Multi-Platinum Band Had 3 Big Hits…Then Label PAID 'em MILLIONS to GO AWAY!-Professor of Rock

Today we’re talking supergroups. And in particular one of the most unexpected collaborations of the 1980s. Damn Yankees. This band featured three big-time names, coming out of three big-time careers… Jack Blades from Night Ranger, Ted Nugent, Tommy Shaw of Styx, and Michael Cartellone from Lynyrd Skynyrd. Starting completely from scratch, they wrote half an album their first weekend together as a band… including the massive hit Hight Enough. The only thing is two of them were sure their other bandmate was going to hate the demo. Kind of a rogue character, they were really freaked he would tear this song apart. Then a couple years later, with two successful albums in the bag, the music industry completely turned upside-down. And their label actually offered them $1 million dollars not to record a third album. Just to walk away. So crazy. Did they take the money? Or did they make the album anyway? I tell you, this band’s story is pretty damn good. Find out all the details NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Zenni
GET ZENNI Glasses HERE: imp.i279709.net/vn5gLd
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Producer
Brandon Fugal
Honorary Producers
Sarge, Byrdman, Duff Gordon, 22Unchained, Thomas Halterman, Keith Novak
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my Hand Picked Selection Below
Professor's Store
- Van Halen OU812 Vinyl Album amzn.to/3tLsII2
- The 80s Collection amzn.to/3mAekOq
- 100 Best Selling Albums amzn.to/3h3qZX9
- Ultimate History of 80s Teen Movie amzn.to/3ifjdKQ
- 80s to 90s VHS Video Cover Art amzn.to/2QXzmIX
- Totally Awesome 80s A Lexicon amzn.to/3h4ilrk
- Best In Ear Headphones (I Use These Every Day) amzn.to/2ZcTlIl
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check Out The Professor of Rock Merch Store -bit.ly/ProfessorMerch
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check Out Patron Benefits
bit.ly/ProfessorofRockVIPFan
Help out the Channel by purchasing your albums through our links! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support.
Click here for Premium Content: bit.ly/SignUpForPremiumContent
bit.ly/Facebook_Professor_of_...
bit.ly/Instagram_Professor_of...
#classicrock #80smusic #vinylstory #supergroup
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you wanted a bike just like Pewee Herman’s after watching his big adventure you’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia… Make sure to subscribe below right now. I know you’ll find something on here that will make you smile. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
So, it’s time for another edition of #1 in Our Hearts. This show honors songs that were so unbelievably great, they absolutely should've been #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. But for whatever reason, be it radio play, lack of marketing, label support, or just sheer stupidity, the song came up short. On previous episodes we have covered Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty, What It Takes by Aerosmith, and Rosanna by Toto. On today’s episode, we’re featuring a supergroup that doesn’t get enough love. They came up on my playlist the other day and I thought I’ve gotta cover these guys because the story behind their career is VERY interesting.
Comprised of Styx vocalist-slash-guitarist Tommy Shaw, Night Ranger vocalist-bassist Jack Blades, guitarist Ted Nugent, and drummer Michael Cartellone, Damn Yankees were one of several supergroups that emerged at the tail end of the 80s.
Today we’re going to talk about their biggest hit. Like I said Supergroups were a thing in the late 80s… Kicking off that list in 1987 was American-British rocker Bad English. That line-up featured Journey’s Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, John Waite, Ricky Phillips and Dean Castronovo. You might remember their hits ‘When I See You Smile' and the Price of Love.
And then in 1988, a trio of supergroups, Alias, Badlands, and Mr. Big all hit the airwaves as well… releasing songs like Dreams in the Dark, More Than Words Can Say, and To Be With You. There must have been something must have been in the air, because Damn Yankees followed suit soon after, forming in 1989. By this point in their careers, the would-be band members were in something of a lull… After Styx disbanded in 1984, Tommy Shaw embarked on a solo career, and by 1987.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What do you consider to be the MOST devastating band break up?

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

Fab Four

[@janethall8444]

The Beatles

[@Lam_3-22-23]

No doubt The Beatles. A personal one for me was Earthsuit. One brilliant studio album then gone.

[@dustinjones8887]

As a devout Beatles fan, I won't say The Beatles, bc they put out 30 yrs worth of great music in a tiny 8 yr window, that blows everyone else out of the water. I can't ask for more. I choose CCR

[@catherine6653]

Beatles Talking Heads REM

[@jack8box]

I have a bit of a long story about Ted. 4 of us guys went to see Ted in concert and the crowd was a bit on the rough and rowdy side that night. We were standing in the crowd about 3 rows from the stage with me on the end with a good looking girl that believed in full body contact dancing. All of a sudden my friend from work nudged me and said trade places Chuck is getting into a fight. I told Rusty that happens with Chuck sometimes. At that moment Chuck grabs this troublemaker by the shirt and belt buckle and throws him over his head towards the stage. As the bouncer starts to grab Chuck Ted stops singing and tells the bouncer to throw the other guy out, Chuck was defending himself. Fast forward 8 or 10 years to an NRA convention Chuck and another friend who wasn't at the concert were in line to meet Ted. All of a sudden Ted looks up, points at Chuck and says "you. Heartland South Bend Indiana. I remember you!" Chuck and Kevin went to the front of the line and talked with Ted for 15 minutes. Ted remembered after all those years.

[@josephwirtz8352]

That is an amazing story!

