Huge Rock HIT Became a CURSE to Its Singer & ENDED 1 of the 80s Defining Genres | Professor of Rock

The story of Glam Metal band Warrant and their MASSIVE 1990 Hit Cherry Pie! Written by lead singer Jani Lane. The song may've been a curse. Jani said as much himself.. It was also one of the last big hits of the Glam Metal genre that towered over the 80s. It may have been the song that ended the genre, coming at a time that GRUNGE took over and obliterated the excess of the music and the neon decade. Current Warrant band members Erik Turner and Joey Allen tell the story of writing and recording Cherry Pie and its impact on the time!
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#classicrock #80smusic #vinylstory #80srock
n 1990 Warrant and their song Cherry Pie hit the charts because it was a catchy sing along rocker that had a great music video with the sizzling hot Bobby Brown. Cherry Pie was the title track from the second album from Jani Lane and Warrant. I bought it and enjoyed most every song from the record just as I had with Dirty Rotten Fillthy Strinking Rich from the year before. It had other glam metal classics like Uncle Tom’s Cabin and I saw Red. It had an album cover that knocked us out. Interestingly enough, Warrant released the song Cherry Pie on September 8th 1990 and it would go top 10 on the billboard hot 100 and become one of Warrant’s signature songs. This is the story of the song from band member, guitarist Erik Turner and Joey Allen.
In the rock era, it was unbelievable how much could change in one year. I remember being a young teenager in the 8th grade and loving metal and new wave. It was 1990 though it still felt like the 80s, nothing much had changed. I was listening to all sorts of music from Depeche Mode and the Cure to Dela Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, even mainstream music like George Michael, MC Hammer, Janet Jackson and vanilla Ice and of course Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Skid Row and Warrant. Which leads me to Warrant and their song Cherry Pie, a catchy sing along rocker that had a great music video with the sizzling hot Bobby Brown. This song was a favorite of my group of friends and the title track from the second album from Jani Lane and Warrant. I bought it and enjoyed most every song from the record just as I had with Dirty Rotten Fillthy Strinking Rich from the year before. It had other glam metal classics like Uncle Tom’s Cabin and I saw Red. It had an album cover that knocked us out. Interestingly enough, Warrant released the song Cherry Pie on September 8th 1990 and it would go top 10 on the billboard hot 100 and become one of Warrant’s signature songs and one that Janie would complain about, more on that in a sec. Remember how I said how fast things can change? The song was massive at the end of 1990 into early 91, I mean George HW Bush was the President, Twin Peaks was all the talk on television and Cherry Pie was rocking on radio, taking glam metal to the masses and then one year later almost to day, on September 10th 1991, a little band called Nirvana released a song called Smells Like Teen Spirit and all hell broke loose. Within a few months, The 90s had finally started and what once had felt like it would be a decade of more glam metal and rave music it went the way of grunge ending the decade on teeny pop and britpop. I honestly though that the decade was going the way of Jesus Jones and EMF but then Nirvana and pearl jam happened and the decade changed on a dime. Cherry Pie really was one of the last great Mainstream Glam Metal album or if you’ll forgive me, Hair Metal albums. Lane would say that he wished he’d never written Cherry Pie. In fact his exact words were:

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who is your pick for the greatest band from the 80s glam metal era?

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

The Cult

[@RBS_]

*...POISONPOISONPOISONPOISON* .....did I mention POISON!?? ...ha-HAAA!!

[@Charly_Dont_Surf]

The Cult

[@ScrogginHausen]

Whitesnake (1987)

[@mournblade1066]

I guess I'll have to say Motley Crue, because they actually put out SOME decent music in their time (unlike pretty much every other hair metal band).

[@gelderlandproduction]

I grew up with Jani. We took lessons from the same singing coach, played the same circuit, hung out at his bar here in Orlando. I miss him.

[@ProfessorofRock]

What band were you in? Just curious!

[@gelderlandproduction]

oh, I would rather not say here. ;-)@@ProfessorofRockmostly local bands that traveled a USA circuit.

[@DC8091]

That’s awesome!!!

[@Limited_Light]

​@@gelderlandproductionBummer. Would be interesting to hear the singing of someone that had the same vocal coach. Jani was definitely a singer, not just a lead vocalist.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m glad you got to know him on a personal level.

