Band Was HUGE In The Mid 80s, Why'd They VANISH From The Charts Without A Trace? | Professor of Rock

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We’ve talked about one hit wonders, but what about one album wonders? An album that rockets up the charts and has multiple hit songs and then Never reaches those lofty heights again. Up next Mr. Mister frontman, Richard Page tells how the band did this with Gusto. Welcome to the Real World was a #1 album in 1986 with 2 #1 HITS including Kyrie and Broken Wings plus the top 10 hit Is IT Love! They ruled one year in the 80s, what happened next?
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​ #80s #Vinyl #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 80s rock songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community with music history video essay's including today's Mr. Mister Story and interview. If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to become an Honorary Producer.
It’s time for another edition of our series Bottled Lightening where we break down the history of a beloved one hit extravaganza that still resonates in our culture.. but this time we are going to tweak it a little and talk about it from the album side. Where an album blew up with multiple hit singles and then never reached those earth shattering heights again. This is very interesting to me. I mean think about an album like Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morrisette or Cracked Rear View Mirror by Hootie and the blowfish… Both albums came out around the same time… They both sold well over 15 million copies and then there next album sold just 2 million each. It’s kind of mind boggling if you think about it. I’m not saying anything derogatory about either of these artists.. I’m just fascinated by it. We’ll tackle that later, but today I want to zero in on an album that was massive with multiple hits in the mid 80s…
One of my favorite records of the time that had 3 top 10 hits including 2 that not only went to #1 but were also great #1 hit songs. Their album also hit #1 in march of 86. Form 1985 to 1986 they were one of the biggest out there and then virtually disappear from the charts just a few years later. Mr. Mister led by one of rock’s nicest and humble guys Richard Page had two #1 hits. Broken Wings and Kyrie… they had a 3rd hit, Is this Love that went to #8 all from their 80s scorcher Welcome to The Real World. A Record that I listened to nonstop for months when I was about 10 years old…
Fascinating stuff. So why Didn’t Mr. Mister’s next album Go On become just as big as Welcome to The Real World. It came out in 1987 not quite less than 18 months after their Welcome went to #1 on the album charts.. and In an interview, Richard Page felt that included some band’s best songwriting… He also added that the band "tried many new and different sounds and ideas”. Well for one, while I bought Go On with my allowance and listened to it many times. It didn’t have the sure fire catchy hit on it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your favorite 1-2 punch in music... Your pick for the best back to back hits released by a band or artist?

[@oldirtydawson]

"Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy The Silence" by Depeche Mode.

[@stephenbrown4211]

Kayleigh and Lavender Marillion

[@MyName-pl7zn]

More than a Feeling Long Time Boston

[@ueno1]

Gimme All Your Lovin and Sharp Dressed Man, ZZ Top

[@terkish]

"Get It On (Bang a Gong)" and "Some Like It Hot" by Power Station "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" and "Brand New Lover" by Dead or Alive

[@matthewwilson9656]

I can't believe anyone would think that Broken Wings wasn't a great song. Every time I listen to it I'm amazed at how the music and vocals just blend. Incredible. Truly, creative genius at it's best

[@grimlund]

Yeah, Its weird. And Richard had to be persuaded to release it as a single. Didnt they realize how brilliant the song was and how much it stod out?

[@jeffreymitchell7969]

It’s a little different point of view from the writer. The best example I can give is I’m a musician who just recorded his own stuff on an 8 track. I had one song that all my friends just loved but every time I listened to it I always thought I could’ve done it better. It’s just slightly different when you’re looking at it from the writers point of view.

[@matthewwilson9656]

@@jeffreymitchell7969 I play music, myself. One song I wrote I didn't think was that good. Most people who heard me play and sing it thought it was great. So, yeah, I understand what you're saying

[@g30jack]

The harmonies in Kyrie give me chills to this very day.

[@user-su5jp5cw9r]

Love this song!

[@haydendegrow945]

I remember adding Kyrie to my iPod just before my senior trip to Europe in 2012, and listening to it while driving along the French Riviera. I found myself singing along with it, and when my classmates heard me, they told me to plug my iPod into our tour bus's PA system, and all of us sang along to the song, feeling like nothing could dampen our spirits. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, the Mediterranean was sapphire blue, and we were singing along to a song that cannot help but make you smile. One of my favourite memories of high school and every time I hear the song, I immediately flashback to that bus ride. You made a song that became the highlight of a trip that was, for many of us, the greatest trip we've ever taken, and I thank you for that.

[@slender6990]

Probably Foreigners' "I Wanna Know Where Love Is" and Mr Misters'"Broken Wings" were the best tracks of the mid-80's

[@rb032682]

When Mr.Mister had those three big hits, Boy Meets Girl was also going strong around the world with "Waiting for a Star". I will always associate these songs with that era of my life, mostly good memories.

[@rb032682]

That trick with writing a shorter song length on the cart. cracks me up. Well done. 🤣

[@treestruest9649]

That song takes me back to a specific memory of that time, too. I loved it so much and just recently rediscovered it❤

[@esteeb67]

I live in Boston and became acquainted with one of the cities premier guitarists who was also a professor at Berkeley. He went to see Mr. Mister at Great Woods back when they were on top of the world. I remember him coming back and talking about how impressed he was with the band. He said they worked their asses off on the stage and he hasn't seen a band do that in a long time. One of the highest compliments I ever heard from a well-respected musician.

[@theunknown4570]

It is almost indescribable how great the 80's were. It is a shame todays youth will never get to experience what we did and experienced as 80s kids.