[@Raggmopp-xl7yf]

That's a good story - thanks for sharing!

[@Stoneylfm]

True to form Uncle Ted the Madman from Motor City! Great story

[@ronaldmorgan7632]

I worked with a guy who grew up with Ted. Said that Ted knew no boundaries.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love this story! Thank you.

[@reinbeck1156]

Working security in front of the stage for Damn Yankees while at college. Before the music started someone in the crowd came up and handed me a phone number, said it belonged to Lori who I’d met at a party the night before. Take me higher was our “First Dance” at the wedding reception.

[@jeffreyg607]

Yep, that's how fate works! Congrats!!! I have found IT finds us once WE stop looking for it :)

[@darrenthompson9453]

Music brings us together!!!!!@

[@crusheverything4449]

I have one child, a daughter born in late ‘89. In the previous three years, I lost my best friend, my older brother and my favorite uncle. I felt broken and lost. Then, she came along and brought the sunshine back to my life. She was less than a year old when High Enough hit the airwaves and every time she heard it, she would squeal with delight, giggle and kick her legs like crazy! I would sing along and she couldn’t contain her glee! It was the cutest, sweetest thing ever! The lyrics (minus the “call me baby” line) were timely and hit me straight through the heart. I broke up with her mother when my little girl was one and raised her by myself. To this very day, Tommy Shaw is one of her favorite musicians and singers and High Enough is part of the soundtrack to both of our lives. To Tommy and Jack: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My daughter is everything to me and your song is tied to my memories of her as a baby and throughout her life. She’s 34 now and has two girls of her own - one is learning guitar and the other is looking at drum sets! Rock ‘n’ roll is obviously in their blood! ❤🤘🏼😁

[@anthonykeve8894]

As a Dad I can relate minus separation from the mom. My daughter was 3 or 4… Different song… Different time… …same joy together God Bless you Dad

[@crusheverything4449]

@@anthonykeve8894 - Thank you so much, Anthony! Being a father and grandfather defines my life. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done and I love every second of it!

[@marty9072]

I will always be a fan of Damn Yankees! I graduated HS in 1990, and I listened to this album all summer long. I saw them in concert January 1991 with Bad Company. It was a fantastic show. They played the entire album and Jack, Tommy, and Ted each did a song from their past groups. This supergroup was my favorite!

[@shamusokingsley2412]

Same here, that was still one of my favorite concerts. Jack Blades and Tommy Shaw had incredible voices live. Bad Co. was great as well.

[@originaldownload3955]

Loved their stuff too. Always wondered why they never had more. Graduated in 90' also 💪

[@darwingushard526]

I saw Damn Yankees at the Pershing Auditorium in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 22, 1991. They were touring with Bad Company, except singer Brian Howe had laryngitis (or something) and couldn't perform, so the concert was all Damn Yankees! I think they played their entire debut album (except for one song), plus two songs each from Night Ranger, Styx, and solo Ted Nugent. Fantastic!

[@Shakerhood69]

I saw Damn Yankees and Bad Company in Pittsburgh, was a freakin amazing show!

[@josephsmith961]

When I saw that lineup, Ted went on a rant about how shit Bad Company was, mainly because he was mad Damn Yankees were the opener.

[@billybudd45]

Jack and Tommy's voices compliment each other extremely well.

[@donaldballman2825]

You should check out Shaw-Blades

[@betornween]

Check out Tommy Shaw's episode on At Darrls House where Daryl Hall tries to accommodate his higher vocal range. Hall was more than impressed by it.

[@christopheclugston]

@@betornween hall was out of his league

[@kathymartin7724]

I have a copy of the Shaw Blades cd. It's very good. I'm definitely a fan of Damn Yankees.

[@joannemoyer5525]

My Hallucination is one of my favorites

[@zombiezareus]

I went to the Gulf War in 90’ and I took my Walkman with two tapes, Damn Yankees and Faith No More-Epic. They were the only song I listen for over 8 months. Love Damn Yankees for holding me on when times were bad during those days.

[@heatherconner1125]

This song is forever linked to the Gulf War for me also. I was in middle school and the local radio station played a version of this song that had messages from the troops to family and friends back home overlayed every night for months.

[@chiarac3833]

Thank you for your honourable service. My cousin was a USMC gunner during the first gulf war.

[@christianmoya5268]

Thank you for sharing your story and for your service. I'm glad this music helped you get through it all. As I write this, Veteran's Day is today! Happy Veteran's Day!!!

[@navydave1]

I saw them in the early 90s when I was in the navy at Norfolk Naval Air Station. They played in a hanger on the base! Coolest show ever! Ted swung from a rope and also shot a lit arrow across the hanger with his compound bow. Good times!

[@vrea77]

Those are 2 great tapes. I appreciate your service thank you

[@pagemeredith4532]

I get emotional when I hear High Enough every time. It is a masterpiece .

[@TJLackey72]

"Come Again" has always been my favorite song from this group. The solo by Uncle Ted in the song is just mind blowing.🤘🏻

[@willmchale8490]

100%. Saved me from writing those exact words.

[@PendragnTK]

I agree. I can't get enough of that solo. So tasty!

[@RoarOfWolverine]

I agree. Come Again is my favorite song from that album. Tommy and Jack’s harmonies are off the chain and Nugent shreds one of his best solos ever.