[@bigdaddy7119]

I had the privilege of seeing Warrant in concert in a bar called Rocky’s in San Antonio in 95 while stationed at Ft Sam Houston with a buddy of mine. They absolutely blew the roof off the place, and my buddy and I got to hang out with Jani and Jerry after the show. They were EXTREMELY supportive of the military and treated US like we were the rock stars! They were actually brushing off Groupie wannabes, while talking to us and buying our beers. Jani was putting away the Jack and Jim on stage, and pouring it in everyone’s mouth who was up against the stage like my buddy and I. While we were hanging out with them, whenever Jani saw one of our beers getting low, he looked at the bar and held up two fingers while pointing at us. That’s one of the best experiences in my life aside from meeting my (late) wife. It broke my heart hearing Jani died, he was an awesome human being with a huge heart. I wish he would’ve gotten help. 😥

[@suprsquirrel2215]

Saw them in a bar in Honolulu in '97 while stationed on Oahu while in the Marines. We were just a few feet from the stage and they played a few requests. I've been to several great concerts, but this was always my favorite because of how interactive Jani and the rest of the band were. It was great.

[@bigdaddy7119]

@@suprsquirrel2215 oh yeah! They definitely interacted with the crowd and loved their fans. And yes, VERY down to earth guys who didn’t forget where they came from.

[@TheJpep2424]

So glorify alcohol and getting drunk but then its sad he destroyed his life with alcohol. Stupid. That great time you were giving is what eventually killed him.

[@godsinbox]

@@TheJpep2424 hmmmm. lets pivot. its the adoration of rock stars (by fans/groupies) that leaves them with a void after the gig (and the other 23 hours). everyone feels good on alcohol, lets not deny that. But these drug highs take over when the cheers stop. bigdaddys story was about how the rockstars made the marines the star. and at the end of the career army have issues that can easily be delayed with drug highs. Now, Jpep what do you have in your closet? do you that all those around you for what they have given for you?

[@russdavis71]

Watching Jani deteriorate was heartbreaking. The things he was going through mentally took its toll and we lost a great songwriter and singer.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question.

[@PhantomOfTheMall]

There’s been a few times that I’ve wondered, what kind of songs/albums that he’d be cranking out these days! (Whether, be it via a solo act or with Warrant…or a new band, etc.)

[@annna6553]

Shame they didn't adapt some EMF and Jesus jones into their music.

[@Maff76]

That would've been Unbelievable@@annna6553

[@dmitryowens]

Great? Sorry, no respect to the dead, but he wasn't anywhere near great. Seemed like a nice guy though.

[@grahamnash9794]

Hi Adam, unless I'm sadly mistaken, this is 3 weeks running we've had extra content from you !!!! Oh, and that's the voice of gratitude. Keep 'em coming dude. Always appreciated. TTFN

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome! Hope you enjoy!

[@mattmacarthur520]

Uncle Toms Cabin is one of THE BEST hard rock songs ever written and you can take that to the bank ! Jani was an amazing songwriter , guy told stories through his lyrics unlike anyone else . Warrant is a killer band and has sooo much more to offer than Cherie pie . Loads of great songs

[@ProfessorofRock]

He was a good writer for sure. Very underrated!

[@smurphftw2008]

Uncles Tom's Cabin is a masterpiece imo. Just an amazing song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

agreed!@@smurphftw2008

[@stephenbrown4211]

Second that with Uncle Toms Cabin

[@driver4011]

32 pennies......all time fav. by warrant.

[@yoko_mint]

I was a fan back then but was too young to realize how enormously talented Jani was as a singer and songwriter. I recently started listening to his songs again and no day goes by without listening or watching his song or video. There are still many great unreleased songs... I hope they will see the light of the day and make him happy in heaven.

[@jefftracy3771]

From what I've heard, they were originally planning to go with "Uncle Tom's Cabin" as the title track for the album before Cherry Pie was written. I still wonder what would've happened in that alternate universe. Uncle Tom's Cabin is one of heaviest bangers out there, and definitely my favorite of theirs.

[@MrMICHAELMURRAY1969]

I was in the Marines and on the front lines of Desert Storm. I only had two cassette tapes. Warrant Cherry Pie was one. It helped me immensely during a tough time in my life .

[@tnrodgers]

Sometimes inspiration from home helps us get through the day. Thank you for your service!

[@8to5oncleveland27]

What was the other cassette you had?

[@ruley73]

My dad bought this tape when I was a kid. I remember anxiously waiting until he left to run a few errands before cranking it on his big stereo. To this day the end of Cherry Pie's intro blasting through those massive 3-way Award speakers is one of my loudest memories. 😆

[@traintools585]

Glam metal will never die as long as there are channels like yours and classic rock radio stations. Picking a favorite band is like picking your favorite child, my favorite is usually the one I'm blasting out the speakers.

[@jdmoncada8205]

"I Saw Red" was a fantastic ballad, and the Dog Eat Dog album was a really strong one. I wish we could have gotten more of that.

[@patricksykerastkelly9571]

Dog Eat Dog was their BEST album ever! Listen to Bitter Pill, don't get much better than that!