[@whistlerwind7422]

I have always felt that from 1965 through 1985 was the best period of music output for all genres of music.

[@wallaroo1295]

They are getting the experience - in their own way, for their own generation, just as every generation. GenZ is far more into music due to infinite access, than we give them credit for.

[@harryballs5080]

But the music that they’re mostly into is crappy.

[@Serreski]

@@whistlerwind7422 86: Master of Puppets, 87: Appetite for Destruction - most albums pre 85 suck - so you’re obviously wrong

[@arisley28]

@@harryballs5080 For as bad as some music in the 80s was (every decade/generation has something like that), I still say that nothing has ever been as bad as mumble rap.

[@jasonsumner8482]

Mr. Mister's follow up album 'Go On' is actually a very strong album. Songs like "The Border" , "Dust", "Something Real" and "Stand and Deliver" are among their best in my opinion. I think there were several issues that didn't allow this album to hit it big like like Welcome to the Real World. First their record company was reorganizing and they had little interest in promoting the album (Page talked about this in another interview). Second, other than U2 breaking out in '87 dance music and hair bands like Bon Jovi, Cinderella, GNR, etc... were becoming all the rage. Unfortunately new wave rock was starting to fade and Mr. Mister didn't really get a fair chance with the follow up album. They also were genuine artists who didn't want to repeat the same formula again and so they were expanding their boundaries and their sound. I think the average fan wanted Kyrie and Broken Wings II and this album while certainly catchy in spots wasn't quite as radio friendly. These guys were really great and I love all of their albums! The unreleased Pull album from 89/90 (which wasn't released until 2010) is a more mature effort but is a stunning piece of work with many catchy songs some of which should have been hits.

[@kevinbullock6585]

Agree!!! Two observations: a) "Go On" is a lot easier album to listen to than WTTRL. b) I can't think of another band with three consecutive albums that are as enjoyable as "I Wear the Face," "WTTRL," and "Go On." I also add Amy Grant's Stay for Awhile (Richard Page's haunting backup) is a great way to close out that playlist!

[@GiordanDiodato]

New Wave was waning starting in 1984. and hell even some bands like The Cult cut ties from their new wave roots with their album Electric, which was way more like hard rock.

[@mariussmall-smith4401]

It will be fantastic if he could bring back some of those incredible Pages songs back to listeners today. I still listen to it in 2022. Timeless. Sophisticated. Classy.

[@Louisejames23]

Quite possibly one of the most underrated extremely talented bands ever. The real world album is awesome, the later albums are great too but probably suffered from not being real world. Nice one professor and what a nice guy Richard is.. 🤘👍

[@allnamesaretakenful]

"Broken Wings" was the first song I liked. My mother was driving in South Dakota and it was on the radio. I listen to "Kyrie" on KZbin every week, if not every day.

[@aeroringordmngr8739]

Toured with Richard for many years with RSASB. His voice is timeless. Every night, never a missed note or a cracked vocal. Doesn’t get enough credit for his very solid bass playing. Great interview with an old friend. Thanks

[@janew2108]

That’s where I know him from. What a great show!

[@HorologicRannygazoo]

As a massive Toto, Journey and Kansas fan, that 12th iteration of the RSASB hit ALL the right check boxes for me. Fantastic combo!

[@chuckppyro3137]

Thanks for sharing😎

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Broken Wings is still as beautiful today as it was when it was released. Richard Page is a fantastic songwriter and singer, great interview. I believe you are correct you have to have a catchy single that won't left your head after you hear it to make you have to buy the album. As for why they didn't on the next album is a great question.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name! Always a pleasure my friend. Always great insight from you.!

[@rodgershimp2453]

@@ProfessorofRockThanks for another interesting episode. Think about doing a hidden gems episode on Rock and Hyde's album "Under the Volcano." It deserved so much more recognition.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s such a haunting song. I love Richard Page too. He’s awesome.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@ProfessorofRock Keep on commenting, My Name!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 it is a fantastic song, I didn't know much about Richard Page before this video

[@turbomustang84]

Why in the world does this channel not have millions of subs ..... The time and effort put in to each video and the excitement that the professor has for everyone of them makes this channel truly special

[@psmith6166]

I know right?! This content is always amazing.

[@travisporco]

agree

[@angiemaggard5089]

I was born in the early 70's. I feel so blessed to have grown up with some of the best music of the 70's and 80's. From the bee gees, to def leppard. I love pretty much any music from those eras. Such a wide variety. I wouldn't trade that for anything. Much simpler times then.

[@desertrose1226]

People were nicer to each other too. Nobody whinging being offended about every little thing like they do today, I was born in the mid 80s and would love to just go back and never leave!

[@ToeTag1968]

Almost 40 years later and he sounds almost exactly the same. A lot of artists don't have the vocal range of their youth but Richard still going strong. Thanks for sharing the interview!

[@MomLAU]

He's got a nice speaking voice too!

[@gokhanersan8561]

When I heard Kyrie for the first time on radio, I knew something special was going on. I heard sounds and melodies I’d never heard before. Kind of like hearing Eurhythmics for the first time - with a rock bite. 80s had magical sounds and visions. It was pure entertainment.

[@jeffhurley756]

I don’t know why they didn’t have another hit record. They had all the elements necessary to become a band that had real staying power. Great vocals, great musician ship, and the ability to write. I always wondered and pondered that question.