[@brandonseyfried1251]

Yup. Come Again is by far the most solid song on the album. On some other channel, somebody left the comment that said it all: "The only bad thing about this song is that it ends."

[@scottmackenzie7131]

Ted absolutely shreds in that vid and enjoys the hell outta every single second. Fantastic song

[@lisachauvin]

One of my life’s highlights involves Damn Yankees. My boyfriend at the time was cousins with the least well-known person in the band. DY performed in our town, and going to the concert, sitting in the front row, and meeting the band afterward will always be one of my favorite memories.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's awesome! What year was this?

[@lisachauvin]

@@ProfessorofRock9/14/91 at the Sunrise Musical Theater in south Florida

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m glad you got to meet them!

[@sammiemissy9068]

That must have been Michael 😊

[@christineml1476]

Asking any band with Tommy Shaw in to go away is sheer blasphemy.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No joke. Can you believe it?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’re missing out on some talent!

[@icelady1392us1392]

Agree! I love Tommy!!

[@triryche3]

His & Jack Blade's voices are just magic together!

[@colleenkeefer2545]

I love Damn Yankees!! Jack and Tommy’s harmonies are immaculate!

[@trinity729]

Agreed! Love Damn Yankees!

[@seanspires7787]

Man did i love this album, Sr year of HS and had it on tape so back then you really had to listen to the entire album no skipping. That summer ( 90 or 91) went to see them at Great woods in MA. A concert i will never forget. They played a few of each of their other bands songs and at the end of Rocking in America ( NR) Tommy Shaw walks out with a compound bow hands it to Ted ( of course we all know he was a huge hunter outdoors guy) Ted loads an arrow and pulls it back, Blades walks up and Lights it on fire. Just then a life side Sadam Hussain comes across the back of the stage ( remember this was at the beginning of the gulf war) Ted shoots the arrow Hits the moving Sadam Target and fireworks go off it was AMAZING! I still tell people about that show to this day. Man did i love that Album ( Coming of Age was my favortite song)

[@kup98ss49]

I couldn't have clicked on this video any faster. My dad loved Styx and Night Ranger, I remember how excited he was when he got this album in 1990. I was 10 at the time and had no idea who the other bands were, he explained everything about those bands to me, and then I understood why he was so excited about the album. Every time I hear these songs it brings back good memories of a time before he passed away. Thanks for this video.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m glad to hear.

[@dadetomric]

Saw Damn Yankees in concert and was blown away by the bands performance.

[@dimitriberozny3729]

@@dadetomricI saw them in the early 1990’s with Bad Company opening for them. Best concert ever!!

[@kat.woah-man]

I saw Styx when I was in high school. Seeing Night Ranger next week. (I'm 26.) Great bands!

[@ericbgordon1575]

My favorite instance regarding "High Enough" is from early in the pandemic lockdown. Tommy played the song with Victoria Shaw (no relation) on her program Songwriters Under the Covers. He played this and several of his Styx staples. It blew my mind to hear and see Tommy who was 67 at the time and thinking that the clock had stopped on him. He looked and sounded exactly like he did at the height of Styx and when Damn Yankees were together. Even his goatee didn't impede his youthful appearance.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Eric!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He still looks incredible for his age.

[@gr8flyerfan]

Just saw Styx in concert. Tommy sounds exactly like he did in the 70's and 80's. Absolutely amazing voice!

[@5roundsrapid263]

I saw him at Guitar Center once. Very polite, even when asked about Dennis! He just said, “That time has passed”. No, I wasn’t the one who asked!

[@ham3749]

I saw Styx last month and they were incredible! Tommy played a new song with an old banjo he bought from Dan Tyminski! Another great artist of the Bluegrass scene! I'm so glad I got to see them! STYX has always been a favorite of mine!

[@billkinneymath]

Jack and Tommy's harmonies are amazing!

[@user-jr7pz4nx6d]

Always felt this Dawn Yankees album was the pinnacle of the rock era. It’s just perfect. It will never get old and I still listen to it heavily all these years later. An absolute masterpiece. Sure wish they would reunite and release that third album for the fans before it’s too late.

[@kevinarmstrong8237]

The pinnacle of the rock era.....!!? Ok .....I'm done!!!!

[@dustinjones8887]

This was my fav album my Sr year in high school in 90-91. And got to see them in concert with Bad Co. This album was way more than 3 hits. That whole album was fire!! Great episode Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@Till_it_happens_to_You]

That was my senior year also!! Loved these guys!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Two supergroups in a row!

[@boomstickman71]

saw them on that tour. Amazing show!

[@KurtWitt72]

I saw them my sr year, too, great show. Bad Co opened up for them.

[@kyliepollert8341]

It's a shame Damn Yankees weren't around for very long; Tommy and Jack's harmonies were great.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question.

[@kyliepollert8341]

@@ProfessorofRock The only cover I know of "High Enough" is "American Idol"'s Constantine Maroulis & Amy Spanger in the Broadway version of "Rock of Ages". It's a shame it got cut from the movie version; I would've loved to hear it sung as one of the musical numbers.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And Ted kills it on that 🎸

[@donaldpaluga]

Ted Nugent, the Sid Justice of rock

[@duanesealy3592]

They kicked ass live I seen them opening up for bad company in 1990

[@lab1042]

I was in the Army in '91 and was attached to a tank unit from the Alabama National Guard to help bring them up to strength to go over to the Gulf. I was from Maryland (stationed at Fort Polk at the time) so I named my tank "Damn Yankee" both after this band (which I still listen to, BTW) and myself. The Alabama guys were only slightly amused.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

If you put these guys in a band together this is exactly the song you would expect to get, you can hear the different elements of each artist being brought to the table. It really fit the music being played on the radio at the time but like you said grunge changed the scene completely. Weird to get paid not to work. Great episode professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good call! Thanks My Name! Alway enjoy seeing your comments!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s the best thing about supergroups. Many different talents converge into one.

