How "On The Dark Side" became a surprise hit

Without the music, the 1983 cult classic film “Eddie & The Cruisers” just wouldn’t be the same. And without the film, the real-life bar band band who wrote many of the songs for its multi-platinum soundtrack wouldn’t have recorded the Top Ten single from it, “On The Dark Side.” Get into the story of how John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown band got the gig of a lifetime in this episode of the Behind The Song podcast.
Music Producer: Christian Lane
Video Director: Eva Empleo
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About Janda:
Behind The Song podcast host and creator Janda Lane is a radio DJ at WDRV-FM in Chicago, the city she calls home with her husband and podcast partner, Christian Lane, and their two cats, Ollie and Liam.
Follow Behind The Song on TikTok @behindthesongpodcast.
Follow Janda on Facebook and Instagram @jandalaneradio and on Twitter and TikTok @jandalane.

[@dathorndike4908]

I actually really liked Eddie & The Cruisers 2. The music is just as good as the first, and the movie completes the whole Eddie story in a very satisfying way.

[@endtimer2005]

Wholeheartedly agree! Both movies were great as well as the music! Second part was kickass and Pare carried the role beautifully both scripts excellent!! I remember watching these repeatedly and now it’s time to see em again!

[@kenneighbors4973]

And you KNOW Sal wanted to kick his ass when he walked out of the tide without his mustache disguise on the beach

[@joegibson4946]

I'm another fan of both movies and have the sound tracks to both.

[@joelbeck6600]

Ditto !

[@MrKeithkerr]

which song is like On The Dark Side again?

[@cozmicpfunk]

Eddie and the Cruisers was an amazing fictional Biopic film. The music really made that show. Michael Parre had a kind of a come back with "Streets of Fire" with Diane Lane which also had an amazing soundtrack. Great episode, thank you so much

[@bandit7519]

Streets of fire good movie

[@redrider0151]

Killer soundtrack on Streets of Fire....ton of talented musicians!

[@bandit7519]

@@redrider0151 yeah movie and sound track is awesome and got to love Diane lane in it got to love cherry valance and yes I know it’s not her name in streets of fire but to me Diane lane will always be cherry valance if I ever hooked up with her I would ask if I could call her cherry and make her dye her hair red but that’s just me lol

[@DeadShred9]

I hate Springsteen and didn't see this Movie until several Decades later . Streets Of Fire is a better movie with a better Soundtrack ! My opinion of course NOT trying to change minds ..

[@bandit7519]

@@DeadShred9 Hey don t talk about the boss like that lol I think both movies was good and had good soundtrack but I really got to ask what does Springsteen have to do with anything or with these movies

[@jackhaugh]

I actually saw this band at my college in the early 90s, and they completely ROCKED!!!

[@annmarieknapp2480]

I'm so jealous. That's awesome!

[@taniacionci4735]

I wish I was you

[@allamerican82nd57]

I saw them during the same time period. They played at my college, IUP. Which is Indiana University of Pennsylvania. They rocked the house that night. I never forgot that experience.

[@ww7883]

Big nod to the skill of blending art and reality with this one. Thank you to those who put this movie together, otherwise, I might have never gotten the balls to play music in front of people. This movie was in regular rotation on HBO in '84. I watched the movie, picked up the phone, and called a drummer. An hour later, he showed up. He carried my guitar, and I rolled my Fender Super Reverb to his house, which was about a mile away. Big moment in a fledgling musician's life. Great memories.

[@dougford5259]

I was a 13 year old kid in 1983. My older brother hooked me up with the music from the movie long before I saw the movie. I have been a fan ever since. Both movie's music rings in my head. Love it and John Cafferty. This from an Iowa kid turned fat old Iowegian farmer. Let that intro start and I am cranking the volume up.

[@ednaatluxton4918]

Both Eddie and the Cruisers parts are still my favourite movies. I had them on vhs. I had the soundtracks on cassettes and cds. To this day I still bring them up in Facebook comments. I loved Michael Pare and he did get more acting parts just not as big. Sad because he was great. John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band were awesome. Don't forget "Streets of Fire"

[@heinleinreader]

Pare was actually lip synching, but he did a fantastic job of it in both films. I remember Pare as one of the students in Greatest American Hero.