[@matth7272]

This music has been the musical backdrop to my life, and is as fresh now as when I heard it for the first time in the 80s. I do like the way the prof of rock presents.

[@ThaddMcNamara]

I was on air when these guys appeared on the radio. It was a time when so many new bands were having success! I think it was one those times that they had so many “new toys” and their attention got redirected to the next greatest thing… it was a wonderful time in music. ❤

[@kingdwan6486]

Welcome it’s such an incredible album at all levels it would impossible to top, in my opinion. Probably my favorite 80’s album. Richard’s singing is perfect, The keyboard arrangements and sounds are original and powerful, Steve Farris guitar solos are mind blowing, Pat drumming it’s great and the drums are mixed right within the music. Just an incredible album everyone should listen to. Loved the interview. Thanks.

[@Scottocaster6668]

My theory, there were so many groups, hit singles in that era. There was so much to choose from. The real test is a songs longevity, and Mr.Mister's hit songs are STILL popular to this day! 👍

[@barbperreaux1084]

Saw Mr. Mister on the WTTRW tour; they were AMAZING live and the musicianship was solid. Agree that Richard Page deserves so much more credit and fame than being known as a two-hit wonder.

[@romeywaldrop1186]

Yes, I too saw them live on the WTTRW tour. They were great!

[@donbrown9215]

I saw them too with the bangels

[@allroadsleadtoroam]

his vocals at live aid were some of the best live vocals i ever heard. this man could sing unbelievable back in his hay day.

[@bartman174]

Makes me think of Cutting Crew! Crowded House! Johnny Hates Jazz! Breathe! In the 80’s music became just as visual as it was audible. This also must’ve played a role.

[@MrDavidLSimon]

Good observation. Those similar style bands (including Mr. Mister, as well) were popular in the mid 80s, but already by the late 80s and early 90s, their sound (and popularity) were quickly forgotten by MTV/VH 1 and rock/pop radio, who had moved on to the next big thing.

[@poitor5915]

crowded house had 4 big albums down under 🤔not sure why not up there☝🏻

[@kaindog100]

@@poitor5915 and still going.

[@africkinamerican]

Mike and the mechanics

[@poitor5915]

@@africkinamerican 🤔as in mike rutherford from genisis it was a side project👌🏼what about the hooter’s😵‍💫

[@LordHasenpfeffer]

"Broken Wings" and "Alive & Kicking" by Simple Minds were both on the radio at around the exact same time... November / December 1985... I often think of them as if they are a double-sided single... and Wow! What a great pair of songs to mark an era!

[@uncool13]

Broken wings was Mr. Mister. But still two great songs.

[@timhoovermusicman]

try alive and kicking and don't you forget about me...

[@pastorpaulfbc]

@@uncool13 I think he knew that. He was saying, ["Broken Wings"] and ["Alive & Kicking" by Simple Minds] were . . .

[@ericfitzgerald9214]

That WOULD be a great double single

[@kyetakat75]

I see your vision and I love it! 🥰

[@civicmindedjimthehonest6389]

In my opinion, I would say that it's difficult to follow up an album that's has literally no fillers. I still listen to the album and I've always been astounded by how perfect it is, every song is unskippable. People obviously expected the same again, in fairness though I do listen to all the album's to this day. All of them are good, just one of them is god level! 😂

[@matthewdagnan3396]

Saw these guys open for Starship at the first MTV Spring break on a COLD sunny day. They stole the show! Miss those days, think I'll get my band to work up some Mr Mister covers!

[@lostcontrol1981]

I always loved Kyrie. I heard it last week - driving my son to his university class (man did I feel old). I turned it up and explained to him what Kyrie Eleison meant. Then sang along to the song. I think it still holds up as a beautiful song today. It - and Stand Tall by Burton Cummings are two that I’ve always loved when I feel like life is kicking the crap out of me. The words give you strength to keep going

[@crusheverything4449]

No faulting your taste, that’s for sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

When I first heard Kyrie Eleison I thought it was somebody’s name. But then I was fascinated to learn it meant Lord have mercy!

[@TinekeWilliams]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Latin! Catholics learned at school. Helped me with my gardening! Most plants have Latin names

[@catangel70]

Back when watching music awards shows were must watch events, Mr. Mister performed Kyrie on the 1986 AMAs and it blew everyone AWAY. 35+ years later it still resonates!

[@ml.2770]

I think you mean "Carry A Laser".

[@wildmike951]

I saw Mr. Mister play live at Six Flags in NJ (Great Adventure) in the 80s. Around 1986. They were phenomenal. It was an outdoor arena and it started raining. They continued playing and kept the entire crowd watching. They sounded amazing and I became an even bigger fan. Just incredible musicians.

[@patriciaswem5933]

My sister and I were at that concert. It was a free concert. ❤😊🎶🎸🥁

[@wildmike951]

@patriciaswem5933 yes. AWESOME

[@jinky0u812]

