and Scorpions. Months later in 1982 I saw AFOS in concert. I was officially a new waver!! Seen Mike over 8 times already. He still has it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Richard DeLeon right on, I know, mikes incredible!

[@shoeboxofangels]

Nobody ever talks about album art. So many album covers are iconic and the images are also what made the whole thing a success. Can you please ask these people that you interview to give the story behind the album cover art? Thank You

[@roberthuffmann8204]

“People skit us, but they don’t forget us” lol brilliant!

[@ProfessorofRock]

thanks for commenting!

[@ms8742]

Flock of Seagulls had some really great songs. Paul Reynolds is an amazing guitarist with his own sound. Not many can say that.

[@Halpin2006]

In zoological fact, it's a SQUABBLE OF SEAGULLS, and a MURDER OF CROWS! Neither bird bunch is called a flock.

[@Cotivity]

This jam is still in rotation at home, and on the road for me.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it, keep it alive!

[@FUJILA]

Same here!! And I especially love the version they made with the prague Orchestra!

[@meandthemrs7403]

I'm 55 and don't remember liking this song when it came out. I was into Hank Jr. and AC/DC at that time. About three years ago I heard it on the stereo at work, got nostalgic and turned it up. It's now a song that I just don't get tired of. It's really a kickin' song. The lead guitar is really great.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on, that’s awesome

[@jedidorn]

I understand. For nostalgic reasons l like these classic 80s songs more than ever now. Born in 1973.

[@alexcncmacsalcar7324]

I was always a new waver but for some reason I didn’t really care much for this song when it first came out. It wasn’t until around the late 90’s that I began to really appreciate what a great song this is. Well better late than never.

[@Bsquared1972]

Great interview. I was in the Air Force when MTV came on air, and we were pulling Nuclear alert...7 days basically living underground, with aircraft ready to go to war. We had a big TV room, and all of us spent every waking hour watching MTV, and this tune was there. Loved it! Flock of Seagulls made some great music!

[@viol8r]

Space Age Love Song and If I had a Photograph of You, are both just total gems as well.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree, thanks for commenting

[@ddemaine]

The More You Live is another pearl.

[@emmalfal]

I love when this tune comes on when I'm riding on my motorcycle. If I open my mind completely, it's the 1980s again, and I'm just wheeling around, killing time before the keg party out in the woods behind the armory. The feathered hair, the collar up, flirting with girls with hoop earrings and big red cups in their pretty hands... I don't know if any song brings me back so completely to that weird decade. "Photograph," as well. Something about that Flock of Eagles sound really makes way for time travel.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Couldn't have said it better. What a great riding song!

[@JacQuie1776]

Perfectly stated ^^

[@bhk5150]

Mark LaFlamme lord I miss those days. But I revel when a person like you can take me back to it with your words. Thanks for taking me back and making me feel like I'm not so alone.

[@MrSiloterio]

I love how the interviewer asks the questions because he's dying to know the answers himself instead of just asking for the sake of audience views. You can see it in his reactions of awe and delight every time an insight is being said.

[@flavellinator]

I remember thinking this song, and "Space Age Love Song" were both made for getting lost in the headphones...

[@ProfessorofRock]

Flavellinator oh yeah, and never coming out!

[@flavellinator]

You know it, Professor, gotta visit the audio sanctuary when you can!

[@shack8110]

Wishing was another tune I played over and over.

[@saldanapete10]

I remember being a kid in the 80s when MTV played this video. I was blown away by the song and video. From then on I didn't want to go play outside, I wanted to just watch MTV like 24/7. Still one of my favorite songs of all time. 💯👌

[@juanmarte3298]

ONE OF MY FAVORITE 80'S SONGS .

[@ProfessorofRock]

Juan Marte sweet! Keep it alive

[@kpmitton]

The rhythmic way the guitar and base were used with delay echo and some ambiance was so very different, and I bought that vinyl album as soon as it was out. Still have it. I would just let the album play and play along on my guitar finding the key by ear and adding my own lines in single note patterns. Great fun and a set of music to which I first really got to work out just moving up and down the neck of the guitar, learning how to ad lib notes and fit into a mix that already exists. Total fun. Very creative guys. Thank you. Using effects on any instrument can get out of control, and their careful use of the effects and timing is well balanced. You cannot wack too many strings at once without it just becoming a mixed chorus and one long fill that cannot sound a cool as the keyboard. This just sounds simply well crafted and when I guitar students ask me about using effects I tell them to listen to FOSG and learn.

