Greg Kihn Plays "The Breakup Song" at San Jose Rocks 2007

Featured in the video is Greg Kihn's son Ry Kihn on lead guitar.
By Brad Kava, 2007
Greg Kihn began his career in his hometown of Baltimore, MD, working in the singer/songwriter mold, but switching to straightforward rock 'n' roll when he moved to San Francisco in 1974.
In 1976, after his debut on the compilation Beserkley Chartbusters, he recorded his first album with his own band. Through the '70s, he released an album each year and built a strong cult following through constant touring, becoming Beserkley's biggest seller. In 1981, he earned his first bona fide hit with the Top 20 single, "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em Like That Anymore)," from the "RocKihnRoll" album. He continued in a more commercial vein through the '80s with a series of pun-titled albums.
Since 1996, he's been the top rated morning man at San Jose's 98.5 KFOX FM where his morning show is a celebration of local music, rock Kihn roll and patriotism. He's the only local DJ to feature local bands playing live, local kids, and music from local schools. He is also on the air every weekend on KRFX 103.5 The Fox in Denver, and is about to launch a syndicated show. He just finished a stint on Triple M Radio in Australia. His many hit records and videos still get consistent airplay on VH1 and classic rock stations worldwide.
He appears on network TV often, most recently on NBCs' Hit Me Baby One More Time in 2006. His new CD Greg Kihn Band Live Featuring Ry Kihn on SONY/BMG was released in 2006. His 1983 hit The Breakup Song was featured as a centerpiece number in the 2006 Ed Burns feature film release The Groomsman. In addition, his music was used in the soundtrack of The Sopranos.
Greg is also an accomplished author, with a series of four novels, which mix rock 'n' roll and horror. He's has been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award, and is a frequent contributor to the Hot Blood anthologies. He was contributing editor of Carved In Rock, Short Stories by Musicians, with stories by Pete Townshend, Joan Jett and Ray Mazarek.
Greg uses his position as a communicator to raise money for his favorite charities: Operation Care and Comfort (supporting the troops), Furry Friends Rescue and Unconditional Love (animal rescue groups), Sunday Friends (low-income family help), and individual kids with cancer. He often plays benefit concerts various causes. His lyrics have been described as the American version of the Kinks' Ray Davies. His books bring to mind Stephen King. And his radio, well, brings to mind no one but Greg Kihn.
They may not write em like that anymore, and they definitely broke the mold when they made this Renaissance man.

[@jimstark1425]

Just turned 79 years old and this is one of my favorites.

[@harveydiamond4388]

Old, chubby, sweaty, the fingers grown fat and slow, the audience too young to know who he is, and yet nothing is gonna slow him down, this is a man having the time of his life, playing the music with his son, and making us all grow young again together with him.

[@sammyyeh]

this solo is awesome 🎸🎸

[@AngeHerbaugh-Thompson]

RIP Greg...You truly made history while here on Earth. Both you and your son are incredibly talented and your songs will continue to be treasured and heard for years to come.

[@stefanochiappa12167]

Fantastic guitar solo!!!

[@ivanmcpcpherson2407]

This version is absolutely fantastic. Gregs voice is deeper and powerful. They were not trying to mimic the original, which is cool. And the band was pounding it out. The solo.... superb. RIP GREG.🎉

[@somchaisomchai4890]

❤

[@justinmcclanahan6036]

I'm so glad that Greg Khin band is in the Rock & Roll hall of fame, they deserve it

[@prestonlawrence2802]

Love Greg Kihn. Terrible thing to get old.

[@wimsele]

❤ He's awesome

[@leomcnamee4198]

One of the best live versions of a classic Rock-'n'-roll song that should have been a bigger hit than it was. I bought a two disc compilation vinyl records for this one song. This a terrific live version of this song. The lead guitar is exceptional. Best wishes.

[@leonekisidro]

THIS BAND IS GREAT, I REMEMBER THIS SONG AND FEEL LIKE YESTERDAYS

[@beavis408]

now THIS is how you play the guitar kids. Insane solo.

