DESPISED Own Song SO MUCH-Begged Label to Bury It… Became DEFINING 80s #1 Hit! | Professor Of Rock

It’s a song that reached the Top 5 all over the world and went to #1 in 8 different countries. It was also one of the early warning shots of the Second British Invasion. and the Human League frontman Phillip Oakey had only learned how to play an instrument months before And although Don’t you Want Me has gone down in history as one of the most pivotal tracks of the 80s, singer Phil Oakey actually hated it. Hoping that no one would ever hear it, he made sure it was the last track on the album and begged his label not to release it. But it wasn’t enough. The song was pure pop gold and they weren’t going to pass on a surefire hit. It’s the story of one of the greatest new wave songs ever by one of the most influential synth pop bands of the 80s... NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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#1980s #rock #humanleague
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you ever word a stonewashed jacket or jeans you’ll dig this channel. Nostalgia all of the time. Make sure subscribe below right now. click the bell So you always get the latest and greatest interviews. We also have a patreon you'll want to check out. There you can get full interviews and be an honorary producer.. Also get our new merch…including our vintage years collection shirts below
I’m excited to return to another one of my favorite shows that we do on this channel. It’s called Breakthrough. In this show we breakdown songs, albums or events that kicked open the door to an artist or band’s career and gave them the momentum to rocket to long term success. On previous episodes we have covered Boys Don’t Cry by The Cure, West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys, and Centerfold by J. Geils Band. Today we are showcasing the rise of UK band The Human League and their breakthrough #1 hit Don’t You want Me.
Often credited as synth pop's first international superstars, the Human League was at the forefront of a long line of New Wave acts to hit the pop mainstream in the early 80s. With a combination of catchy melodies and state-of-the-art tech, they proved to be incredibly influential on countless 80s acts following in their wake. The Human League came out in the industrial UK city of Sheffield in the late ’70s.
Initially, Computer operators Ian Craig Marsh and Martyn Ware put together a group called the Future. Their intent was to fuse pop with stark, expressionist electronic music. With more of an emphasis on the latter. But Ware and Marsh needed a singer. So, they turned to a high-school friend, Philip Oakey. Although Oakey had no musical experience, he was a handsome, flamboyantly dressed for success, and willing to give it a try. So, they brought him aboard.
After becoming a trio, Ware changed the group’s name to The Human League... taking the moniker from the sci-fiction boardgame Starforce: Alpha Centauri. Not long after, the group recorded a demo and started playing their first live dates. By 1978, the band signed with the Edinburgh indie label Fast Product. Their first single, ‘Being Boiled’, sold 16,000 copies and paved the way for a tie-in contract with Virgin Records. Also in 1978, they added non-musician Philip Adrian Wright to the lineup. Wright took on the role of 'Director of Visuals', which had him working the lighting and slideshows during live performances.

[@ProfessorofRock]

POLL: What is your pick for the song that defined the first half of the 80s (80-84) best?

[@mournblade1066]

Wow, great question. How 'bout "Rio" by Duran Duran?

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Jump The Pointer Sisters Tesla Girls OMD The Reflex Duran Duran Take It Away Paul McCartney No More Lonely Nights Paul McCartney Only You Yazoo Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? Culture Club Time- Culture Club Thriller Michael Jackson Love Of The Common People- Paul Young Missing You John Waite Human League- Love Action/ The Lebanon/ Life On Your Own Dollar Hand Held In Black And White So many others....

[@MyName-pl7zn]

With the beginning of MTV and their dominance of popular music I will go with Video Killed the Radio Star

[@adolfsson2705]

No way jose!! Again plenty of!!!

[@cozmicpfunk]

I would say maybe "Sweet Dreams" Eurythmics

[@ColdPotato]

This is a life lesson. Sometimes something you work on seems like garbage to you. But it ends up being gold to everyone else.

[@haasteagle4925]

I'm a New Zealander and whenever I hear 'Don't You Want Me' it always takes me back to when I was living in London and went on holiday to Iceland with a friend in the summer of 1982. We were sitting in the main square in Reykjavík listening to a free afternoon concert by Iceland's top band at the time when a young fellow (I'll call him Erik) sat next to us and started chatting. Ended up asking where we were staying (the Youth Hostel) and suggested we stay at his place instead! We declined but he jumped up and said he was off to ask his mother if it was okay, and after meeting mum we ended up staying a night there. Erik then told us that there was a big concert that night - Human League! My friend was keen to go but DYWM was the only song of theirs I knew so I decided to have a quiet night at the house. My friend and Erik returned buzzing with how great the concert was, singing DYWM over and over again. Meanwhile I'd spent the evening with Erik's mother (she didn't speak any English and I didn't know any Icelandic) looking at 18 years of photos of Erik (there were hundreds). It was lovely experiencing Icelandic hospitality but looking back I wish I'd gone to the concert.