[@joellebrodeur1015]

I forgot about that record. Hadn't heard it in years. One of the better albums of the late 80s in the genre

[@ToneGuy007]

Love the song!... I met Joey Allen when he was a rep for Hughes & Kettner amps a number of years back and he was a great dude to talk to... especially about guitar gear... great video as always.

[@rykerolaoghaire8781]

I grew up seeing the posters of the great 80s bands on my older sisters wall, Iconic images. When she would leave with her boyfriend, I would sneak into her room and tape off her cassettes to my bank tapes. I owe her for my love of 80s music Thanks sis! ❤

[@VivaToddVegas]

“…A year before the genre went extinct altogether”? Um, no. The genre became less popular with mainstream audiences, but it did NOT go “extinct”. Bands from this genre still tour and release albums to this day. Thousands and thousands of fans still love their music. Some of those bands can even still fill stadiums (Bon Jovi, Motley Crew) themselves, and others can fill them when they tour together. The genre is NOT “extinct”!

[@TheJpep2424]

It went extinct on radio play after grunge hit. The genre was over as far as being the biggest. That was the point.

[@LDiamondz]

Totally agree, It never went extinct.

[@mtg-thehive2820]

I never got behind Cherry Pie and still can't listen to it to this day. But Uncle Tom's Cabin, what a banger, this is my all-time favorite Warrant song and I still listen to this song on a regular basis.

[@lfd_eng9219]

This song came out after I was married...so, no, I didn't really get into it. While not a die hard fan of Glam Metal, I did appreciate it WAY MORE than Grunge...never really understood the attraction to that stuff. This is why there are so many genres and variations for each. Cherry Pie...good song, up beat tempo, a bit provocative, but fun! Warrant was unfortunate to come along at the end...had they been out sooner...maybe they would have had more success. Sometimes timing sucks! Great interview...and another band I need to listen to a bit more. Thanks, prof!

[@ThomasSlayer]

I remember that a friend of mine the photographer Nigel Skeet told me about Warrent. They were just starting, he lived in LA and he told me that Warrant could grow big. In Europe we never heard them at that point. You should bring Nigel to the show. He was in the middle of it.

[@chris967092]

I was a rock DJ in the midlands area of the UK for 25 years.. Towards the end of my time, I mainly did Classic Rock or 80’s nights.. but I can’t remember one gig I played were this wasn’t requested.. and always filled the dance floor. And that was right up to 2020..

[@robynmasters870]

Weird. This is the second video about Jani Lane in my subscriptions today. The other video was about how something unspeakable happened to him. He was drugged and let's say taken advantage of. He said it on a radio interview and also Bobbie Brown wrote about it in her book.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I've heard the story. So sad.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s awful.

[@hugolafhugolaf]

What happened?

[@user-tf6vq9tz6b]

​@@hugolafhugolaf Search "who r@ped Jani Lane". Looks like it was metal god Halford. I didn't want to believe it but after certain things were said, even by Rob himself, I think it's true.

[@hugolafhugolaf]

@@user-tf6vq9tz6b Whoa!!!

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

One thing about Glam metal is that there's no denying that the lead singers can really sing those high notes like John Bongiovi, Jr., Greg Leon, Kevin Mark Dubrow, Daniel Snider, and so many more.

[@dmitryowens]

Bret Michaels was the best though 😄

[@hibhibb5429]

Jani was so freaking talented and underrated as a singer and songwriter. I miss him very much! I wish he were still here with us so we could see what other amazing work he could have accomplished musically/artistically. He'll always be a legend in my opinion!! RIP Jani.

[@ninaanette80]

Must have been 92ish, Jani was going to start a rock club, off Church Street in Orlando. "Jani Lane's Sunset Strip". When they were in Orlando checking out locations, Warrant decided to have a last-minute show at a small rock club called "The Station", a great club that could keep an attendance of maybe 300. That was a wild evening, band drinking as much as the crowd, the guitarist sitting on the speaker stack playing, Jani crowd surfing, girls on stage swinging tatas. I picked up a Jani guitar pick "Cherry Picker". A friend got a drumstick. Good memories. The Sunset Strip was a good club as long as it lasted. Saw Jani surprise a local band on stage singing the old Thin Lizzy song Boys Are Back in Town. Hell, even had a friend get some Cherry Pie behind a speaker stack there.

[@indiedavecomix3882]

The tail end of grunge had Nickleback. While I think both get a bad rap, I always thought of Nickleback as the "Warrant of grunge". 😂 But I remember rocking out to Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Heaven was a great power ballad.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Heaven and Uncle Tom are great!