[@michaelrobertfitts7133]

I loved both of the movies, because it’s about the Music as Eddie says…

[@michellespencer8838]

Eddie and the cruisers both beloved movies ❤❤❤❤

[@Orcinus1967]

Nothin's gonna save you from a love that's blind. Truer words were never spoken.

[@chemmii]

Both films were great, all the music was great and Cafferty had eddies voice down pat.! I have both movies and I still watch them at least v once a year.!!

[@michaelmurphy3362]

Where can I find this movie please help me find

[@ponyboytom4185]

Me too!

[@michaeldrysch5177]

Thank you for revealing the back story to this awesome tune and for the history on "Eddie and The Cruisers" which I found fascinating!

[@SELMERPA]

WOW!!!!! Its 2024 and I'm just now seeing this clip. Janda Lane was "right on" in her analysis of life for Rock 'n Roll entertainers. I've been at it since the 60's and am still trying to find the right key....no pun intended. I saw John Cafferty and his band perform live in Pittsburgh many years ago. At that time I didn't know about Bruce and his band. Back then I was a hard core soul and R&B player that was beginning to dig Jazz. I still do. I remember meeting some of the Beaver Brown band members and how cool they were talking to their fans. Thanks Mrs. Lane for posting your clip. Very cool of you!

[@davidcreager1945]

I loved this movie ! & The sequel . Loved the back story ! Thank you !

[@victorsvideos27]

Both movies were awesome, so were the sound tracks! Ride on Eddie!!!

[@allamerican82nd57]

They played at my college, IUP, in 91. They totally rocked the house that night! Will never forget it.

[@lindawheeler3242]

I have watched eddie and the cruisers 2 at least 100 times, probably more.

[@mikeb359]

Me too! As well as Streets of Fire - The Outsiders and The Warriors. Movies were great then.

[@missjoshemmett]

Been a fav of mine since it came out! I have it on DVD. And I adored On the Dark Side. I'm 77 and still watch and listen to Eddie and John.

[@tomlee7966]

i like the fact that Jc voice sounded like it would have come from Parre's voice

[@kellycranford3592]

I love this movie! It was done so well that it actually made me really wonder if they were an actual band!!

[@larryb9363]

Great analysis by Janda Lane. She tells it all so accurately.

[@JLReyes-le9nf]

Takes me back to my youngest years back in my cali.dayz I was a kid then but grew up with a family that had a great band & music changed my attitude 😎 & perspective way now I respect all musicians of all kinds rythem & rhymes 😮. Eddie & the cruisers movie pt 1&2 the Dark side every time I watch Eddie & the cruisers take me back to cali every time.to me never gets old.😮

[@arthurchadwell9267]

I remember seeing this on VHS back about 1986. First time I saw Ellen Barkin - what a fox! 😊 It was a great film. Very wistful and nostalgic; the beginning of the 80s Stand By Me nostalgia wave.

[@mikeb359]

She was a hottie,she sure removed her clothes in most of her movies.

[@mikewood8561]

Loved both movies. I think I liked the second one the best. Love John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band too. Love his voice.

[@lovebuzz1979]

Oh thank you for this!! This song is one of my favorites 💞😎

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Great little video. Loved the movie. And truth, I loved the sequel just as much. The two go hand in hand. Thanks for making this. And loved Michael Pare in another 80's rock n roll movie, Streets of Fire.

[@courtneynelson8083]

Thank you for this... Eddie and the Cruiser soundtrack is played often in my house till this day

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Glad you enjoyed this episode!

[@alwaysdreaminelise4284]

I Remember this song! Loved the movie and the song!

[@michaelknightaz]

I personally Loved Eddie and The Cruisers II . The music was fantastic in both movies, but I enjoyed the feel of being in the presence of Parre's character, Eddie Wilson. In the first movie it was more of a look at Parre's character which I didn't enjoy fully. I enjoyed the Cruisers and the scenes where they were creating tunes and then singing them. However I felt I wanted more.. and along came Eddie and The Cruisers II. 😎👍 I enjoyed Parre's acting as well as the rest of the actor's in the second movie. I love watching the DVD frequently.