[@thiscorrosion900]

As I'm learning now more recently, playing these songs finally, having acquired a Zoom guitar processor, everyone used to use Delay, Echo, etc., back in the 70s and 80s of course. Just David Gilmour's guitar tone for lead, etc., uses TONS of delay etc. Now you can be at home and dial in these sounds without a gigantic rack of equipment, which is fantastic.

[@thiscorrosion900]

Being from NY here, Long Island, where Mike would tell you there have always been tons of Flock fans, due to MTV and the old WLIR FM radio airplay back then (they switched formats to New Wave in 1982 just as MTV was taking over TV and Cable as far as music programming), I first heard the song on WLIR FM radio without question, and some other rock stations. Then since I didn't even have Cable TV yet at home, I would go to my buddies' homes before or after school, and we'd see this video suddenly on MTV all day long. I was immediately intrigued by their look, the weird dizzying video, and Paul's impressive hairdo and those glasses, were the business! LOL I soon after, rode my bike over to nearby Titus Oaks Records, (used to be in Hicksville LI) and bought the first Flock album the same day as the first Duran Duran album on tape. And that was the beginning of my new wave music obsessions.

[@jacobr5627]

My favorite song from A Flock of Seagulls is Standing in the Doorway. The way drums then guitar suddenly erupt is incredible.

[@thiscorrosion900]

That sick voice at the end! LOL

[@mainepurple1974]

It’s a great song and what a start for the flock! Well done interview thank you so much

[@chiajon6397]

Saw them by accident in Pascagoula, MS in 1988-1990 time frame. Excellent live. Saw them a few years ago in Houston. Mike Score is a cool, talented guy and he made time for all the fans after the show. 🚀

[@ProfessorofRock]

By accident? Tell us the story!

[@chiajon6397]

I has hanging out at the local bar and I didn’t know they were playing there that night! Needless to say it was a nice surprise! The other thing that was a surprise was Mike Score had long hair!

[@richarddeleon8601]

I'm sure I was there in Houston.

[@maskedladyrobber]

I'm English and in my 50s - loved this song, even bought the 7" picture disc.

[@XoXo475]

Crazy that one of the most recognized 80’s haircuts ever belongs to a man that is now devoid of ANY hair lol.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Supergrover no kidding! Thanks for watching.

[@XoXo475]

Professor of Rock absolutely LOVE your channel dude. Thanks so much for all you do.

[@discoinferno112]

Hair don’t make the man, but the music certainly does!!

[@RussAimz]

Yeah but was more think'n, that who would have thought, that such a tough look'n dude today , actually once looked like a fashioned conscious hairdresser. Wanted to say gay but we can't say that stuff anymore can we, now that everyone is so sensitive and politically correct and all.

[@vladimiralvarez1162]

Craig Grandlund IRIE !!!

[@timothycook2917]

"I Ran" hands down my favorite song from 1982 🎶🎵🎵😁

[@nicholasschlegel473]

Thanks for this (and your many) great interviews, Professor! My Flock of Seagulls 5'er. 5. The Traveller. 4. I Ran (So Far Away) 3. The More You Live, The More You Love 2. Man Made 1. Space Age Love Song - from a Gen X'er born in 1970 ;)

[@dbarocker]

I was 19 and totally aimless when MTV went on the air. I stared at the TV for months. I can't tell you how much MTV influenced my life. I still play in cover bands to this day. I remember seeing the I Ran video and thinking wow, I could do that! Of course I never did, but I still love hearing all of those early MTV songs. In fact, I miss the old format of 24-hour music television.

[@tod3msn]

Mike Score and Ali Score and Frank Maudsley and Paul Reynold’s of A Flock of Seagulls pulled off the most successful reunions on “Bands Reunited” on MTV. These guys genuinely sounded great together after many years and still have it. I know Mike doesn’t seem keen on playing with his original members but if ever did want to do so the chemistry is still there. Paul Reynold’s is probably one of the least known great guitarist of the 80’s. Mike got all the attention but Paul was truly truly talented.

[@nickyalousakis3851]

saw the flock in burlington ontario canada summer 23. i emulated their hair style back in the eighties and waited for hours on hed to hear the song on radio.