[@gr8fulpn]

Heavy Metal, Hair Metal and Glam Metal all have one thing in common Metal what ever you want to call it. Born in 65 I’ve heard it all and for me metal died in ‘87 although there has been highlights since and one of my favorites was/is Warrant, I was heartbroken when Jani died.

[@robotorch]

I loved Warrant and practically wore out my "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich" cassette. It was a dynamite album. RIP Jani, gone too soon. Who remembers the TV commercials to "talk" to your favorite musicians via an expensive 1-900 number? Warrant had one, but I knew better!

[@JRodG72]

I love Warrant. Just saw them again this summer with Nelson. Robert Mason does a great job, even though we all miss Jani it's cool that almost all of the original lineup are carrying on, playing those songs. Like you said, back then, I got that tape and played it constantly my freshman year in college. Uncle Tom's Cabin was my favorite song on it, and I still listen to the songs on it often. It’s too bad thin disguise didn’t make it on there because I think that is a great song too! I have a cd version of this where it's just Jani swearing at the end for like 2 mintues and it kills me! It was just fun music. DRFSR was awesome too, and Dog eat Dog is sorely underrated. Songs like Bitter Pill and April 2031, man just amazing! Ultraphobic is pretty cool and I really like Belly to Belly as well. I'm not sure why a lot of people kind of bagged on that 80s metal era? Hopefully as new generations discover this music they will see the brilliance in it. Great songs, great players and it was just a lot of fun. For me, if my friends and I went to a Warrant show you were surrounded by hot girls and got to listen to great music. It was a party! Who wouldn't love that? I wanted to add, I know grunge was huge, but something else happened in 91 (besides grunge) which was Metallica’s black album and GNR use your illusions. Plus I think Slayer Seasons in the Abyss came out as well as Persistence of Time by Anthrax? There was a lot happening in music that was pulling people in all kinds of directions musically, even though MTV seemed to shift their buzz videos into a grunge direction. Well plus rap too. Anyway, these guys had serious talent and made great music together. Glad I was in the generation to get to buy their albums when they were released and see them live.

[@jdizzle3740]

Me and my buddy Chuck snuck backstage after a show these guys played in Syracuse NY and got to hang and talk with Erik, Joey and the guys (even got to share a couple beers with them). GREAT DUDES and absolutely passionate about their music, but more passionate about their fans enjoying their music. We shot the bull for almost an hour before we parted ways and it's an experience I'll never forget. The only person missing was Jani, may he Rest In Peace.

[@tobesocourtney]

It's so unfortunate that Jani Lane never got the recognition he deserved. He was an amazing songwriter and musician. I was lucky enough to have met him in the late 90s. I'm still so heartbroken he's gone. I truly believe he could have been so much more than the "Cherry Pie guy". At least he was to me. Dog Eat Dog is still my favorite Warrant album, and Ultraphobic includes one of my favorite songs Jani ever wrote, "Stronger Now". Such a shame it got lost in the shuffle of the 90s grunge.

[@annna6553]

Where is grunge now. It,was so boring to me back then since I grew up with,Adam ant, etc

[@Mick_Ts_Chick]

​@@annna6553Grunge ruined rock and roll. I quit listening to the radio stations who quit playing the good rock for that.

[@annna6553]

@@Mick_Ts_Chick I know. Honestly thank God the big record labels died. They sealed there fait when they screwed over rock n roll and went to rap and grunge. There's at least a chance to do well via the internet and some semi-rich people throwing festivals with new bands now. Even if unorganized.

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

@@Mick_Ts_Chick So Pearl Jam and Soundgarden suck huh? I don't think so.

[@Mick_Ts_Chick]

@@Ganja-jh6iy I never said that. I said I don't care for grunge in general. I never tried to tell other people what they should think. It's just not my cup of tea.

[@samuelgore6517]

I love Warrant. I still think Dog Eat Dog is criminally underrated. Jani Lane was super cool, met them (Warrant) at the Rocket Club in Tampa.

[@davidmurphy6802]

I love the extra posts!! It makes my day when the notifications pop up!!

[@nohandle1028]

I never heard of Warrant until their song, Heaven, came out! I fell in love with that song!! While I wasn't into Cherry Pie, a lot of my male friends were...for obvious reasons. Lol I loved the glam rock genre!

[@seanjohn1742]

Got into Warrant in high school with Cherry Pie and still love them, wish they would tour Australia so I could see them even though Jani isn't there. Jani was such an underrated singer and songwriter. RIP

[@ericethridge3036]

What you said about Jesus Jones and EMF, I thought the same thing, and I am literally 2 grades behind you. I was in 6th grade. By 8th, some of my friends and I played Smells Like Teen Spirit in the school talent show. First time I ever looked into a crowd and saw people head banging...TO THE MUSIC I WAS PLAYING! At the age, what a rush that was?! Goad to hear those guys referring to "Hair Metal " rather than being bothered by it

[@ericbgordon1575]

I remember seeing footage from when Jani was on VH1 Celebrity Fit Club, trying to perform "Cherry Pie" while badly inebriated. It kind of broke my heart. That was circa 2006, and I was only slightly surprised when we lost him 5 years later in tandem with Amy Winehouse.