[@chrisfezzler2878]

Spent many summer nights in Asbury Park in the 80s at the Fastlane watching JC & BBB often. Boss jumped on stage occasionally. All before the movie. Memories.

[@psycojuggalo1642]

I actually love both movies and how the second one closes the book the fiest left open

[@ritchhine6255]

Saw John Cafferty & BB Band @ Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe about a year ago and they rocked the house. I used to travel quite a bit for my job and stay in a lot of hotels. I had to do an account in the area of south Jersey where the film supposedly takes place and located the hotel that "Wendell Newton" ODs in. I requested that exact room and the manager asked what was so special about it. I tried to explain that it was featured in a movie that he never heard of, of course. But, at least I got to stay in the room that Wendell Newton died in.

[@helenboyle8180]

my favorite movies and one of my absolute favorite bands

[@KathySmith-qs7mj]

Loved Eddie and the crusiers both movies ❤

[@dhealer1]

I took my sister to see it when it was released originally in the theater. We both loved it greatly. I bought soundtrack and played it all the time. Its a great classic.

[@kiadauwofem5737]

It's really good to see a video about Eddie and the Cruisers but more importantly about John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. I was lucky enough to see the Beaver Brown Band and I was there at "The Bitter End" the night you mentioned. Thanks for this 'blast from the past'

[@sherricaldreon1461]

So loved this movie!!! Great soundtrack too!!!

[@Rita.R]

One of my family's all time favorite movies. Still have it❤

[@100chuckjones]

Exactly like you explained it. It hit HBO when I was 15 years old, it became a hug hit with the younger generation. I think it should be noted, you did a really good job on this. You have a great voice for radio.

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Two4Brew]

Eddie and Eddie II are in my movie library. I do have the Kludge novel. The Mrs. and I saw John Cafferty and Beaver Brown at a night club in NW Florida shortly after Eddie was released.

[@YoutubeUserNoName-z1o]

I love JC & BBB as well as the Edie & The Cruisers films. Your video is very detailed which is nice. Thanks for posting this, I've subbed to you!

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thank you very much!

[@tony-ce7qp]

we all needed this....such a great band!

[@WeldonGarrett]

Eddie Lives was an awesome Movie. IF you ever been in a band, watching the struggles was very real. And then seeing the ending where he wins. What more could you ask out of a story like this. I guess you just dont know. How ever, I loved the first one, and the second one brought it all together. I am so glad they made the second one. I still watch either one when I can. I am never bored with the great performances and songs. What a wild ride any time you watch either one of them. Eddie Lives

[@racky9935]

This is a trip. Came up on my youtube autoplay. In 1988 my dad, bro & i were camping in an old gold miners town in Australia. There was a 2nd hand clothing shop there that had old vinyl records, my bro was ecstatic because he'd found Eddie & the cruisers record in mint condition. I'd never heard of them & wanted to listen but had to wait til our camping trip was over. When we finally got home, my bro retrieved the Vinyl record from the car, it was buckled /melted. We could still play it but it was warped. The temps the car had gotten to in the Australian outback had destroyed the record. My bro was gutted. Years later i saw the movie & finally got to hear the soundtrack. Loved it. ❤

[@joefaraone977]

When I first saw the movie on HBO in 1984, I thought I was watching a commercial.... Little did I realize I was watching a movie with music that would become the soundtrack of my life.

[@user-sm8pl1um8t]

Still watch it great movie

[@Bernz66]

My history teacher made me a cassette copy of the soundtrack for the first album….. so great full she did….. she knew what a music nerd I was. I went out and bought the Album after listening to the cassette copy I was given….

[@marshachesbro5969]

Awesome music and movie.😊.

[@davidwalsh7128]

Nice. I was at The Bitter End Show (it had actually changed it's name to The Other End at that time and then changed back). went to support Beaver Brown in their first Manhattan gig. They were fired up and played a great show...

[@ajfogertyfan8245]

Remember when John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band played URI frat parties and clubs down at Scarborough Beach in the early 70s. Hard to believe that was 50 years ago! Beaver Brown Band is playing at Misquamicut RI’s Tunes at Tunes on the Dunes at the Westerly Town Beach as I am typing this!