I actually gave this perplexing follow-up to a smash album scenario a name with friends years back, calling it, "The Outfield Effect". I can think of several bands, who after their initial smash hit records, I continued to follow and thoroughly enjoy over the years, even though, most of the masses did not. And I could never understand why some of these bands or artists didn't continue forward with chart topping success. Some examples off the top of my head, "A-ha", "Men At Work", "The Outfield" (of course), "Alanis Morissette", "Tears For Fears", "Naked Eyes"... It goes on and on. So many of these artists have songs and albums, that I consider, far better than the songs or albums that made them famous. I think the problem lies with many people having a certain expectation from focusing on the songs that made them top chart sensations, rather than focusing in on the songs around them on the albums, or looking into why a band works so well the way they do and how they construct a song in the first place. It's almost like some people don't expect a band to grow beyond a certain sound, or the changes happening in music or the lives of the musicians. Alanis is a perfect example of someone who blossomed, and her music, life, ideals and styles came along for the ride. And I believe, all for the better. Colin Hay is someone who has been continuing to make music far beyond the first two hit "Men At Work" albums, that is every bit as good as the music from their first two hit records. It baffles me that others are not aware of stuff like this. But some fans, they seem to want something specific, like you would get with "AC/DC". When you purchase ANY "AC/DC" album, you know EXACTLY what you're getting. And I'm surely not saying there is anything wrong with that. But I believe this is part of the paradox of some bands not continuing to have hit after hit records.

[@ldl2]

Well said

[@thenate42]

It’s often referred to as the sophomore slump. Artists have their whole life to make their first album and then about 6 months after a grueling, cocaine fueled tour to make their second album. The bands that last with a consistent style usually didn’t make it to the top till their third or fourth album. Then there’s bands that have great success for five to ten years and then break up or one of them dies.

[@joanmavima5423]

Ver insightful. You could have your own channel exploring this. Seriously.

[@patrickforrest4899]

Morisette was the 90s

[@dixonite]

I love, Love, LOVE the Outfield. I also love Colin Hay. I was lucky enough to see the Outfield live in concert twice and, Colin Hay 2 times also. And, I agree, both of those groups \ artists music got so much better as time went on. Interestingly enough, as it relates to this video about Mr. Mister, on the Outfield's wiki page, John Spinks mentions that Broken Wings is a big fave of his and, an influence as well.

[@christianboyd4635]

Kyrie is one of the greatest songs of all time, literally every-time I hear it I have to listen to the whole song and sing along. The last minute or so when Page is riffing on all the lyrics is so great and then triumphant final chorus, it's so damn good.

[@frontrowtennis]

Thank you, that was a great interview and Richard seems like a great artist. I was in college when Broken Wings came out and I think that song, along with the video, was so unique and captured a mood at that time. It was special and difficult to replicate in subsequent albums. Another unique song during that timeframe was Sunglasses at Night by Cory Hart, just a unique sound at that time and difficult to follow-up. But that’s OK, we can appreciate that era:)

[@philesq9595]

Love these stories behind such legendary music. Thank you for sharing!

[@Triumph-nz8pt]

There is no way to describe what it was like to be a teen throughout the 80's. I wish I had appreciated it at the time. I certainly do now!

[@dalekidd420]

I think you nailed it. The 80's was a very competitive time in music. Without a hit single, an album was pretty much doomed to the second tier. If the band had managed one good single on the next album, it would undoubtedly have climbed the charts.

[@darthXreven]

and if you really look at how all the singles on an album perform it's funny cus often say you have 4 singles, sometimes only 2 really do anything and usually 1 song hits in the top 10 while the other lands outside the top 40 and the other 2 do nothing other times you do have albums with multiple hits, every single does fairly well like Michael Jackson's Thriller and Bad, both albums every single did well but some did better than others for sure frakking impressive then and now or Def Leppard hysteria all those singles did pretty good, i remember em as they released, that album was kick ass, not a stinker song on there lol gods I miss the 80's

[@tag1462]

The 80's were decisive and just as devisive. Same as today. Not much I hear today has any meaning.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

@@tag1462 ... Define "devisive".

[@tag1462]

@@JW...-oj5iw In context of the times I'd have to say genres and subgenres. That's how I define devisive. Once you define this is that you divide the listener. One no can longer appreciate the music. I hope that answers your question.

[@m.y.o.b.724]

Stiff competition during that time with new songs/artist coming out constantly. Maybe we listeners had a short attention span because of being spoiled by all the good music released back then. Lol, I know I was all over the place listening to many different genres.

[@amethystcat424]

As soon as I read the title to this video I knew you were going to be talking about this album and this band. I remember owning this album at 13 and listening to it often. I agree it is fascinating to see a band have such a popular album with such iconic 80s songs on it and then just disappear.

[@GregorySchultz1]

Page is a fantastic musician-and since he’s a fellow bass player, that makes him even better, in my opinion. “Broken Wings” and “Kyrie” are definitely two of the best songs of the 80s. It’s very difficult to follow that that kind of success, and sophomore albums are already difficult with which to reach success.

[@DaveCosley]

Great episode and interview. I was a big fan of that album. I love the way the artists back then crossed over on to other artist's songs.

[@iamnostalgic9567]

1985-1986 was an AWESOME era in music. "Welcome to the real world" is an album, that defined my youth and I would run into a burning building just to salvage it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I think 1985 is my favorite year of the 80s. 1986 is not that far behind IMO.

[@GVike]

To me, things started to go to crap in music in general right after... by 1988 I wasn't really into a lot of the new stuff.

[@praysuguitan779]

Indeed

[@Ryno-fp7pm]

1986...Master of Puppets and 5150 released...yeah it was a pretty good year for music.

[@LeeLee-sk2wf]

I still love this album. The songs were so good that they still hold up today. I also bought Go On but like you, I don’t think it didn’t have the appeal of WTTRW. Great episode Prof. I also was lucky enough to see them on that tour in Australia. They were amazing live.