[@atomic_poppy]

I dated him a few times and we remained friends until he passed. This poor guy was hurting so bad. Had a few shitty people around him that didn’t help either. So sad.

[@michaellazor5667]

Back in the ninth grade, all the rockers were wearing shirts from poison, warrant, great white. When I went back to school and the 10th grade, it had been completely erased. I remember it like yesterday. Kids were wearing primus, nirvana, Pearl jam,. It was like the Twilight. It was like that little device in the movie Men in Black that flashed every memory of rock and roll from every teenager's face.

[@DerekScottBland]

I've said it before, Warrant is a prime example of MTV having WAY too much power in the music industry. Warrant signed a bad record real requiring 3 hit albums or they'd be in default of their contract. DRFSR and Cherry Pie were massive hits, but when it came time for Dog Eat Dog, MTV literally told the band "we've decided that grunge is the new thing, don't bother sending us your new video because we aren't going to play it." This caused the band to default on their contract and drove them deep into debt, and I'm sure the stress of that certainly had a role in Jani's death.

[@annna6553]

Yeah mtv got bought by Viacom in 88 and was really starting to get rid of macho white acts. The labels were basically criminals also. Too bad the band didn't funnel the money around and hide it from the label.

[@TheJpep2424]

No. He abused alcohol and it killed him.

[@DerekScottBland]

@@TheJpep2424 - and you don't think depression had anything to do with that? Are you really that ignorant?

[@bigdaddy7119]

@@DerekScottBland yes, he’s completely ignorant as well as a “holier than thou” type. He also sucks at reading comprehension and has the IQ of a spaghetti noodle if you read some of his other comments here. Loves to twist shit around to meet his narrative, you know the type. 🙄🙄🙄 That being said….some people have no idea what it’s like to deal with soul crushing depression, despair, hopelessness, PTSD, loss, etc that’s so bad, you look for any outlet and/or something to deal with the pain. Whether it’s to numb it, make you forget, or just have a few moments or hours of happiness and/or euphoria as an escape, be it alcohol, drugs, sex, or whatever. The people who have no idea what that’s like should consider themselves EXTREMELY blessed and fortunate, and not so quick to judge and label the people who DO know that pain. But simple minded individuals tend to over simplify everything because they lack the comprehension and compassion. It’s just easier for them to point the finger elsewhere, and call people names and label them, which only makes matters worse for the one’s suffering, while trying to make themselves look better and feel better about themselves.

[@claywinn32]

It's sucks though about the "change" in direction of music at the time cause Dog Eat Dog is an amazing album,the best Warrant ever done and a lot less people have heard it. I wish in the US the masses could enjoy more than just one or two "styles" of music at one time. It seems like if this style is big then this other one can't be, just very narrow minded.

[@johnhagan582]

I've often thought that same thing .great point Just don't get how 80s Heavy Metal could have ever died in American mainstream music .without a doubt was the best music of the last 5 decades and also the best musicians of every instrument and singers also .people gave all that up for Teen Spirit ? Seriously ???

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Compared to his contemporaries in the same subgenre (Poison, Motley Crue, Ratt, etc...), Jani Lane had an amazing vocal range and they gave a hell of a show given their relative lack of experience. I bought the DRFSR live VHS tape back in the day and watched it more times than I can remember.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Yeah he did. He sang beautifully

[@dmitryowens]

Nah, dude - he was a poor man's Vince Neil.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

@@dmitryowens At least he could SING

[@dmitryowens]

@@paisleyprincess7996 Not really - he was mediocre at best. Vince Neil on the first 6 Crue albums destroyed him, and I'm not even a Vince or Motley fan.

[@fasterman3]

Jani was a friend of mine. We first met when he moved to Orlando (83 or 4). And I was a rock photographer, so of course we hooked up and became friends. He was truly a really nice guy. I shot Jani a bunch of times (solo and in Warrant} for major mags. (Circus, Creem, Hit Parader, Faces, Rock Scene etc.) I also was the photographer for his club in Orlando "Jani Lane's Sunset Strip". Miss him a lot! R.I.P. My Brother!

[@jriamyou8156]

I'm not even a Warrant fan but this song has been stuck in my head for over 30 years.