[@paulnguyen3122]

Love this song!!! Was only 10 years old, still remembered those days of my youth.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Glad to send you down memory lane Paul!

[@paulnguyen3122]

Professor of Rock stumbled upon your channel, been a fan every since. How do you get to interview all these legends? Damn awesome!

[@fionafenner4582]

Unforgettable song! I don't think I will ever tire of it …

[@MotoXplor]

"Standing in the Doorway" off of their first album kicked all ass and nobody ever talks about it.

[@maxshea1829]

Great song! Wild guitar riff! Another great one overlooked is "Over the Border" from Listen.

[@batgiant3535]

I discovered 'Flock of Seagulls' when I heard them on the radio back in the 80's; I had a big boom box radio and played music wherever I went. Great band

[@timseasybennett3359]

Really loved “Wishing I had a photograph “

[@mikefixx7177]

This song came out in my college days, it takes me back so many years. All wonderful memories !

[@shyman99]

"I Ran" spent 5 weeks at #1 on my chart in 1982. Equally impressive was how their next two singles also reached #1 on my chart. The only time any artist reached #1 on my chart with their first three singles. The third single, "Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)", may have been the best of the three.

[@corkycobon1481]

I love I Ran but Wishing is their best song by far.

[@shyman99]

@Adam Clark - You must have missed where I stated "my chart". I charted my favorite top 40 singles every week from 1980 - 1993. And when I mentioned first three singles, I was referring to first three charted singles.

[@ВладимирКруглов-к9о]

@@shyman99 Why would you do that at all? 0_0

[@shyman99]

@@ВладимирКруглов-к9о -It's the equivalent of someone writing a journal. Music meant the world to me so I felt compelled to put it on paper. Now these charts are precious as there are a number of songs I would have otherwise forgotten as they disappeared from the radio. I have also built my music collection based on this charts. And finally, most people today think my charts are a better representation of the great music in the 80s than the Billboard charts. A Flock Of Seagulls is an example as they deserved much more success on the Billboard charts.

[@blonddiev8752]

​@@shyman99I wish u could share your chart or play list on here🤘🏽 🤩🤘🏽

[@subtle7hunder62]

I remember when MTV when it was in its experimental days around January/ February 1981. They were on after midnight for only a couple of hours a night. They played stuff I loved like AFOS, but also stuff I hated. Once it went 24 hours, I remember watching a lot of stuff I hated to get to something I really wanted to see, like “I Ran”. Great interview, Mike Score is really cool.

[@flowers2burn]

I got to sing nightmares with mike on stage!! He’s so kind and even offered me a hug! Jeez he’s wonderful, A Flock of Seagulls will forever be my favorite band I love them with all my heart 💛

[@thesuburbanredneck4453]

The band that my dad introduced me to at the age of five and stole my heart completely. I'll never forget hearing "I Ran" the first time and the sound quite literally travel through the speakers.

[@thiscorrosion900]

You know a song still holds up when you're tons younger than the orig. fans etc., and the song still floors you. I'm of that generation, myself, but I can imagine how it is again to be young and first hearing this. Like first hearing Led Zep, or Pink Floyd's Dark Side, etc. Was the same with me in 78 first hearing The Cars on the radio!

[@tarheel7406]

Flock may be considered new wave synthpop, but what gave "I Ran" generational legs is the blistering guitar work and solo. Opens up so many genre and viable arrangement possibilities. The early MTV generation may fondly remember "Space Age Love Song" and "Wishing", but their kids know and like "I Ran". I could see Ric Ocasek writing and The Cars recording this song.

[@craigjones21]

This song more than most reminds me of the delirious fun I had chasing disco lights around and around at the roller skating rink. And it's one of my go-tos for karaoke. "The More You Live The More You Love" was also playing on my headphones when I met my first love, and takes me right back there.

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

Flock of seagulls entire band, front man Mike, and especially the lead guitarist Paul, were and still are my musical soul.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thats awesome!

[@strat1969]

This song has been part of my DNA since the 80’s. Fun interview. Thanks for sharing Mike!

[@darknessspirals6848]

I remember being very young in the 80's and no matter what I was doing, when this video came on, everything stopped. I was totally mesmerized by the visuals as well as the music. Great pull Professor. 🤘

[@wingchunone]

Love AFOSG. It is part of my own perosonal life's soundtrack. My first girlfriends, my mates. First car. Great song.