[@ladysky2883]

I remember the first time I saw this film. I rented it from Blockbuster and my then boyfriend knew the story and I so into the movie I kept pumping him for information. He just kept saying watch the movie. I fell in love with the film. I watch it anytime I see it on. I already loved Michael Pare as he was one of the high school students in the TV show that was a hit called Greatest American Hero starring William Katt. Michael Pare then went on to do other Rock 'n Roll movies then caught another popular TV series as a detective. But nothing compares to Eddie and the Cruisers. In the early 80's in my area was a band called Eddie and the Tide which could have been that band as well. Loved their sound as well and they were awesome.

[@rudyguzman7737]

Eddie and The Cruisers, I liked both movies and the music, I have them on DVD. I listen to the music of John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown band a lot and enjoy the sound. Hey, what's not to like, I used to play in a band in the late 70's and I can tell you, the music we played, well a combination of Mex-tex to Rock and Roll. Rock and Roll will always be here to stay. Long live the music of the beaver brown band.....

[@braden7843]

Terrible Sequel? The sequal was incredible and both movies are iconic.

[@williamirvine7071]

This film and its music has been a fav of mine since the 80s

[@jimgeminelli6308]

I love everything Eddie & The Cruisers - both movies, the music, the story, omg, I am addicted!

[@tiffanytosh1569]

I saw this band at a festival in Jackson, Tn. They opened for Rick Springfield. It was an awesome concert!

[@lottie170]

Love both movies

[@stevegardenhire5698]

Great soundtrack

[@keithhensley7061]

Eddie And The Cruisers 2 is a good follow up imo.Really liked it and the soundtrack is another killer

[@themadmattster9647]

Eddie and the Cruisers is a great flick but there are so many anachronisms it’s unintentionally funny at times

[@HEADBANGERSBALLER]

The scene on the rooftop in Jersey when they put On The Darkside together as rock song is my absolute favorite scene in movie history.

[@CharleyD99]

In that same vein, and about the same time, (1). Streets of Fire, good songs, and a dance scene by the French dancer/actress who did most of Jennifer Beals dancing in Flash Dance , and (2) the Warriors, all adrenaline, all cult, total guy flick.

[@lawrencecolozzi4199]

The junkyard scene was filmed at a real junk yard in Atco New Jersey off of Jackson Rd. That road was closed for 2 weeks for a 10min film clip.

[@randomlyrancannabis7020]

The monument to nothing?

[@johnrodgers1968]

I like Eddie and the Cruisers I got that album every once in a while break it out and listen to it

[@justinkeller9187]

I had a manager that looked just like Sal Amato. Eddie and the cruisers is one of my favorites.

[@wurlabyscott]

I first saw Eddie and the Cruisers at a dollar theater somewhere around Azusa back in 84, bunch of us being poor college students, was the best buck we ever spent, we saw the movie about 10 times before they pulled it.

[@dgtwo3724]

Michael Pare was believable as Eddie Wilson because his normal speaking voice was somewhat raspy. That made ot easy to forget he wasnt really the singer.

[@jc7052]

I still remember those beautiful eyes ,he was and still is gorgeous

[@tonydumont]

LOVE this Janda, such a good retrospective on a classic tune and movie. You ROCK presenting it :)

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thanks so much!

[@user-hl6xo6lt6m]

Janda- Thank you for that cool incite. I can't tell you how surprised I was in 1994 when I caught up with John Caffery and the Beaver Brown Band at a very small club in Kirksville MO playing a gig. It was my first time to see them and I did not know the Michael Antunes was the real life sax player in JCBB. So when the lights came up on that small town show I truly had a surreal moment thinking I was seeing the ghost of the fictional Wendell Newton.....lol

[@TheClodec]

I really wish there were a bonus disk on one of the CDs for these Instrumental songs. They are so beautiful throughout the film

[@mattbrammeier8938]

I've always wanted to find the version of Tender Years when Eddie walks off the stage. Hardest hitting moment in both movies for me.