[@chris55529]

You're such a great guy. Seriously. Who else is doing what you do? Your channel is one of the best things I ever came across on the internet. No joke.

[@kennethturner8290]

Definitely the best music trivia channel on the web.

[@diecast164andmore9]

Agreed!! Fantastic content!!!!

[@bryede]

I agree with you, but also check out Rock History Music for some great interviews.

[@evolv.e]

The 80’s wouldn’t have been complete without the Human League. 🎹 ❤

[@jennyjenny4501]

I love the male/female, back and forth, mash up of feelings in “Don’t You Want Me”. The 80’s at it’s best!

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question! Thanks Jenny.

[@Texhorns71]

Me too. The back and forth is what makes this song for me. I'm really glad they added that. Great song still.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Susan and Philip did a PHENOMENAL job on their parts!

[@scottburton9701]

"Don't You Want Me" was one of the biggest hits of 1982-Forty years later,it's still great!

[@sonofhibbs4425]

Your story about getting in trouble with the teacher was endearing. It’s so true- lots of lyrical innuendo in the 80’s went right over our kid heads.. we just loved the tunes and the energy it gave us. I can remember getting in trouble for singing Duran Duran’s Skin Trade. I had ZERO idea what LeBon was singing about.

[@bishdizzle67]

I couldn't get enough of this song when it came out. I was 15. Always loved synth and Human League took it to the next level.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This was not just a song, but a phenomenon.

[@alondathomas293]

Hell yeah---loved this song too, when it came out. Other hit songs I liked by the Human League that crossed over to the R&B charts in the U.S. were Keep Feeling Fascination, and the ballad I'm Only Human which was off their 1986 album produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis---beautiful song, too. The Motown-influenced The Mirror Man, which came out in 1983, was another one I loved by them, too. Plus Phil Oakey had a great voice, and was handsome, too.

[@nickknight5543]

Saw them live in 1987 and I was pleasantly surprised to see them with a drummer on stage. I was so close to the stage that I was blowing kisses at Susan and JoAnne and they returned them in kind. That made my night. Oh and they sounded fantastic live.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Human League, ABC, Culture Club, Pet Shop Boys, Wham! took the world by storm. Great 2nd British Invasion. Thanks for this episode, Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks Roger!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Duran Duran, Psychedelic Furs, Ultravox, Eurythmics, A Flock of Seagulls.

[@GeraldM_inNC]

The video of "Relax" would blow anyone's mind, causing permanent damage.

[@elainehill6504]

This song is at the center of one of my favorite moments during the karaoke craze of the nineties. My best friend and I liked to sing, so we went a lot. One night this guy we’d never seen there was hitting on my friend, who was not interested. She pointed out the wedding ring he was wearing, and he told her that he was a widower, his wife had died a year earlier, and he had just started going out again, but hadn’t taken the ring off yet. The sob story didn’t work on my friend. Well, then he started talking to me-I wasn’t interested either, but he kept bugging me about singing a duet with him and I said fine, but couldn’t find any duets that weren’t sappy love songs and I didn’t want to give him any encouragement lol. I saw “Don’t you want me” in the book and said how about this one? The title made him think I was coming on to him and started getting even creepier. I said “ ummm you don’t know this song, do you?” He assured me he could sing it as if that was my point. So we get up to sing, there was only one microphone which I was holding, we’re singing the chorus and all of a sudden, he was just gone. I didn’t see what happened, but my friends did. The guy’s very much alive wife came in, didn’t like what she was seeing, grabbed him BY THE EAR, and dragged him out of the bar. We laughed about that for a long time, and never saw him at that bar again. All these years later, whenever I hear that song, I think about The Widower and his angry wife haha

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, wild! 😝

[@keithmarlowe5569]

Storys like that make the comment section worth reading

[@carolharris2357]

@@keithmarlowe5569 doesn't it though?

[@albertoguzman9887]

You were very much into the singing out loud if you didn´t see the angr wife coming at him!! ha ha ha!!

[@elainehill6504]

@@albertoguzman9887 haha yeah, I was looking at the screen, and the door to the bar was behind us. When he disappeared, I was looking around all confused, and just saw my friends doubled over laughing. I’m sure when she showed up, he really did look like he was seeing a ghost lol.

[@ms.lisamurphy269]

This song, "Cars" by Gary Numan and "She blinded me with Science" ..this is the trifecta that rang the 80's in for me.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

British New Wave Forever! ❤😊

[@GeraldM_inNC]

The problem is the '80s music can't be separated from its videos. The two together constituted a single unit. Many of them lose so much without the video, "Science" being one of them. As for Numan, I still love "Prayin' to the aliens".

[@ORVONTON64]

Ever listen to The Tubeway Army?… check'em… they "feature" Mr. Numan…

[@ms.lisamurphy269]

@@ORVONTON64 of course!!