[@stonerobinson4864]

I ran(so far away) is such a great song, but they dont get the recognition they deserve with their other songs. All people ever know is I ran and nothing ever about wishing(I had a photograph of you) or space age love song. I love A Flock of Seagulls and wish people still lived them.

[@geoffmustbedestroyed]

space age love song........

[@alukuhito]

That song is painful to listen to, in a good way. It brings me right back to the early 80s being a teen. So much time has passed since then. Everything is so fleeting. Those times are gone, never to return.

[@vladimiralvarez1162]

alukuhito I’m 49 I do remember this song ,and Bowie ,the police ,the clash .MTV ...the real one ..not this crap they play on there now 🤦‍♂️..it’s sooooo good to always listen to 80s when bands had to play instruments...this gen of today like the quick tunes made in a lap top ,no sense of creation ....oh let’s not forget REGGAE music !!! Real roots ,bob and the wailers ,steel pulse ,ASWAD! Etc etc

[@geoffmustbedestroyed]

alukuhito it’s got that GREAT guitar part....just sets the mood

[@brianmiller1077]

Used to great effect in an episode of "Symbionic Titan"

[@Calvero52]

I Ran is iconic, classic 80s, but Space Age is always my jam 🌌🚀❤🎶

[@itchitrigger1]

Use to ride around in my new Z-28 with the T-Tops off listening to this song. I'm 64 now and still love it after all these years.

[@TheTuneluvr16]

Me and my friends first heard this song in 82 and it was so new wave similar to The Human League at the time and the shirts with the slanted zippers trend began with Mike Score in the I Ran video...keyboards..guitar..electronic drums...the start of something fresh and exciting in music...Space Age Love Song and Telecommunication big songs on that first album too!..Thanks for the interview Adam.

[@maxshea1829]

Ali Score played a conventional drum kit. They did buy electronic drums a bit later. What you see in the video are practice drums. Dummy drums.

[@HappyFlapps]

Blown away by that song - It was just the perfect new-wave pop for it's time. And those killer guitar licks!!

[@aquaskyman]

I partied with the band in Boston in the early 80's after their show. I help drive their rented truck to the Essex Hotel afterwards with my girlfriend at the time (who was madly in love with Paul the guitarist). Mike Score was a great guy! He explained to me what the song "I Ran" was really about. "It's about Jack the Ripper" he said. "I ran, I ran so far away, couldn't get away!" I looked puzzled but he laughed and said the Americans may have thought it was something about "Iran" the country, which was having problems with the hostages at the time. That's one of the reasons it became top of mind. The other reason, was the incredible base line beat which Mike Score said was a "killer" and could hypnotically penetrate your whole body!- Great Group! -Scott McGinn

[@anthonycastelluci9225]

Thanks for the great interview with Mike Score. Of course, I was a young teenager the first time I heard/saw the video growing up in Pensacola. And later a friend of mine had the vinyl. He had seen them live in Atlanta at The Fox with some family. And he told me how good they were live. Later in the Marines on Okinawa, I bought a nice stereo. And AFOS sounded so much better on a good system than the cheesy little speaker in the side of the TV my parents had when I heard/saw AFOS as a teenager. Listen to AFOS now on a playlist on my phone blue toothed into the Bose system in my car. The playlist also has Led Zeppelin's Carouselambra from their In Through the Outdoor album, and it's a seamless transition. Who's to say if John Bonham didn't die that Zeppelin's move into more synth-rock style songs like Carouselambra wouldn't have become their direction. Regardless of the impact AFOS had in terms of "new wave" visual style, listening to them on a good system, they really nail it as a great rock band. And getting into guitar, my admiration for AFOS is greater as I love Paul Reynolds riffs. Also pleased he now plays a Fat Strat. I played a lot of guitars, and Fender Stratocasters just "fit" better and play better that other guitars imho. And, damn! Dick Dale plays a Strat. Leo Fender handed him one of the first builds and said, "Here, try this." And well, the rest is history!

[@cjccjc99]

I was literally thinking about this song (and Space Age Love Song) today while working and if Professor of Rock had talked about it any. Little did I know...

[@rzrbckmz23]

I remember seeing on MTV obviously and I bought the 45 when it was available fall of 1982. Very popular song at our college parties in 1982/83. MTV debuted on August 1, 1981, so I don't think this was one of the first videos on but it definitely was played a lot when it did make the rotation. A New Wave classic!