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

Warrant was the first of many concerts, so I hold a special place in my heart for them. First time I saw them was in a amphitheater, last was the parking lot of a mini golf course. Jani brought it every time.

[@johnhagan582]

Warrant was awesome and Jani was a world class Vocalist and Song Writer .was a shame that he was taken so young .Loved going to his Orlando nightclub Jani Lanes ! Was a awesome club

[@DC8091]

The ultimate Party/(Stripper) Metal song! Everyone knows all the words to it, (if they like it or not), & sings/screams along to it every time it’s played!! Roll in Janni! (Oh, btw a Warrrents new album ROCKS!!)

[@maxshea1829]

"Tutti Frutti and Cherry Pie are distant cousins." LOL! I never thought about it like that!

[@TheFunkybert]

Left my vote for favorite glam metal band, but wanted to add.. I too miss this era of FUN ROCK.. will always try to catch a band like Warrant in a club or theater, those shows are the best!!

[@valogden]

I can't begin to say how many times I saw Warrant in concert. I saw them in large arena to dive bars. Jani Lane was an incredible talent. I listen to his song Stronger Now often and there's a video of his daughter singing it. It's sad to think of all the incredible songs he still had in him to write and to know that grunge wouldn't last forever. I know Robert Mason is touring with the band members now and I should go see them next time they're in town. I would be a hypocrite because I'm going to see Queen with Adam Lambert as their front man. I should give Robert Mason a chance. By the way Warrant did the best cover of We Will Rock You.

[@honduraschris]

Mason through Jani under the bus … when Jani was down. I’ll never see Warrant live ever again

[@christinaweinmangeriatrics1689]

Jani is just so missed. I absolutely adore him and it makes me so sad what happened to him. Jani I hope you know that you had so many fans that never gave up on you

[@lonewolfrcs1331]

i remember growing up in wilmington N.C. back then when radio stations would hold call in contests to win new cds and i called in and won that warrant cd and played it till it broke lol

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@tnrodgers]

Rock was changing quick back then. We went from carefree party glam to plaid unshaven raw angry grunge. Thanks Adam.

[@richardkidney5738]

In my humble opinion Warrant are criminally underated

[@Headbanger427]

I've never forgotten when Warrant 1ST came out and had down boys on the radio. Everyone was crazy about them. A local bar owner had opened a R&R club called Delirious and lots of local and big name bands played there. Warrant was coming through and heard about the club. Their manager called the owner up and asked about playing out there. The owner said "Warrant?" Never heard of you. Hell no you can't play out there! He later asked a couple of dancers that worked at another 1 of his clubs; have you ever heard of a band called "Warrant"? They were like YES, WE LOVE WARRANT & then he told them what he'd done. 😂

[@briansiegel23]

I find that Dog Eat Dog is their best album. Very interesting experimentation on that record. Songs like The Bitter Pill and Let it Rain are terrific songs.

[@jt8172]

Hair metal was the best time. I was 16 in 1980 so awesome...had way to much fun!

[@gregorydamian4802]

That was funny, the intro you were wearing a Beatles T-shirt under your hoodie and there was a Paul McCartney album just over your left shoulder. Now you're wearing The Doors T-shirt, Editing...LOL Love it!!! Love it!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@I_Drank_WHAT_TTV]

i was at a concert in Omaha, Nebraska that they PURPOSELY scheduled on Erik Turner's birthday (he was born in Omaha LOL) Trixter and Firehouse opened up for them and some idiot decided to jump over the barrier and grabbed Jani's record necklace off his neck. He jumped back in the crowd, me and two grabbed him and was like NOPE. It wasn't the first time someone had yanked it off. We took him to security and Jani told them to let me and the guy who grabbed him backstage. Met and had a beer with all of them even though I was only 16 LOL

[@shadyendeavor]

You forgot to mention the most important song of the album, "Ode to Tipper Gore". 😉

[@karaokekraziness3891]

I miss the 80's! Ever since Nirvana and Metallica happened, music has never been the same.

[@blackbarnz]

I had gotten into "College Radio" & had a pirate radio station of my own by this time. "Cherry Pie" was a feel good anthem, & we played it several times. I considered it "Pop Rock", I wasn't a hair band/metal head kid but I liked all those bands from a far. It was a sing a long tune. In my lustful youth I sang it to girls I had just met. You're so right though, the next summer I had received "Smells Teen Spirit" in mail from a friend in Oregon. It was a single on LP sized record, all white cover & label w/ black lettering in generic font, we played & everything changed. I've wondered if perhaps that was the 1st public broadcast of "Smells like Teen Spirit" though be it an illegal one.

[@marcusvaughn7019]

MTV was responsable for much of the end of hair Metal. For about a month, MTV ran a "PSA" stating that "The Music Revolution has Begun," and it was down hill from there. Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearljam, etc.. were the new kids and were to dominate for around 5-6 years.