[@johnnieguerra7065]

It happened to other good bands such as Winger, the music taste changed in a blink... So, Mr. Mister was another one of the casualties. Great musicians, great lyrics and no auto tune with Mr. Page as a singer. That is way 35 years later their songs are still receiving air time. And they are still selling records! Great interview Professor!

[@Ryno-fp7pm]

Sad what happened to Winger. Reb Beach is such an amazing guitar player. Kip has great all around talent. They were shafted by the record company branded as a hair band right before grunge music came onto the scene.

[@timhensley3695]

​@@Ryno-fp7pmGnR broke my heart 😢

[@alliswede42]

Love both of these songs to this day! I remember being in my early teens in the 90s and I got Kyrie stuck in my head, and I called the local pop radio station to request they play it, and waited all day and they never did! One of the few things that makes me grateful I can now hear it whenever I want to! Thanks Professor 🙏

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great story. Happened to me too many times to count! Wishing and waiting and hoping and praying and they never played the request...

[@alexanderg26]

@@ProfessorofRock Especially when you have the tape player ready to hit record! Just pray you time it right so DJ doesn't talk over the intro.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

When I first heard that song, I heard “Carry a laser down the road that I must travel.” I will never forget that time. 🤣

[@Lessontobe]

@@ProfessorofRock I remember well those times!

[@kyliepollert8341]

I was wondering if it was Mr. Mister. You'd think they'd be huge, after 2 consecutive #1 hits; "Broken Wings" is a great song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question.

[@BillGraper]

Two amazing #1 hits from my teen years!!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Agreed. I am sad that they had no more than three hits and basically went away.

[@jondickson75]

One of your best interviews yet. You have the power to bring out another side to an artist. Before this interview I thought of this band as a one hit wonder. Now I have great respect and gonna listen to more of their work. Thank you for what you do.

[@johnpoulton9446]

This is such a GREAT channel ! Thank you for all this ! It is just good for the soul !

[@mournblade1066]

_Welcome to the Real World_ is an absolutely fantastic album. It's one of those rare albums that doesn't have a single bad track on it.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

Very true, the whole album is amazing AOR and especially Broken Wings is a masterpiece and an iconic American '80s classic right up there with the likes of Boys of Summer, Born in the USA, Can't Fight This Feeling, Love Is a Battlefield, Eye of the Tiger, Africa, Drive and Hello.

[@skinzz2573]

My favorite from that album was Uniform of Youth.

[@jamesmckelvy5441]

Broken Wings is an awesome song. After watching your videos I always have to watch the artists music videos. Usually the songs remind me of other artists that were on the radio during the same period which keeps me listening to more great music. This time after watching all the Mr.Mister hits, I started in on Mike and the Mechanics, loved those guys also!

[@RichBriere]

For awhile back then I kept in touch with Richard and was blown away by his Talent and Kindness. His Solo Album is also fantastic and a Must Have for fans of Mr. Mister. As if his Singing isn't enuff he's also a VERY tasty Bass Player........You've once again knocked it out of the Park with this interview, Professor. Absolutely Bassilicious.🎩 Great to see you again Richard. 🕊

[@daleonov]

Thank you for this interview. Those Pages albums are incredible by the way. Discovered them not too long ago, one of the best discoveries I've made this year!

[@mikepopp2543]

Thanks for this great episode. Saw Mr Mister open for Night Ranger on their 7Wishes tour. Still remember how good they sounded live! Keep up the great work Prof.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Both great bands!

[@richardjoseph8532]

Another great band - Night Ranger! Still turn up the volume whenever Sister Christian comes on!

[@moviegirl8648]

Can't wait to listen to this interview, Professor. The more that I listen to Mr. Mister, the more that I see how vastly underrated they are.

[@HoustonTom]

1985 and 86 were such big years for music that Mister Mister was lost in the mix even with 2 hits. And within a couple of years, music had changed as it always does. Thanks for the memories with this interview.

[@lizmarch4000]

Richard's so calm. I love listening to him talk.

[@DP-hy4vh]

Sometimes a band's songs become hits when the mood of the general public synchronizes with the music. Then when they go out of sync, the band disappears. Mr. Mister was simply at the right place at the right time.

[@afuzzycreature8387]

songs find the emotion of people's life, good ones strike a chord that goes beyond one person. I dont want to call it adult contemporary, but those in that genre just cut through when they do well.

[@Paperbackwriter1966]

I was on my mission in Viña del Mar, Chile when Mister Mister came to play the music festival there. The band became national heroes...I'm not exaggerating. Everyone (not just patrons of the festival), all ages, were going crazy over the band. It was wild!

[@MusicRunner82]

I think there's some video footage here on KZbin of at least one of Mr. Mister's performances in Chile. Yes, they did get quite the reception there...and deservedly so!!

[@mikeswapp6538]

2 of my best friends served there. We went back to play the street festival as a band in 93 and 94

[@AStrangersBaby]

this channel has just been delivering so well for the last year that I've been watching- great job as always Professor!

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

It's better to have one song like "Broken Wings"/one album like "Welcome To The Real World" than the entire discography of most artists. These are phenomenal records that cannot be forgotten. They are very talented musicians and I never cease to be amazed by Richard Page's enduring live vocals, even in his 60s and 70s.

[@DanieVargas]

Go West did the same thing…. They released their first album, blew up the charts with Call Me, We Close Our Eyes, Goodbye Girl, Don’t Look Down and Eye to Eye and then just fizzled out with their other 3 albums…. And I kept wondering “What the Hell?!”