[@trinaq]

They don't make music like this anymore. KZbin is the closest thing we have to a time machine.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's right! Thanks Trina!

[@mikekaraoke]

Not just that and films/TV shows set in the 1980's like: Stranger Things, Physical, The Wedding Singer, I Tonya etc

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@johnnunez8131]

Professor, you did it again! You took what would oseem to be a small little while , in my life, and made it an anchor point, to reflect on the soundtrack of the person I used to be. Thank you, yet again. Nolstalgic ,that's the only real time travel.

[@nedhorner]

KZbin and the actual physical records.

[@craftycronecorner215]

Tommy and Jack make magic together. I also love the albums they've recorded as Shaw Blades. Saw them live twice, and the shows were so much fun. They obviously enjoy working with each other, and as others have said, their voices blend soooo well.

[@joannemoyer5525]

My Hallucination. 😊

[@dudeabides1532]

I still listen to their self titled debut album. One of my all time favorites. Had the tape in high school, the CD in college, and now a digital version on my phone. The whole album rocks. High Enough is my favorite track and one of my all-time favorite songs.

[@jerihelyleal6552]

This songs brings so much joy every time I hear the first arrangements just before the verse... one of my favorites song... and then always looking forward to that solo!

[@paulpitmon6663]

Dude, I found your channel some time ago, and catch vids in my rotation regularly. Lately, however, I’ve kind of rediscovered my true passion for music. I watch a lot more now. Your commentary is informative and full of surprises. I guess you are my modern day Casey Kasem. Props on the hat, man. Thank you.

[@wilscott5955]

I saw Damn Yankees twice and WOW! what incredible guys. All awesome, the vocals were impeccable and the stage performance was great! They just "fit" together. Tommy is a very gracious person. I've met him several times over the years and he's always very interesting to talk to. My oldest son has talked with Jack Blades and found him to be pretty awesome as well. I really wish this band could have continued at least part time. Michael is such a fantastic drummer - very solid! And well, Ted will always be Uncle Ted LOL!

[@JamminClemmons]

STYX has resumed touring with Tommy, Night Ranger are doing the same with Jack Blades in the fold, and Michael is currently drumming for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ted retired from touring -with 2023 being his farewell tour. - *HOWEVER; I would LOVE to see them reunite!* Long live quality rock!!!

[@jdtractorman7445]

I remember when "High Enough" came out in the fall of 1990, just starting my senior year of high school. It's crazy to think that it came out 33 years ago and it seems like it wasn't that long ago. I bought the CD and just about wore it out. The song got to #3 but should have been number one. There were many good songs and artists out around that time period, which made it difficult to score #1 songs.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Time flies! I think it really was #1 without payola!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

None of these guys, aside from Tommy Shaw, were able to make it to #1. Unbelievable.

[@ryant3600]

I loved Damn Yankees. As a kid in the late 70's Tommy Shaw was the epitome of "Rock Star". So fast forward to me in high school and Damn Yankees come together, being I was also a big Uncle Ted fan and a huge Night Ranger fan. I was all in. Loved both albums, so much talent and writing skills in that band. I miss these guys playing together.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. They don't make 'em like that anymore!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You were so pleased! I wish they reunited for one day so I can hear this song live.

[@Fiona2254]

Same here! I just loved it when they came together. Great music closing an amazing musical decade.

[@artheriford]

I just saw Night Ranger in S. Utah a couple weeks ago. They did Coming of Age and High Enough. 40 years after I saw NR for the first time opening for Sammy Hagar. I've seen Ted a couple times too. Some friends of mine and I were going to see Styx in either 83 or 84 and went screw off in downtown Kansas City before the show. Went to one of the upscale hotels to look around. Who walks out of the elevator while we're waiting in the lobby? None other than Tommy Shaw and JY. Pretty cool. All I could say was....hey guys.

[@paulspiller3438]

I got out of the Navy in Dec 1992, and the first concert I went to was Damn Yankees! I loved both albums so much, I couldn't believe how well they meshed! Even as they haven't produced a new album, I'd still go out of my way to see them again! Seen all three since, and it's not the same...

[@RichWards-Wins]

The Dang Yankers are the best hard rock supergroup of the early 90s. Nugent played in his prime and "Don't tread on me" is certified ass kickery. I challenge anyone to play that song cranked up to maximum volume.

[@anthonykeve8894]

That would be LOUD!! w/a conservative 500+RMS /channel on tap driving fairly efficient speakers… …one day when no one is home😂😂

[@RichWards-Wins]

@@anthonykeve8894 🤣

[@shawnrogers8520]

One of my favorite bands and now one of my favorite episodes! Thanks Prof!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome! thanks!

[@WobblinGoblin1]

HS grad of '87. When Damn Yankees hit the scene, it was like they were one of the few groups who were "holding the line" on rock music, as if they were defenders on a battlefield. They did their part, that's for sure. High Enough is a legendary song and rest of their catalog isn't shabby, either.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching.