[@helzapoppin9810]

I remember saving up for the cassette when that song came out. BIG one on my life's soundtrack. Always feels good to hear it. That album, Men At Work's Business As Usual, The Fixx's Reach The Beach. . . all were played excessively in my early teens. Speaking of which, The Fixx would be a great one to highlight in a future vid.

[@usmcfutball]

Loved The Fixx!

[@corkycobon1481]

Cy Curnin's voice is phenomenal especially on Deeper and Deeper as well as Less Cities, More Moving People.

[@jasonroberts5166]

This song came out in 82, it zips me right back to that year. Still love this song, brings me right back to junior high school

[@rosenfield10]

I have a great story about myself and A Flock of Seagulls. My friends and I saw them in a very small bar in New Orleans in 1989 or 1990. We were right against the stage with Mike standing right in front of us the entire show. They closed with "Telecommunication", and as the final notes are sung, Mike bent down to place his mic in front of my friend and I. Personally, I think Mike noticed we knew the words to more than just "I Ran" as we sang along to most that they played. It is a great moment, singing "Telecommunication" with my friend Derek and Mike the man himself to close out a show. That was wild.

[@ProfessorofRock]

rosenfield10 awesome story! Thank you for sharing!

[@eddieberner284]

I was playing lead guitar for you that evening in NOLA

[@blonddiev8752]

Legendary story 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@alicethurber2518]

I was 10 years old when this came out. I used to keep MTV on all day so I'd know when the video came on again. I was completely crushing on Mike! I've met him several times after shows as an adult, and he's always very charming and gracious. That little girl part of me still crushes on him. 😊

[@syrophenikan]

“Nightmares” is the best FoS song (in my opinion) they ever made... and they made many great songs.

[@anymajordude87]

I wouldn't say best, but highly underrated. a great cut

[@Jammerjim]

I grew up watching the Beginning of MTV. The flock of seagulls are definitely one of the fathers of MTV. My generation was fortunate to grow up in THE greatest decade of music (80s) in my book lol. I still love it. I still reminisce my youth watching these videos over and over. I'll do it until the day I go.

[@Halpin2006]

I was 12 when "I Ran" was on the USA charts in 1981. With the synthesizers and guitar music, the song was very electronic and futuristic. You could actually FEEL what this song was trying to say. I think "I Ran" is such a classic as it was a pioneer song for future music, showing that the 1980s were starting a whole new generation of hearing, and seeing, music. Today, this is all that modern music is, thus we no longer see much specialty in what is played today.

[@JaxBespoked]

Well said.

[@v-town1980]

Mike seems like a great guy. Glad he's very happy with the legacy of AFOS. I have their first two albums. So great❤

[@ministerofdarkness]

As a kid when this song came out, I remember thinking, “ The 80s are here!!” Awesome interview Adam! “ Space Age Love Song “ needs a video!!!💜 PLAY LOUD 🎸🎹🎤

[@ProfessorofRock]

haha right on, you bet, we've got more coming!

[@seanilves5387]

Just graduated college and let me tell ya this is the perfect song to either save or get a party going.... RIP all the floorboards out there! Rock on

[@ProfessorofRock]

Haha! Well said my friend

[@brianpattison4603]

As a metal head liking this song was problematic. But I was also an MTV junkie. So it made it's was in to my record collection. Good stuff 👍

[@jayjanyh2932]

From Wishing..."It's more the way your eyes are laughing as they glance Across the great divide", is what a human connection is all about.

[@kuwaitdaplace]

Such an underrated guitar song. When people think of flock of seagulls, I feel like they think of synth pop, but that is a guitar driven song and the solo is awesome. Also, I’m pretty sure the guitarist was like 15 when they did this.

[@richardclegg5853]

Whole bunch of great songs by an underated band... lucky to see them live during their peak, excellent show

[@CoinOpTV]

For those who havent seen Sing Street - rent it!

[@shawnweaver7797]

this was a love letter, beautifully done. there first two albums were my favorite .

[@KipArmadillo]

I mean, they're immortalized in Pulp Fiction, when Jules literally calls a guy "Flock of Seagulls". Can't get much better than that.

[@jenniferkubik478]

I remember this song from when I was 4 or 5. 80s music is distinctive enough that very young children didn't forget what they heard.