[@eightiesmusic1984]

They had writers block after the first album and some of the second was lost or shelved I think. They were huge in Britain in 1985 and then faded until 1990 comeback The King Of Wishful Thinking, huge in America. They followed this up with a successful album 'Indian Summer' 1991 too. Martin Page worked with them on this. These days they appear with other artists at eighties concerts. Peter Cox has released several solo albums and in 2003 appeared on Reborn In The USA, a UK television programme based on the notion of reintroducing eighties stars to the public by performing at venues in America. Other participants included Dollar ( unknown in America), Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet, Mark Shaw of Then Jerico, Lee John of Imagination.

[@RBS_]

@@eightiesmusic1984 ..ahhhhh, we got a COX Fan here!!! ....I ALWAYS told me Buddy that if I was a Singer, Peter's voice was THE range I'd want...but, I sound like Bob Dylan....without the songwriting skills, so, I'm OUT! ...ha-HAAA!!

[@Elwaves2925]

Yeah, Go West were great with some fantastic songs. Also from that time, Living In A Box were the same, although they had two hit albums before fading away.

[@RampartPh]

the most iconic song of theirs for me was their remake of smokey Robinson's " tracks of my tears". reminds me always of my 1st love affair and all that. 😁

[@RBS_]

@@RampartPh ....don't they ALL!? ...ha-HAA!! ...me fave Cox tune is the 1994 soundtrack number, " I Only Have Eyes For You" with Niki Haris (Madge's backup Girl)...those two sounded like they were MARRIED!

[@expfighter5112]

lol i still listen to Mr Mister today! ALWAYS loved their songs! the 80's were by far the BEST decade for music EVER!

[@SixpenceInc]

Only discovered your channel recently whle stuck at home recovering from Covid. Man it is awsome binge watching your videos. You have such a genuine way of talking about the best music there is. Love your interviews too, you connect with the guests very well. Keep it up my man!

[@sseltrek1a2b]

"Go On" is one of my favorite albums of all time...but, it is not a "pop" record like "Welcome To The Real World"...it definitely has a more thoughtful/reflective/more philosophical tone to it...i think the band didn't want to pigeon-holed as a just another "80s pop act"...it's a standout in terms of songwriting, musicianship, and creativity, imho...

[@pauldevey8628]

When I was in my teens I loved this band. Richards voice and the songs sent shivers up my spine. I am greatful for their work. You can tell in the interview there is more to him than was revealed. His back story must be fascinating.

[@sheiladawg1664]

What's the difference between history and back story again?

[@bicyclist2]

I absolutely LOVED this Mr. Mister album as a kid in the 80's. I had it on cassette tape. And wore it out playing it so much. This brings back great memories of my childhood. Thank you.

[@djm4457]

Great interview! Like always!

[@riproar11]

I was in my mid-teens when I heard Broken Wings. My take is that Mr. Mister were at the right place at the right time and a great follow-up album wouldn't have succeeded. Every other year during the 1980s had drastic change in all aspects of life from hairstyles, clothing, music, cinema and tv. There were the early 1980s with AC/DC, Joan Jett, Pink Floyd, Rush. 1982 brought in ASIA and more New Wave bands and Flock of Seagulls brought in hairspray hairstyles and loud colorful clothing that would dominate the following years. 1983 was all about The Police, Def Leppard and the British metal bands. The LA, Sunset Strip metal scene was building up. 1984 was the year of Van Halen, Miami Vice and people dressed in pastel colors and white, big hairstyles were in. 1986 was Mr. Mister, Peter Gabriel, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue and Poison bringing in Hair Metal to poplularity, and Beastie Boys. Every other person wore a denim jacket. 1987 was U2 Joshua Tree and Guns N Roses. People stopped parting their hair in the middle and moved it to the side along with the Hair and Metal bands. 1988 brought acid washed denim. 1989 Metallica brought a whole new kind of metal in the mainstream and especially in the early 1990s, denim jackets went out as leather jackets came in. 1990 Warrant ended Hair Metal with Cherry Pie as Grunge set in.

[@culcune]

I think you are on to the reason(s) why this band wouldn't have been able to pull off a second hit album. By '89, Metallica had already started losing fans with them 'progressing'. I was a nerdy, wannabe rocker who absolutely loved Metallica after hearing them on a punk show on KCSN FM (Cal. State University, Northridge's radio station) in the earlier 80s. They played Phantom Lord and I was hooked at the speedy, metallic sound. At the end of May of 1986, I was able to see them open up for Ozzy on that iconic tour in Long Beach, and had no idea I would be fortunate to see Cliff Burton perform mere months before his tragic death. Then, they went downhill (in MY opinion, of course) from there. But, I digress. Metal seemed to kill itself off by getting rid of its 'rawness' and not catching on with newer, younger fans who didn't seem to embrace the hair band style the bands were moving towards.

[@edgarlindsvall776]

Yep. Well said and I saw every bit of that unfold

[@mooseyman74]

After growing up in the 80s the 90s sucked balls as they tried to do everything not to replicate it

[@culcune]

@@mooseyman74 Yep, that is a good observation about the 90s. The 90s ruined itself...

[@jdmoncada8205]

Welcome to the Real World was the first album I bought. I remember walking to the music store that February morning in 1986. I bought it on vinyl, and I have several digital copies. I play bass now, and I will ALWAYS love "Broken Wings" for the bassline.

[@MusicRunner82]

Interestingly enough, I think on the original studio recording, they actually used a synth-bass for that track (or at least it sounds like it...). Either way, totally agree- it's a great bassline, no matter how it's played! :)

[@christysbutterfly1612]

Another great video! I look forward to them!