[@josephwirtz8352]

This is the truth!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great way of putting it. They were trying to protect rock and roll.

[@joshhuskins5363]

Graduated in 87 also miss those years horribly. Now diagnosed with cancer I really want to go back.

[@ErnestStevenson-bo3nk]

I'm a week behind on videos so I'm watching this on Veterans Day. I absolutely loved Damn Yankees because I already loved everyone in the band. But what really set them apart for me was them coming to play on a base in a hangar for a few thousand of us in the service. It was a great memory, was just what I needed at the time and much appreciated.

[@krisr8011]

I have only found your channel recently & have been binge watching. At 65 I remember all this music from when it came out. Loved it then and now but knew virtually nothing about who was creating it or in some cases who sang it. Really enjoying finding out, even at this late date, the who, why and how behind the memories. Thank you.

[@wexwuthor1776]

Great stuff Professor. Thanks. Keep on rocking brother.🤘

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks! Will do!

[@kwilliams1958]

Great coverage, Professor... I never knew this collaboration of musicians did this. I remember the songs well but had no idea of the backstory...thanks Prof.

[@jwoyshnar]

One of my favorite groups. I still remember a girl I was dating bought me the cd, handed it to me and said you will love this. She was right

[@wyojafo]

This is why I love this channel…. I honestly did not know the history of Damn Yankees. Long live Rock-n-Roll.

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

I am English and never heard of Damn Yankees. Their music sounds good. Why couldn't this type of rock and grunge live together? This what you get when record companies are run by people who are only in it for the money, with no love for music. Nirvana became popular in the UK, but we had our own Britpop scene with Oasis, Blur, etc.

[@JamminClemmons]

@AnneDowson-vp8lg, Will the Gallagher brothers ever kiss, and make-up? Same shall apply to Roger Waters and David Gilmore!

[@johnwinnard5589]

Ted Nugent and Ace Frehley were the reasons I picked up a guitar. Took me 43 years to perfect Stranglehold. 🤣

[@jseidel70js]

Met Ace at a Concert my nephew's band opened for a few years ago.

[@charleskollin1221]

I can totally relate. Ace Frehley was the reason I started playing guitar and I also like Ted Nugent very well. Yes, I too had my struggles with Stranglehold. The full octave bends (accuracy) was particularly tricky for me. The first guitar solo I learned verbatim was Ace Frehley's "Parasite".

[@shakebabyhitler]

For my first concert, I went to see KISS live (Love Gun tour) when I was 12. Life changing experience, decided that night that I would play guitar. Ace was my first guitar hero, and Ted was my second. Eventually moved on to EVH, Rhoads, Satch, Malmsteen, etc, but I owe it all to Ace and the Nuge.

[@nascarfan824]

Awesome video, Professor! I got to see the Damn Yankees in Toledo Ohio, 12-29-92. My second concert ever. They were the headliner with Jackyl and Slaughter as opening acts. Great show. Great memories.

[@elizabetholive589]

Great band...thnk you for posting!

[@julioroman4420]

Adam, please do a video on Silent Lucidity by Queensryche. What a beautiful song! I haven't heard it in about a decade and since losing my wife 3 years ago I just listened to it again today and it's taken on a whole new life and meaning. I never realized this was a song as a lesson on how to let go of grief. Such a wonderful song and it actually had me in tears today. Still remember listening to it when it came out in 1990 and at the time it was just a beautiful song but now it's on a whole new level for me.. Thanks!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I am planning on an interview! Stay tuned!

[@julioroman4420]

@@ProfessorofRock thanks brother, you're the best!

[@BigWillyDawg]

@@ProfessorofRockawesome!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So sorry for your loss. It is a beautiful song.

[@julioroman4420]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 thank you, I've been listening to it all day.

[@MrHitthespot]

The Solo in Higher is brilliant. Great song!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree! So fantastic!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree. The right amount of guitar tapping one needs.

[@abornbuyer]

Where You Goin Now popped up on one of my video suggestions, a song that I had forgotten about, but now its on all my playlists! Im finding that alot more songs from the 80s are on my current "favorites" playlist!

[@lauraasullivan8612]

LOVED Damn Yankees as well as each individual member in their own right. So much talent.

[@stikle]

I will always love Damn Yankees. Their first album tour was my very first rock concert at the Hult Center in Eugene, Oregon. They opened for Bad Company and killed it. I borrowed my mom's station wagon and drove 2 hours just to see DY. I was a huge Styx fan before then, and getting to finally see Tommy play was wonderful. I had been working at a theater in the projection booth...I can still remember to this day. I had the local radio on and was working on putting the newest movie together when a new song came on the radio I'd never heard. All of a sudden I heard a voice that I knew well...holy crap that's freakin' Tommy Shaw! Everything stopped as I went over to the radio and just listened. And then the trip to the record store to get the CD. Man what a great collaboration! I still have that first album on my phone to this day. The only concert that I've seen that I rank higher is when the final original lineup of Styx played in Portland and I finally got to see them live. Amazing music. Thanks for the behind the scenes on this one and for all of your content!

[@MonkeyFace544]

I saw them live, I loved Tommy Shaw! What a fleeting moment, they were 🔥🔥🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Where did you see them? Also when?

[@MonkeyFace544]

@@ProfessorofRock I saw them in Asheville, NC in 1992. Bad Company was also on the tour. Festival seating, so close to the stage. We had just graduated from high school. It was amazing. Edited to correct the year. Memory did not serve me well, haha.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

When?