[@TheClodec]

@@mattbrammeier8938 With Joanne singing? Fully agree

[@mikesiciliani4629]

So I was one of those kids that got to experience this great movie on HBO. I loved everything about it. And I still that love today and at least see this movie once a year. I do however disagree with the sequel being bad. The music and the storyline i thought were good. Now the acting in it from most of the characters were not on par for what it needed, but I still watch it to. I don't know this to be true but at the end of the sequel when the band plays in Canada, I am pretty sure that is Bon Jovi's stage and Skidrow's drums from when they toured together. Just my opinion, thanks for the behind the song and I'll check out more.

[@robertaustin4452]

It is from the bon Jovi concert

[@mikesiciliani4629]

@robertaustin4452 Do you by any chance have other info? Or is that your opinion also?

[@D-Fens_1632]

Frank Ridgeway's solo performance on electric piano is still my favorite.

[@maryduarte3248]

Thanks for sharing your video about eddie and the cruisers

[@jaykopecky120]

A buddy and I rented the movie in 1985 and the next time I went to Rolling Stone Records on Harlem & Irving Park Road I bought the sound track just so I could hear 'Season In Hell', which you only hear the intro to, in the movie. Money well spent!...Can you see the light, can you hear the sound, can you feel this whole world turning around?

[@Maddoktor2]

Best review/synopsis of EATC! Ever! KUDOS!

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thank you!

[@troyposas4732]

Was never a bust movie or flop for me. Loved it. Still do to this day. And have several copies.

[@margaretburnham5683]

I loved Eddie and the cruisers parts one and two

[@davidwalsh7128]

JC & The Beaver Brown will release a fantastic new album this summer, first single Day In The Sun came out Memorial Day...

[@Dennette-eo2ch]

My favorite movie of all time is Eddie Lives it's the greatest movie it more mature songs & one hell of great soundtrack & come back story w/ love & hope❤️🦋

[@NoCoverCharge]

I was a teenager when this came out and it’s just a great song … great movie..and great history so thanks

[@daviddavis9727]

Great song

[@JimAllen-Persona]

I look forward to your videos...another great job. "Words and Music"

[@commercialzone4141]

Thank you so much for this review. I love this film.

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@travelingtoni6717]

I love them

[@annmarieknapp2480]

That band rocked!!! Love them!!!!

[@guitarbrad]

This film had a huge life on VHS back in the 80s. Parre was in "Streets of Fire" where Diane Lane had to do some lip syncing. Good music and acting in both movies.

[@hollyprincipato3287]

I am going to have to find this movie. One of my favorites. Loved the soundtrack too

[@beaglesguy]

❤❤ I love both of these movies and have watched them several times. ❤❤

[@EdwardStotts]

Eddie & The Cruisers 2 Eddie Lives Was Great Also😊

[@edwardgarcia614]

Eddie and the Cruisers I and II are great iconic music and how the music was created, in the movie. Being a singer song-writer. musician, recording artist, band member, I can relate with the band, performer scene dynamics. I watch my Cruisers CD's often. To cool, too fun. ;o)

[@endlesssummer64]

I live outside of Philly so we've spent a lot of time down the Jersey Shore. Have been to the Bar they played at many times in Somers Point back in the day. Was great to see that Bar in the movie! ( Tony Marts)

[@stevelanemusic4463]

I have been looking for this movie for years. 😂

[@camrinolson1518]

My dad’s favorite movie and tender years was my father daughter dance at my wedding. Ps how dare you disparage part 2!! I still enjoyed it 😊

[@arthurchadwell9267]

I always thought Springsteen was ripping these guys off.

[@randomlyrancannabis7020]

I think the biggest musical hire for the movie was getting the actual sax player from JCBBB to play Wendell Newton. Its very hard to fake playing the sax, especially in that style.

[@billsandrelli957]

I Liv e in Rhode Island in the town South Kingstown. the town that borders Narragansett, I saw The Beaver Brown Band often they are still Rocking it.

[@taniacionci4735]

V in love with both movis still have the first on DVD, but love second season music, and that guy yum Hobart' Tasmanian

[@stevevaughn2040]

Great bay area band was hitting around time this movie came and some felt it was a put on. Band was Eddie and the Tide.,great group

[@mookrules5087]

Cheap Trick Surrender and now Eddie and the Cruisers???? Damn glad I hit subscribe, I loved this movie and song when they came out. Or some time after on video tape.....