[@mattharriss3835]

Wow! Professer! You do such a wonderful job covering this stuff. I appreaciate your content.

[@ProfessorofRock]

My pleasure!

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

Kyrie! Man, what a song. That definitely makes my top 100 80's songs.

[@violetfem1808]

@4:11 I used to just stop whatever I was doing & phase out to the very beginning of Kyrie - it was like therapy. 🤍

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@violetfem1808 yeah, sucks you right in. Almost hypnotic. Transports me right back to the 80's.

[@toonswap8511]

In 1986, my bunk in summer camp did an air band rendition of Broken Wings. I played the air drums and we rocked the stage so hard that Mr. Mister themselves were never able to top our performance which is the REAL reason why they never had the same level of success afterwards.

[@mikewood9514]

Wahahahahaha. Great stuff.

[@midimike88]

First heard "Broken Wings" in boot camp, Feb 1986, while on the mess deck. It really spoke to me, especially working to get through that tough experience of boot camp. Well, I was hooked, bought the album on CD, and it has remained to this day, one of the top songs of my heart. Funny, didn't even realize that song was longer. Thanks for this great interview.

[@hcanderson3787]

Great episode, thanks so much!!!

[@zyxwut321]

My thoughts about why Mr. Mister didn't go further: The band was basically comprised of jazz fusion musicians. Their sound instinctively was more challenging and experimental. Their hits were the kind of hits that sometimes happen when a particularly bright and musically sophisticated band finds a sweet spot of time, place and the right sound to have a window of accessibility. Their default wasn't necessarily pop hits but when they found success it was particularly brilliant, mature and interesting. In a very different style, it reminds me of Bruce Hornsby and the Range. That was another band of very high-minded musicians who found a niche and a couple of big hits in the musical landscape almost in spite of their technical proficiency. Music from both artists and ones like them tends to improve on repeated listens and as you get older, as you age into the music more and find and appreciate the subtleties better.

[@juliopacio612]

.

[@Alan_Duval]

You could also draw this parallel via Level 42.

[@wingman5985]

I remember Mr. Mister definitely had their own unique great sound, then they were never heard from again. I wish they could have kept making hits.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Me too. Such an amazing band.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too!

[@bennozoid1]

Really love your channel. Your passion for (and knowledge of) music history is unparalleled on youtube!

[@patrickpowell1375]

Just when I thought this episode couldn't get any better (Mr. Mister is great), you went and mentioned Don Mattingly! He's from my hometown, and being an 80's kid, he was one of my idols. Thank you Professor!

[@HumbertoAbed]

I saw them in concert back in the 80s. I was lucky. I loved that album and wished they had more records like it. Still their songs are current and when you play them people get it on.

[@rhoadnaroahs]

Always loved them, but, never owned the WTTRW album. My best friend at the time had it and kind of talked down about the other tracks that weren't the singles. I downloaded the whole album just a couple of years ago and love the whole thing! Holds up really well imo!

[@edrogan2649]

Short version of a much longer story. I attended the University of Houston from 1985 until 1992 (I got two degrees, OK?). Anyway, at some point in the late 80s (I can't find the exact date), Mr. Mister did a free show on campus on an outdoor stage in the middle of a park. It was awesome! As a volunteer for the campus organization that brought bands to campus (The Smiths, Oingo Boingo, INXS, Berlin, Siouxsie and the Banshees, etc.), I got to be assistant drum tech for a day for Mr. Mister. What a blast!! And they were fantastic. I didn't have much interaction with them, but what little I had was very positive. It was quite fun watching the whole thing from behind the drums as well.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

What a voice! A really skilled vocalist. Beautiful tone, soulful, rich!

[@ChuckThomas]

I actually LOVED Go On-It was one of my first cd's and sounded absolutely incredible-I still listen to it today!

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

It's great and extremely underrated, not quite the insane brilliance of its predecessor but it's still pretty damn good.

[@romeywaldrop1186]

I agree. I've always loved "Go On"

[@VenusRadha]

I loved “Run to Her” from that album. They used it in a Mitch Gaylord movie, along with a great Stevia Nicks song, “Battle of the Dragons”.

[@TheSaleen786]

BINGO!! Well said, I was 27 when this album came out and I'm still convinced that Richard Page had the best voice in the 80's. Agreed, "Run To Her" the most underrated song in the Mr. Mister catalogue. The reason that many bands faded wasn't just because of the "partying" this was the start of the fast lane lust and greed of the music industry moguls that used and then tossed artists aside looking for the "next hot thing". Like Eagles Don Henley stated a number of years ago when he said "They don't really want us anymore, they are looking for someone young, cute and naked".

[@thomasmccown2121]

I'm so glad I checked out this video this morning!!!! It's a favorite song of mine that shaped my childhood memories!!! And He's a very good singer!!! And guy " as you can tell from this interview!!!!!" Thanks for another wonderful video!!!! God bless you all today 🙏 Shalom

[@LarryLeeMoniz]

Richard's voice is as it ever was! What a great interview. You never cease to amaze me Adam!

[@BJMallory]

Kyrie is one of my all-time favorite songs. ❤️

[@janetlowrey6497]

Wow. Nice interview. As a young violinist in the 80's I picked up on "Kyrie" right away. "Is he singing what I think he's singing?" Yes, he was! I also used to listen to "Broken Wings" with my eyes closed. I love(d) the background chords/instrumental mix. I never thought I would find whole notes so wonderful. Thank you for this piece of history!