[@67marlins]

Well done, thanks for posting.

[@Chrissssyyyyyyy]

Damn Yankees is one of my all time favorite bands. I just love their music! I personally loved all the 80's rock music era and was bummed when the 90's grunge came about. I wished the hairbands could have survived a bit longer. I love hearing all the background stories you provide, thank you for keeping these rock memories alive!

[@snide3]

Their first is still an amazing album. I purchased the first on cassette and and when that was lost, I bought the CD. I still listen to this album regularly today. Their song Damn Yankees has some of the most powerful lyrics in music today.

[@ajzepp8976]

One of my favorite songs ever. I was 18 when it came out, and just getting my taste of big boy freedom. Man, the early 90s were amazing. The whole decade, really.

[@chiarac3833]

I was turning 21 so ya, great time in life for sure.

[@jodyserner1229]

It was Spring of 90 and I was listening to a Sunday night "week in rock" show on my local fm station. They announced who was in the band and I was absolutely floored. The next day I went up town and looked for the tape. Nobody had it except the Coop Store for some odd reason. I got home, put it on my ghetto blaster and it blew me away. I was moved to tears listening to High Enough. What fantastic memories from that summer!

[@kevinholm9572]

Great harmonies and the acoustic intro is like a fingerprint of the era.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who is your pick for the GREATEST Supergroup of all time?

[@christineml1476]

Cream

[@surlechapeau]

Traveling Wilburys

[@stephenbrown4211]

Travelling Wilburys

[@DC8091]

Traveling Wilburys Velvet Revolver (though Duff said in one of his books, he didn’t consider VR a “super group”, & doesn’t like the term in general, regardless VR fing RULES!!!!)

[@dustinjones8887]

Damn Yankees

[@duromusabc]

An iconic collaboration! Spring semester 1991 - college memories for me - loved this song back then! More Than Words by Extreme came out the same time as this song High Enough and Silent Lucidity by Queensryche and Warrant’s hit Uncle Tom’s Cabin was popular too I remember! May 1991 !

[@ProfessorofRock]

We were still in the 80s, even though it was the 90s!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Pure rock and roll was still alive and well in 1991.

[@user-jr7pz4nx6d]

God what a time period of great rock music.

[@seanspires7787]

That is great i remember everyone of those songs when they came out Empire was maybe my fav album of the late 80's (89?) start to finish was amazing every song.

[@moonbeanification]

We need music like this to be mainstream again. I think we took it for granted back in the day. Thank God for KZbin .. and long live the Professor of Rock !!! ♥♥♥

[@dustinjones8887]

Agreed! The record co's are what made that decision. It would've been ok to tamper down all the signings of new classic type 70's-80's bands, but at least keep signing any super good ones. The industry did bring it back a little in the 2010's with bands like Halestorm, Greta Van Fleet, Battle Beast, The Struts, etc...but hard for them to break through when people don't listen to radio, and no MTV anymore, where music was monetized with mass audiences. I'm hoping it will catch on even more. Lets hope!

[@clintstryder1131]

Man. Listening to this now, i can't stop hearing Rick Emmet singing this.

[@bhouse92101]

Before "High Enough" became a huge hit, they toured as the opening act for Bad Company. I saw that show. When they came back around again a year later, Bad Company was opening for Damn Yankees! Saw that show too! To me, "Come Again" is their best song.

[@dgcaz1]

Thank you! I was trying to remember who I saw them with.😊😊😊

[@bpalm74]

I was fortunate enough to see these guys live while I was in basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina in the summer of 1993. When my drill sergeant announced everybody would be going to a concert on the base he said it was some band called Yankee Doodle. But luckily, once we got there after marching from the barracks to the parade field they were playing in there was a big banner on stage announcing it was Damn Yankees. And it was an amazing show. One lucky soldier was drawn and was brought up on stage and Ted gave them his guitar. Such an amazing memory I still have to this day.

[@thomastrain7311]

Damn lucky, i went thru there in 97 . We got the harlem globetrotters lol.

[@bpalm74]

@thomastrain7311 not to kick sand in your face but two weeks later we got Faith Hill when she was just starting to come on to the country scene.

[@thomastrain7311]

@bpalm74 pretty cool stuff, I always missed out on the good stuff on base, but overseas, I was very fortunate. I got to meet John Elway and Robin Williams at the same time. They were in Kuwait for a uso tour. Robin autographed by boonie hat and Elway autographed a football for my buddy. I can't begin to tell you what a kind and considerate man that Robin was.

[@richardarthur5994]

I learn so much from you about the music I grew up with ! Great job !

[@williamallison8381]

Really enjoyed this video. Brings back the memories . For my 15th birthday my father bought me a CD player/boom box and…four cassette tapes. So I had a new CD player and zero CDs. The very first CD I had was the DYankees. Needles to say, it got an excessive amount of play time since it was the only CD I owned for a while. Thanks for the throwback!!!

[@mikebozik]

I loved this group when they came out, bought their album on cassette. Listened to it to it religiously for a couple of years in my beat-up toyota pickup. Part of my college memories. Unfortunately one of them went batsht crazy. 😕 Thank you so much for bringing back the memories of recording Casey Kasem's top 40 on my 8-track cassette stereo, that my dad gave me.