[@jaredjensen4691]

The thing is Cherry Pie is a hands down kick-ass rock n’roll song for the ages, no question about it, and Jani Lane should have been proud of that accomplishment.

[@jenniferkubik478]

That song reminds me of December 1990 before Nirvana and all the depressing grunge that started in 1991. I mean, there's a big difference between the music of 1990 and 1991.

[@robynmasters870]

Firehouse was Hair Metal's last gasp. Don't Treat Me Bad hit the charts in 1991.

[@doubledown8229]

Not to mention the ganster rap that took over in 92. All the friends I use to skate with in HS all of a sudden started wearing baggy pants, and listening to gangster rap. I just kept skating doing solo missions by myself. Still skating at 45. Lol

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true.

[@fivestring65ify]

Yes there is.

[@robynmasters870]

@@doubledown8229 It's so funny you brought that up. I had that same timeline happen to me with my friends. I never skated, but all the skaters turned to wiggers overnight. I listened to The Monkees so I never knew what was going on with contemporary pop music.

[@Jayhawk9]

Jani Lane was seriously one of the best songwriters of his generation. I lived through it all and saw it up close. The guy was so damn talented

[@mikebaturoni7797]

I became a fan of the genre at the start of 1990 and I bought the CD of Cherry Pie but it wasn't the title track that grabbed me but mostly Uncle Tom's Cabin, I Saw Red, Blind Faith and I think even Mr. Rainmaker got some airplay. I then saw them during the tour for the album and my respect for the band grew. People like to take potshots at the band (and others like it) cuz they aren't Metallica or Pantera but the music is good fun and highly enjoyable. RIP Jani.

[@tonycrabtree3416]

Uncle Tom’s Cabin is actually way better than Cherry Pie, but it doesn’t have that “hook”.

[@WhyTheHorseface]

I am a huge Warrant/Jani fan. I saw them Summer 1990 at Red Rocks at the peak of their fame, Winter 1997 in a shitty little bar in a strip mall at their nadir, Summer 2004 in an arena opening for Whitesnake, and in 2017 I saw them in a 700 seat room with the new singer. Every show was great. I’m thankful they are keeping Jani’s music alive and making people happy. I love all the Warrant records. Dog Eat Dog and Ultraphobic are actually my favorites, followed by Cherry Pie. Totally different vibes on each of those, not to mention Belly to Belly. Love that one too. Wish Jani’s “Jabberwocky” project would’ve been released.

[@MatthiasPowerbomb]

I never knew about C.C. DeVille and the Danger Danger guys. That's so cool!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Double drop day!! This definitely was Tutti Fruity 40 years later. I thought it was a tip of the hat to Little Richard the first time I heard it. Really was at the end of glam rock but it will live in movies and shows forever it is a straight to the point reference that flat out rocks. Cool interview professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name!

[@geminijustgemini7784]

I passed up seeing Warrant at Six Flag in St. Louis in 88 or 89. We drove 2 hours to the DuQuoin State Fair in Illinois instead. To see Badlands, some other band and Great White. Great White was very memorable.

[@neutral6941]

I like heaven better than cherry pie.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Both are great!

[@jerseyshawn4283]

He was such an underrated song writer

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed!

[@Robizoid]

I can see that 33 years later, "Cherry Pie" has taken on a life of its own, like it got a new lease on life and wherever Jani is, he's probably got a smile on his face 10 miles wide!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Hosers!

[@annna6553]

Some new band/act of quality should cover it and make it like punky/new wave/synthwave but with nice crunchy guitars to it. I never knew why most Rock bands didn't go this route in the early 90s. You had credible bands like duran duran, inxs, billy idol, Adam ant, etc but no one woke the fk up and figured this out. EMF was fun but a wimpy singer. Jesus jones kinda had it, but not enough. You lose the danceable drum beats and scenes collapse.

[@fivestring65ify]

Warrent is my favorite band from the hair metal era. Lane is one of the best songwriters from that era. He wrote so many great ones. Even though he beat himself up over cherry pie, he has my respect. He was a fantastic singer as well. I think I will go put on some Warrent. I wanna go where the down boys go. Thanks professor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree on all accounts!

[@robotorch]

Yes, Down Boys was a banger as the kids these days say

[@karmab4391]

I was with a few friends at The Rock-It Club in Tampa for an after-work drink when some of the guys couldn't help but notice a beautiful blonde with her boyfriend. It was Bobbie Brown and Jani Lane. I miss that bar.

[@loopylou2584]

Your mention of EMF caused a mental awakening, ‘Unbelievable’!!