[@57WillysCJ]

This band caught attention when I first heard them because of their name. I had a contemporary literature class not long before. Most of the books were blah but I found Johnathon Livingston Seagull to be good. Little did I know that title was part of the reason for their name. Something you wouldn't find information on in those days.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Glad your a fan, thanks for sharing!

[@maxshea1829]

The press mentioned Jonathan Livingston Seagull as the inspiration, as reported by the band. Mike also said he was at a Stranglers concert and the lead singer pointed to him and yelled "A Flock of Seagulls." He credits that as inspiration as well.

[@mikedr1549]

Still love the song today - it holds up well! I love how it was a complete 180 degrees from the power chord 70's rock music.

[@shanewright2772]

"I Ran" did indeed hit #1 in Australia - removing the execrable "I've Never Been to Me" by Charlene in the process. A true case of the sublime replacing the ridiculous.

[@Theeporkchopxprezz]

Love that time growing up man in the 80s saw all these videos when they first came out. Just sitting there watching TV for hours just to see another video play again that you liked a few hours earlier.

[@pumpkinking5174]

Mike always comes across as a good bloke. Cracking interview!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you!

[@randyranson84]

This was probably one of the greatest songs ever recorded, it stands the test of time and has all the stops. A truly unique but commercially viable song. So glad it came along as it did.

[@cjmq1970]

I would strongly recommend to watch the video where the guys reunited to play the song with tablatures and the like, they gave a musical master lesson for free

[@timharnett4721]

Stationed at RAF Mildenhall 1980 to 85.... What a great time to be alive. The music of the time still reverberates in my head. FOS was just another in a long list of ground breaking bands that enriched my life. Thanks for the reminder Professor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool! Great comment, thank you for sharing.

[@DeanOliver1964]

I was in the USAF during the same time and you're right, it WAS a great time to be alive.

[@usmcfutball]

USMC from 1982 thru 1986. 'I Ran' was the backdrop of multiple excursions from Camp Pendleton to insanity. What a time to have been young! Cheers to all!

[@ProfessorofRock]

usmcfutball that’s what I like to hear! Rock on

[@th3.goatman871]

Dude your videos are always so good keep it up!! I live in idaho lol.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@petermontagnon4440]

As a DJ in The Military...I Played so many tunes from the 70s and 80s .....There was so many great songs!!!

[@ry8729]

Soon after this song took the entire world by storm, our geography teacher in high school made us calculate the distance from our small town in Pennsylvania to Iran, and made a point it was indeed "so far away" from us. Good times!

[@ProfessorofRock]

haha! Great story, thanks for sharing

[@TheStobb50]

I remember when this came out, it was so different electro pop with rock melody and rhythm I loved it still do

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

Another excellent interview. I remember seeming Mike in a few (a bunch actually) interviews where he would get really mad if asked about this song. I understand, they had other better/just as good songs, and they were kinda classified as a one-hit wonder. I'm glad to see that he can at least appreciate and talk about the iconic status of this song. One-hit wonder is better than no-hit wonder. Peace.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right on, me too, I really wanted the story!

[@thiscorrosion900]

@@ProfessorofRockWell, the next few albums did ok, they had plenty of airplay and on MTV with "Wishing," and "Modern Love," and "The MOre You Live", but the problem wasn't the albums, etc., but it sounds like internally the band was increasingly dealing with its own friction. At a certain point though, the pressures got too much, and Paul had to bow out for a while, for personal reasons, and Ali quit due to differences with Mike. Had they not had these issues, they could have gone on to bang out another 10 hits and probably another five stupendous records, too. The same basic thing happened even earlier to Haircut 100, alas. I think MTV was partially responsible back then for bands imploding fast: the pressure to be video artists, and bang out hit songs to get on MTV was becoming an albatross. Some bands loved it, like Duran Duran, seemed to thrive on it, but others couldn't cope with that nonsense. It became more about the image and hype than the music, which is a great shame.

[@elinovak3770]

One of the best 🎸 solo songs in rock and roll history true facts

[@MacStoker]

my life will be happy when i find a woman and she likes flock of seagulls

[@ProfessorofRock]

Keep searching! She's out there :)

[@denisegore1884]

Are you looking in the wrong age group?

[@brendabanuelos7692]

Where are you looking? There's a lot of women who love this band? I haven't met a single person that dislike this song .