[@8BitLatinGamer]

Another amazing video! Asia (Members from King Crimson, Yes, The Buggles, Emerson, Lake & Palmer) and GTR (Members from Asia, Yes and Genesis)were also great super groups from the early mid 80's.

[@chaoticwonder3278]

I was wondering if anyone else would bring up Asia. I played the heck out of that first album in college.

[@karenwebster2465]

​@@chaoticwonder3278Yes, Incredible!! ❤

[@joemarq3715]

I’m pleased to see Badlands mentioned near the beginning here. A lot of people are not aware of that group unless they knew of the connection to Ozzy and Black Sabbath. The singer Ray Gillen worked with an 80s version of Black Sabbath, while the guitar player Jake E Lee worked with Ozzy Osbourne for two albums and tours. Badlands is incredible guitars and powerful vocals.

[@jodidavis6595]

Brings back memories. Thank you Professor ❤️

[@Magnum3144]

High enough was so good! This was junior high for me, such nostalgia hearing these songs again. They dont get enough, if any, air play. 👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They should make a comeback!

[@brandonjackson5865]

When Ted comes out on the porch with his Bret the Hitman Hart sunglasses on in the video has got to be one of the coolest music video scenes ever.

[@icelady1392us1392]

Ted cracks me up the entire video! He's so funny while being so badass!

[@mattblatchley2061]

that was FUN!!!! got to see these guys in concert and I'm glad I did!

[@caddie1a]

Don’t forget the super group ‘The Firm’, ‘The Traveling Wilburys’ & ‘The Power Station’ too. All were awesome!!

[@ericbuczynski4061]

GTR was another short-lived supergroup. I was already a fan of Genesis at the time but the newer lineup, not having yet known about Steve Hackett. Thanks to your videos I finally got myself two nice pairs of Zennis as well!

[@koolkitties8552]

Asia was a supegroup too

[@defhoez449]

Back in 2007....I attended a Rock The Park outdoor rock festival. It was a 3 day concert and this was Day 2 - the headliner that night was Styx. I've always been a Styx fan and the band was walking through the VIP area (which me and my friends had tix for) because they were on their way to do a radio interview. Larry Gowan was of course the new front man for the band and he was stopping to sign autographs for fans, and stopped to greet myself as well...lemme tell you, Gowan is a GREAT GUY and signed everything he could and some of the other band members were doing the same. Tommy Shaw wouldn't even look at people and ignored everyone....one lady had a Styx tour shirt on and came up to Tommy and asked nicely if he would sign her shirt....Tommy looked at her and said "NO....leave me alone" she asked again nicely if he could just be quick...she even had a Sharpie in her hand. He then told her to "fuck off"....I looked at Tommy and said "dude, you're a fuckin dick..nice way to treat your fans, pal" he then said to me "go fuck yourself"....it was at that moment I realized Shaw was the biggest asshole in rock, which is too bad, because I always liked Tommy. Sometimes, you shouldn't meet your heroes.

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

The first time Dire Straits played America, they opened for Styx, who were aloof and unfriendly.

[@timothykennedy3434]

This brought back some great memories of singing along while driving!!!

[@dlphntat]

Patton Oswalt's bit about the video for High Enough is always awesome

[@Eric_B]

Thank you, Adam! Loved these guys and was lucky enough to get backstage and meet Ted after their concert at Alpine Valley in WI in the 90s. Ever do a video on Nugent? You should do one on him and his song Stranglehold. My band covers it at our shows and it goes over better than any other song we play!

[@kellycranford3592]

I absolutely LOVE this song, still play it today and I really miss Damn Yankees and had always wondered what happened to them, thanks Adam, for letting us know what happened!

[@simoneharlow]

I have no idea how I manifested your channel into my KZbin algorithm, but I was so pleasantly surprised that this was damn Yankees !!! I still play come again and love singing it!!! 💯

[@KitBasher1]

By far one of the greatest bands ever! Tommy Shaw was my favorite guitarist/singer/songwriter at the time because of his work in Styx.

[@stephen3164]

It’s funny how from ‘82-‘92, the variety of popular music genres was changing so rapidly. From punk to metal, glam rock, synth pop, and every niche in between. Grunge comes along, and just dominates. 1991 you couldn’t turn on any radio and not hear it - but just 4 short years prior Guns N Roses had released Appetite, and that was huge. The music shift during the 80’s was crazy. As a kid glued to the radio, I was in for the ride. And as a budding guitarist, I felt on top of the world with so much cool stuff constantly coming out. Now as an adult, I couldn’t name you 10 bands from the last 10 years. 2013-2023 it all sounds the same to me, in general. One genre, maybe two. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a huge Damn Yankees fan. I was in to bands like Metallica, Megadeath, Anthrax on the heavy side, GNR, Crue, ACDA, Aerosmith on the straight up rock side, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani and Impelliteri etc on the virtuoso side, and then Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, etc on the grunge side. (oh, and somehow I was also a big Eric Clapton fan and Black Sabbath fan, preferring the older stuff, and of course Led Zep goes without saying). No wonder my tape (and cd) collection took up so much space!

[@cygnustsp]

I could've written this post

[@728huey]

Wait a minute. You haven't heard of Imagine Dragons, Kongos, The Lumineers, The 1975, Greta Van Fleet, 21 Pilots, Echosmith, Bastille, Glass Animals, or BTS? (OK, I admit I had to spend some time remembering some of these groups.)