[@caronbranstetter6095]

Love love your channel!

[@marklechman2225]

“We stabbed it dead!” lol. Great interview! 👍

[@erickoenig5994]

I was in junior high. People would listen to cherry pie so loud on their walkmans you could hear every word. Heaven is my favorite warrent song, but cherry pie is way up there.

[@petestanton1945]

"What's wrong with 'sexy'?" - Nigel Tufnel (1984)

[@annetteslife]

Jani was my idol and how i was able to get through school and graduate in 93 was because of Warrant

[@bongodave13]

I was never a fan of Warrant or the other glam bands, even when they were the big thing. Still, this is a great story about a well-known hit song, and I remember where I was when this kind of music was all over the radio. Remember radio? lol

[@terrilynn27allen88]

I was 12 when their first album came out. Played it all the time. Got Cherry pie for my 13th birthday along with the 2 Warrant VHS tapes. Stil have my VHS tapes.

[@timmoore8773]

Great video! This album is a top 10 all time.

[@TheReeldeel15615]

Miss hearing Jani on the radio. Actually miss hearing music on the radio. Time for a video on Corey Hart?❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Trying to get an interview!

[@davidbiren2062]

Saw Warrant this year on the anniversary of Jani's passing. It was a very touching moment.

[@timthompson4506]

I could seriously be a cohost for this channel. The professor of rock is true nostalgia I could be the same when talking rock alternative, glam metal, and all of hip hop from 73 to 2023

[@RBS_]

...ummmm...you DO know I'M here, right!? ....me Old Billboard magazines take up a ROOM! ...ha-HAAA!! ....s'all good, I'll share...... ; )

[@ProfessorofRock]

Should we have tryouts? Ha ha! Good to see you RBS

[@RBS_]

@@ProfessorofRock ...you'll KNOW I'll win, I got the 'Prof.' in the POCKET! ...ha-HAAA!

[@kimmer580]

Still one of my all-time favorite bands.

[@dimebagdave77]

Enjoyed the hell out of Warrant as a kid and still miss Jani's cool songwriting 🤘 manythnx

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same!

[@jstnxprsn]

Two vids in one day again? We are not worthy. Thanks Adam.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@brentcox7772]

The extra story is very cool Professor!!🤘🔥

[@adambyrdmusic]

Hey Adam, just wanted to say how much I love the channel. I also had a question. I’ve noticed in different episodes you have country music albums in the rack to your left. I was surprised to see the inclusion of country music on your rock channel. is there any particular reason for that?

[@Chartreuse03]

Wasn't real big on "Cherry Pie", but "Heaven" was amazing, still one of my 80's favs. I remember fall of '89 seeing them play on tv, at intermission of Roller Derby , lol. (That made a rebound in late 80's, for a short while)

[@klyter21]

Cruised to this and DRFSR many times! Great band. Saw them with Bret Michaels a couple of months ago. Great show although I admit I wish Jani was there too. Mason did a great job, though, too!

[@burkejones8277]

The sad thing about that song is that a lot of people only associate Warrant with “Cherry Pie”. I hated song, but I loved the band. They had some great songs.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

You do a lot of great work, Professor, and I liked a lot of glam metal, too. But "Heaven" was Warrant's biggest hit in the US, unlike what your thumbnail says. "Cherry Pie" was their biggest hit in Australia. Rest In peace Jani Lane. Can you please correct the misspellings of the name of model Bobbie Brown (or Bobbie Jean Brown) in the description? Her name is not spelled like the New Edition R&B singer or the Frank Zappa song title. Thank you.

[@somersetcace1]

I would tend to believe he was honest in that interview but had to backtrack on it for several reasons. I believe there were a few musicians/bands from that era that would have rather not been in that era. The hair band craze was profitable, but there was a lot of record industry pressure on bands to `follow the formula. `

[@otakubancho6655]

I was 17 when this came out,but I remember the first time I saw the video and thought,holy crap this video is absolutely nuts,but I partied hard back then!💘💘💘

[@ponzo1967]

2 for Thursday 😊 I got to see Warrant twice with Jani and they were high energy, it was impressive. Jani wrote some good songs. Their first three records were pretty cool 😎

[@ProfessorofRock]

Jani was so talented. Such a loss

[@anissia1210]

Two in one day!!! I could get used to this! Where do you get the tshirts you wear in these videos? I love the Pink Floyd tshirt from this mornings video!

[@RBS_]

....I KNOW! ...I felt guilty I had to miss the Charlie Daniels post (9am Z-OOM), and I get to make it UP! ...HA-HAAA!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

From amazon!

[@kingconfusion2295]

Warrant with Jani was one of my favorite bands. Cherry Pie was their only song I’d usually skip. 🤷