[@henryvanderbeek2973]

What an incredible guitar solo!!! I don' think I've seen or heard anything like that before....

[@kevinchristman9658]

Great memories of this song back in the 80's

[@lydieemilie4878]

I love him! When I was a student and in very bad shape, I heard him up and down. I don't know why. But it comforted me and helped me over a lot of things.

[@danstringer7610]

Incredible solo!!!!!

[@MrRiprip56]

They still GOT IT!!!! Were they a 1 HIT WONDER???? Love this song,,,so so much

[@marneeklintworth9300]

This is absolutely the BEST version of this song, the entire band just rocking it out - on their own but so intense together. I came across a KZbin of a guy dancing to this song - I'd forgotten all about it in my rock brain.....thank you for bringing back some great memories of my growing up, through good and bad but this song just ties that era together in the best times of my youth. What fun is this song, can't help sing along (not so well mind you) tap a foot - what fun, thanks Greg - AND the band!

[@rustynail246]

Outstanding guitar solo from his son. They really just don't play it like that anymore.

[@jondunmore4268]

Agreed. Great timing and exactitude. Also: his son, eh? The fact that it's his son is so touching! I think there's nothing more rewarding a father can do than play in a rock band with his son - that's why I never begrudged Eddie bringing Wolfgang in.

[@thebluesrockers]

I've always loved this tune..

[@1_richdog346]

I just downloaded this for a trip, I listened to this song and "They Dont Write Them Like That Anymore" two examples of the brilliance of Greg, Stephen and Ry...holy sh$# is he good. Like daddy like son. And the two old guys kept up keenly. Thank you for this gem...

[@rckstein1057]

Freestylin at it's best during the solo ❤

[@4g63t8]

Always a pros pro

[@ceeeeee]

Awesome It never gets old

[@Bev-xl3wo]

Love It jamming 💖

[@jeandean3070]

classic

[@dgcarson7385]

Loved them then, love them today! This song just sticks with you!

[@craigtrottier4049]

0880

[@jockmcghee4147]

Excellent rock'n'roll!

[@caryhuff8924]

What an amazing man.

[@MathiasBronnes]

yep

[@griseldadiasareyano6249]

En los 80s moría por este vocalista su estatura porte me encantaba como se mordía los labios cuando le pasaban la cámara a el que dios los bendiga por siempre

[@areacodine]

Great jam with great camera angles.

[@patriciaowens1594]

Love it

[@mariamelchor9658]

Wow! His son looks alot like him.

[@Hedrushn]

Ry can jam..........Great song

[@omardavila-s1g]

thats his son i believe doing the solo

[@griseldadiasareyano6249]

Ya está grande el vocalista de greg khin ban bueno ya estamos grandes😔pero su legado y sus canciones quedarán por siempre

[@MathiasBronnes]

i am 14 and i know this man's songs

[@Blackscorpion1963]

Mathias Bronnes - your comment is awesome young man! Keep up your great research, learn as much as you possibly can especially the history of him and his music. You will go far and succeed at what you are aiming for if you do. Learn to play an instrument well and the world is your oyster, may be some day you will be just like Greg Kihn playing in a group. I will then watch YOUR video and comment on it too. Best wishes to you from New Zealand.

[@lorikquiin6700]

Saw him in Hollister CA when I was a teen. In my small town! Good show. Din't know much about him at the time. But it was a good time. =

[@Motorhead-y3]

Fuck Yes !

[@nahungonzo9481]

wonderful and great!!!!!!

[@mckessa17]

Way to go Greg, show the young ones how it's done.

[@grzegsiek3636]

Greg jesteś ponadczasowy 🇵🇱 🇵🇱

[@rckstein1057]

I liked the keyboard in the background during the solo.

[@javierharo546]

Grande Greg!!!!! 🎸

[@elbohemio111]

just great greg!!!!!

[@sherrystipa8894]

These guys are awesome

[@javierarevaloarcentales3880]

Buena Greg.