[@nipittneeley2977]

Your channel is like sitting down with an old friend who is one hell of a storyteller. Nastalgia with side of education. Love the channel. Thanks!

[@PrinceTron1]

I absolutely loved and still love hearing Mr. Mister's 'Kyrie' and 'Broken Wings'. Back when I was 12/13 in 1986, there were so many great artist who were huge like Prince, Wham! Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Phil Collins, etc. Then I'd hear Mr. Mister and I'd be like, wow, these guys are great! Then many years after 1986, I went out and bought the Welcome To The Real World CD and I was absolutely stunned! It wasn't just two big hit songs! The whole album was beautiful, dreamy, electric, eclectic and brilliant! The song the really put it together for me is the tender love ballad 'Run To Her'. Is it just me, but Richard Page reminds me of Sting. Yes, Mr. Mister is one of the most brilliant and amazing bands and musicians ever!

[@desertrose1226]

He is similar to Sting but I think he’s a nicer person..

[@andydeceunynck1766]

In the last couple months of 1985, I had "Welcome to the Real World" or "Once Upon A Time" by Simple Minds in my car's cassette player about 80% of the time. Nearly every track on each album was fantastic.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Broken Wings is a magnificent song. The sound, structure, and vocal tones are perfect. Thanks for this interview and video. You earned two thumbs up with this one.

[@Brees1986]

Loved this album! Had it on tape and I played it all through my high school senior year in my ‘66 Mustang, alongside INXS, Robert Palmer, etc.

[@stephenbrown4211]

Love Broken Wings another of those songs that reminds of the one that got away as i remember it from 1985.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great memories for sure.

[@Candlewhip]

Thanks for your work. Some call it the "sophomore slump" the great debut album was written over the course of several years and through high school and all the teenaged angst and then it hits big and they are expected to do it again in a half a year. The same concept applies I suppose when anybody finally hits it big. The history finally came together at a time and place (add the disappointment of the previous 4 or 5 albums to what I listed above) and then they have to do it again in a half a year. It's a very hard thing. It's not always the artist though. Sometimes the fans are so fickle and they think they own the artist and it should be this way or that way and when the artist grows, the fan doesn't want it because they haven't grown themselves.

[@robertcronin6603]

Well said.

[@RyuHayabusa06]

Except Richard and Steve had already made 4 albums together, 3 Pages and 1 Mr. Mister. It wasn't a sophomore slump. They decided to change their sound and be more serious and contemplative.

[@Candlewhip]

@@RyuHayabusa06 Did you read my whole comment? I addressed that.

[@RyuHayabusa06]

@@Candlewhip Yes. I'm attributing their lack of success on the third and fourth albums to the musical direction they chose rather than trouble following up due to past failures or blowing their proverbial load on WTTRW. Even Steve Ferris has said they became too introspective and lost a lot of listeners on the third album. And you talk about an artist growing and fans haven't grown, what the heck does that mean? People have their own tastes and aren't obligated to like anything, especially if a band decides to change the sound that made them popular to begin with.

[@jodysanders6445]

Well said. The environment for creativity has to be so different on that second attempt at putting lighting in a bottle-

[@cweaver6792]

I remember driving in my little Mazda RX7 in 1985 singing "Broken Wings" at the top of my lungs... I love this song!

[@chrisa0210]

Another great video by the professor! One of the best channels on KZbin! Keep up the great content! 80’s was absolutely, hands down the best time for music!

[@ejej6934]

Honestly, when an album's sales are driven by one or two songs, with the remainder of the album being mostly forgettable filler, it's not surprising if it's a "one album wonder." Particularly in the pre- internet era it was asking a lot, expecting music buyers to shell out for a record or CD when there was no way to first sample the tracks on the album. Here's a test: Name 5 albums released since 2000 that will someday be considered classics. Then name 5 albums from the 60's or 70's that you can say the same for.

[@oldirtydawson]

Awesome video! A few thoughts... "The Way Way Back" is an excellent coming-of-age movie. It's a favorite of mine. Highly recommended. I do think there is something there with the religious undertones of the two big hits that probably made what would otherwise be an indie/alternative album a crossover sensation here in America. It probably helped the success of the album. In my conservative, midwestern town, those songs are still played on the soft rock stations every day. The fact that Mr. Mister didn't have a large built-in audience to begin with before the success of Real World, that they made a follow-up album that went in a different direction, and that the mainstream is more about the songs than the artist, is probably what contributed to the downfall of the follow-up. I could say the exact same things about Alanis and Hootie. I agree that "Broken Wings" is a Top 5 of the 1980's song. It's a diamond of a song. A masterpiece. I think of songs like "Under The Milky Way" by The Church. It just has such an incredible atmosphere, that it's like capturing lightning. It's really hard to do multiple times. Both Page and Steve Kilbey have gone on to fine careers, but lightning never struck twice. "Kyrie" is a different kind of song, and just because it also went to #1 doesn't mean it's in the same class. A fine song, but it's no "Broken Wings". I have never met a single person in my life who dislikes "Broken Wings". People of all walks of life. It transcends. It really is that rare, perfect song. I love that Page is so humble about it, and has embraced it, and continues to play it for all the people who love it. A remarkable musician. Sorry this was long! How fucking cool was it to interview Richard Page? You're the man, Professor!

[@SilverJ56]

Awesome post!!👍

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Professor really is the man! A man like no other!