[@luisromanlegionaire]

Stop running and she will catch up to you.

[@Ravioli-uw9uy]

Hello 👩🏾✊🏾

[@drakk35]

I've always loved this song. I graduated high school in 1981 and about a year or so later "I Ran" came out and shortly after "Space Age Love Song". These songs are the epitome of that great 80's era. To be a teen falling in love in the 80's. (sigh) I wouldn't trade those times for anything. Paul Reynolds' guitar work was vastly underrated. He had a unique sound. Great interview! I envy what you do.

[@Imhomeinspections]

Always loved the song, though I think "Space Age Love Song" was their masterpiece.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right on, thanks for sharing!

[@averyj8924]

My sentiments exactly.

[@jenniferposey7975]

I have "I Ran (So Far Away)" on my Spotify play list and every time this plays, I think "Oh I love this song ". I love all the songs on my play list, but this song has an extra something. So cool to hear the story behind this song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Who has this on Vinyl?

[@shack8110]

I...did. I think it's in my brothers garage half way across the country. This song was so awesome. They had several amazing songs. I only learned about Space Age Love Song at my friend's birthday party in 2010.

[@shyman99]

I have the 45 for my vintage jukebox and the album to blast on my stereo system.

[@aaronz9687]

I have both cd and vinyl. I only discovered that the entire album is great about five years ago

[@JeffreyA2010]

Cassette

[@curtmurray6085]

I have it on wax. Professor of Rock what is your take on the band Information Society? I would love to see a video of them.

[@TheNightBadger]

'Wishing', 'I Ran', 'Space Age Love Song', 'The More You Live the More You Love' - all are superb. I don't think they get enough recognition in the UK, as they weren't seen as one of the 'cooler' bands.

[@tangoandcars9588]

Synth and guitars are just blaring on that song! ⚡️

[@ProfessorofRock]

As they should! haha thanks for commenting

[@albertagibinik3436]

Try it on Sony walkman on 10 before you could ,10 ten now is 3 or 4 today

[@laurakelley1658]

I still have the cassette tape from 1980 and it plays beautifully on my Sony tape deck! I first heard I ran on the radio while driving to my beach house. I was completely mesmerized by it and "I ran" to the record shop to buy it!

[@mariogonzalez5107]

He seems annoyed by that song at this point, I personally like Space age love song better or the more you live the more you love.

[@grimlock1211]

The Story of a young Heart 💙!!

[@grabasandwich]

Yeah, at some point musicians or celebrities in general flip out when they're asked repeatedly about the thing that made them famous.

[@RandyWillcox]

At this point, it's also a sore spot for him personally. 😕

[@joseizeta4158]

He definitely is. I've seen other interviews where he says as much. It had to do with people demanding it at all their shows.

[@segasonic23]

At least this interview didn't talk about his hair for the whole time, we actually got some interesting insight into the song and video

[@SteRDLK]

First heard it in GTA when I was 12/13, but was only turned on to the band itself by Todd In The Shadows episode of One Hit Wonderland. He mentions how he thought Space Age Love Song was the superior song, and he's true, one of the most beautiful songs ever. I've since listened to the whole album, and it's a masterpiece, one of the finest albums of the 80's. Great interview!

[@-bloodhound]

See kids! that's whats happens when you play with your hair too much!

[@ProfessorofRock]

haha!

[@discoinferno112]

Aquanet ruined mine...

[@Coasterdude02149]

@@discoinferno112 Remember the Aquanet 'maggots'? You'd shampoo your hair so much to get the white rice bits out from build up. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@larrylambert1220]

I saw them last year in Toronto, opening for Glass Tiger and Corey Hart. The concert was a Christmas gift from my beautiful wife. Thank you very much, Jill.

[@davcuts2897]

Oh man their self-titled debut album is a masterpiece. From beginning to finish its new wave bliss at its best. A Flock of Seagulls get a lot of criticism for being bubblegum. Some of us want music to take us away from the horrors of life, and not preach to us about it like Dylan does. So I'll take AFOS over Dylan any day.

[@ВладимирКруглов-к9о]

Finally someone put that in words! Thank you mate!

[@chrischarnock4244]

Quality ... iconic..... goose bumps ...... best of the 80s

[@richardeliott1131]

It was 40 years ago. His face is more or less the same. Only difference he's no hair and is a bit tubby. But he still has a young face.