[@cajonlife734]

Nice guitar solo,very skill

[@rm00035]

Great tune with coffee.

[@LIPSTICK66]

Life takes a toll on all of us. We’re all not as cute as😊 in the 80s and 90s. But holy cow your energy, Greg!I want a bottle of that crap…

[@Lucas-ih1vt]

Love from İstanbul

[@juniordelacruz2232]

ya esta viejo buenas canciones

[@LightningDogg]

Greg looked like he was having fun. His poor voice though...he always was a powerful singer but I guess 50+ years giving it 110% took a toll. What a great song!

[@arquiangel5564]

¡¡Absolutamente épico!! Voces, cuerdas, percusión, pero principalmente el brindarse totalmente en el escenario para agradat a su público...

[@오영석-b7y]

그렉킨밴드 최고입니다 ~~~

[@VancouverMagic]

For anyone playing along, they're tuned down a half-step.

[@stevedrake604]

Might have been Greg's strained voice toward the end of a tour.

[@donrutter6765]

SRV tuning huh.

[@fmagalhaes1521]

I noticed that also.

[@andrespalomino9912]

They should put this solo in a new version of the song. IT WAS JUST AMAZING!

[@garysnow1475]

Slowing down a little bit huh? Excellent solo by the way

[@griseldadiasareyano6249]

Esos jóvenes serán sus hijos de vocalista !! Preguntome yo🤔

[@quemaditos8140]

We had broken up for good Just an hour before Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, ah And now I'm staring at the bodies As they're dancing 'cross the floor Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, ah And then the band slowed the tempo And the music gets you down Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, ah It was the same old song With a melancholy sound Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, ah They don't write 'em like that anymore They just don't write 'em like that anymore We'd been living together for a million years Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, ah But now it feels so strange out of the atmospheres Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, ah And then the jukebox plays a song I used to know Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, ah And now I'm staring at the bodies As they're dancing so slow Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, aah They don't write 'em like that anymore They don't write 'em like that anymore Mm, now I wind up staring at an empty glass Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, ah 'Cause it's so easy to say That she'll forget your past Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah, aah They don't write 'em like that anymore No, they just don't write 'em like that anymore They don't write 'em like that anymore They just don't write 'em like that anymore They just don't, no, they don't, no no, uh-uh They just don't write 'em like that anymore They just don't

[@laural8837]

i like very much this song but i didn't know about its artist

[@moejoebloe]

love the 2:30 min mark

[@alexcastro4734]

Droga auditiva ❤️

[@gilsanderson3275]

At this tempo, this is the "senior citizen" version. Listen to the original, and hear how sluggish this performance is.

[@ronniejdio9411]

Aloot bands do this. The eagles have a DVD live performance and all their songs are played at half speed and Hage added horns and stuff. Mehc

[@javierarevaloarcentales3880]

Para el recuerdo.

[@laural8837]

i would like to translate the information because my english is limited and poor sorry

[@2q221]

That crowd was terrible :(

[@bravevoice2771]

Why such a slow tempo? It took all the funk out of it. ;( Great guitar lead none the less!

[@barrymorland6344]

...... time to listen to an early version with 'guts' as I know this great song was made with .

[@fhurtadoy]

Le faltaba a la original ese solo

[@rckstein1057]

The solo was great, but a little to long, should have cut it shorter then go back into the classic version of the song for the ending.

[@ronvitug4641]

Voice is a little rougher than the 80s

[@BrianMcKinny]

The crowd was dead, and whoever the sound guy was had the keyboards WAY too loud during the guitar solo - annoying as hell, because these guys are better than the soundman made them out to be... Amateur production, and that's sad.

[@griseldadiasareyano6249]

Xq ahora se llama greg khin plays

[@alhemphill8296]

It was ok, over extended the solo...

[@johnkitayama1053]

Medflys

[@ceeeeee]

gta 5 !!!

[@hansgordy]

Needs to be faster... more energy.

[@jdessell]

Such a shame.