[@crusheverything4449]

@@728huey- 0 for 10, man.

[@RadarViking]

Adam, your channel is top-notch, man. Between Rick Beato's analytical savvy and your wealth of knowledge of Rock's rich history, spectrum ends are covered, and mesh superbly in the middle. Don't stop, man. Liked and always subbed, Lee

[@prongATO]

OMG, that little snippet of the Styx song and BAM! I’m 8 years old again. I remember a cool Styx bumper sticker I got at Astroworld when I visited Houston. Memories, thank you.

[@GoingPostalSince2012]

I know High Enough was the "song" on this album, but i thought Come Again was the best song they did. Such a powerful track using all the band's talents like Ted's solo and Tommy and Jack's rhythm and tandem choruses with Correllone's drums. I can listen to this song and album over and over

[@mikeholmanlovesyou]

its "Hight Enough" according to the "Professor of Rock"

[@derek17005]

Agreed with that. Come Again was their best song and had some of Ted's best solos.

[@TheAxe4Ever]

The Damn Yankees was one of the best “supergroups”. After all, 3/4 of the band were my biggest influences. Tommy Shaw has always been a beast! Guitar wise and vocals. It was Ted Nugent that originally got me into playing guitar. And Night Ranger is still one of my all time favorite bands of all time.

[@btreese7]

Dawn Patrol is still one of my top 10 favorite albums!

[@jdraven0890]

Great overview, sir. Always wondered what happened to them. Still have the cassette somewhere. Absolutely unbelievable that anyone at Geffen said they'll never get those songs on the radio!

[@unexpectedjourney9900]

Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your videos and you do a great job on here. 🔥. This was another great one. Especially the ones about the 80s because I was a teenager through all those years. Great times. Thank you for making these videos very interesting and your storytelling is excellent. 🔥🔥🔥Thank you.

[@cammygram1]

In my mid 60's and still play High Enough as loud as it can go!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Rock on 🤘

[@keithguidry2841]

Ted Nugent has always been one of my favorites!would love to see you highlight the song Stranglehold.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Did you see our interview with him on Cat Scratch Fever?

[@keithguidry2841]

@@ProfessorofRock no but I will have to check it out!

[@pablov1973]

I remember that back in 1992 having a cassette compiled from different CDs with "18 & Life" "If you needed somebody" and "High Enough" one after the other, in that order. I used to play those tracks time after time.

[@flatcreek4665]

Saw Damn Yankee’s in concert! It was awesome!!

[@Zensunniful]

I am a huge Styx fan, and Tommy Shaw has always been my favorite of the songwriters and lead vocalists in the band, and, while I was never into his music, I am originally from Michigan, so I was fascinated when I found out that Tommy was in a band with the Motor City Madman. "High Enough" probably sits in my top 20 favorite songs of all time. It is a quintessential power ballad and truly does out do many of the more famous classics from the component pieces of the Damn Yankees earlier (and later) bands. One minor quibble with Nugent's comment that sparked the name... does Tommy REALLY consider himself a Yankee, considering that he was born and raised in Alabama? I guess if you look at it from the original use of the term instead of the Civil War appropriation... lol

[@cindysnow2123]

Damn Yankees was an amazing band!! So much talent in these guys!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. A lot of firepower!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Each member had a gift!

[@bobgrayson6220]

Amazing group ? 😂😂😂😂 Did you actually listen to these crappy songs ? Even the record execs knew this was Gay "Rock" !

[@bobgrayson6220]

This is the kind of so called Music that killed Rock !

[@beerubbed7345]

One of my all time favorite bands. Huge influence on me as a musician and I never got to see them live. I wish they could do a few shows snd some new songs

[@cathyscott3690]

Saw them in concert. What a show! What a combination of talent! Wish they were still making music together. And they should definitely have got #1

[@paulblay2330]

Favorite group of all time. Seen them live 32 times. They need to put out a few more albums. According to interviews with Michael, close to 30 tracks were completed over the years.

[@rayquintal403]

Seen them live twice during these two records. Caught Ted’s guitar pick and gave it to the girl I went to the show with. Four rows out in front. Kept thinking holy crap this guy is huge. Even bigger on stage. One of my fav shows that year. So glad they took the leap and did Damn Yankees.

[@RandomAxeOfKindness]

If you watch the videos from the first album, they keep making Ted stand further from the camera so it's not obvious that he's four feet taller than everyone else. It's hilarious.

[@jeffmckee1825]

First encounter was when they opened for (and blew away) Bad Company on the Holy Water Tour at Darien Lake. Then , about 2 years later , they were in town (Rochester , NY) at the Auditorium Center on their Don't Tread Tour with Jakyl as the opener. Had a front row center seat and came away with 2 of Nugent's guitar picks.

[@jackiecarothers1388]

Love your pod cast. Time machine to a better time.. thanks

[@chrismaverick9828]

How anyone could hear this song more than once and not air-guitar the solo and lip-sync the vocals is beyond me. Absolutely fantastic song all-around. The 80's ballad will forever live on.

[@zippitydoodah5693]

LOVED Night Ranger. Wore out Dawn Patrol on cassette in my first SONY Walkman. Had to buy another copy. Still have it. LOVED Damn Yankees. Wish they had hit the scene a couple of years earlier so we could have gotten a little bit more from them before Grunge hit like a bowling ball on a strike roll.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They would have made a great hair metal band.