[@ms.lisamurphy269]

@@ORVONTON64 are friend electric??☺️☺️

[@Tumbleweed_Tx]

I was 17 when this song came out, my sister was 15. Her boyfriend broke up with her one day, so she was crying in the living room while watching MTV. This song came on, so to cheer her up, i did what is now called the Human League dance... I hopped from one leg to the other, leaning side to side, with my arms out to my sides tuned up at the elbows, finger spread wide. Now, 4 years later, all I have to do is say "human league dance" and my sister laughs

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Thanks for sharing the story.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha! The Human League dance! Do you know if there’s a video of someone doing that online? 😂

[@andresd6193]

4 years later? Didn’t this song come out In the 80’s?

[@macmiles278]

40--41 years later. 😉

[@jeffrice4713]

Isn't that called the "Carlton"?

[@MaxJustice100]

I was 13 when this song came out and it blew me away , you are right , it was something so different to everything else, I am 55 now and still listen to it when I am in the 80s mood.

[@littlecatfeet9064]

This is a good lesson to never write off a band. Many people wrote off fledgling band New Order after the death of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis and they’re still making awesome music. Also I want to thank you Professor for making me go down a rabbit hole of 80s New Wave and Synth Pop, all the stuff I loved then and am rediscovering now. What a brilliant time the early 80s were to be a teenager!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And formed into New Order.

[@talisikid1618]

Joy Division was an awesome band.

[@littlecatfeet9064]

@@talisikid1618 one of my all time favourites.

[@zyrrhos]

'70s were even better, and the shift in the quality of the music and culture was dramatic (not for the better). Definitely better than today though.

[@stephenhanft1226]

Love "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League. It went to #1 on the pop charts in 1982 and is considered by many as the song that started the 1980's Second British Invasion with groups such as Wham, Duran Duran, Culture Club, Tears For Fears, etc to follow. A great time period in music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You know your history!

[@robertharing7031]

I mean no disrespect. I’m humming along because I can’t get it out of my head so please accept my apology it is just not something I would play on purpose

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@robertharing7031 No!

[@RBS_]

@@ProfessorofRock ....ha-HAA!! ...Prof. talks BACK! "😆"

[@cozmicpfunk]

Also important to mention the huge influence of MTV at that time- all the above mentioned bands success was deeply tied into their music videos :)

[@RC32Smiths01]

Gotta love that humbleness from him! A great song that defined the decade it needed to be in!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Screams so 80s!

[@cammygram1]

Danced my butt Off to this song in 1982. It still makes me smile in 2022 even though my dancing days have decreased a bit.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Thanks for sharing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So now do you dance with tears in your eyes? 😉

[@trikywu]

I will die on this hill fighting the haters. "Don't You Want Me" is one of the greatest pop songs ever. One of my top favorite songs. Probably my fave ever.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

And it's probably from the (in my view anyway) most crucial year for popular music of the 1980s, this is where many if not all the trends that still persist today really burst on to the scene. 1984 may have had the hits that created many new video superstars of the '80s, 1981 though was really important all across the genres and not just radio friendly pop.

[@mjkruger]

Thank you for giving this song and the band the respect they deserve. They were so different and innovative. Their single from a couple years ago, Night People, is another amazing tune.

[@mattybkulas8200]

Phill Oakey rocked out during the 80s. But, my favourite song didn’t come from The Human League but his colab with Georgio Moroder, Together in Electric Dreams. Phill and the band will always be one of the most iconic influences from a time when music was music

[@l3eatalphal3eatalpha]

What a beautifully uplifting tune. Perfect Moroder pop.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great song! I believe that was from a movie titled Electric Dreams.

[@eduvinyl]

And "Good-Bye Bad Times", from the same album!

[@leighabbott105]

A band called The Leaf People did a GREAT cover from their homes during lockdown - fun video too kzbin.info/www/bejne/fITWqKl5faammdE

[@jackburton7062]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 electric dreams, the duel. Don't ask, just search.

[@bicyclist2]

I used to have Dare on cassette tape. I'm a massive synth pop fan and have been for nearly 40 years. I listened to their albums (Dare, Crash, and Octopus) over and over in the 80's and 90's on my walkman and boom box. I didn't know about any of the history of the band. I'm so glad to see the Professor finally cover The Human League. Please keep covering 80's music. Thank you.

[@billybud9557]

1982-84 was a special time with Don't You Want Me?, Beat it, and Land Down Under. Thanks for vid.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I couldn't agree more!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The peak was 1983-84.

[@NAIVADA]

Oyeah, it did hit big, a monster hit as soon as it was released. I can still remembrer becoming totally hooked on this song with its dark mood and many incredible hooks all played on synth's.. So many memories

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s British new wave at its finest.

[@wpl8275]

I love the idea that the lead singer was hired purely for his looks and the other two female singers were hired for basically the same reason. Who said good looks won't get your very far. LOL.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha.

[@petercena9497]

If I had to pick a song that gave the 80s its identity it was this song. Think of music six months prior and music six months after.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's so true. Good call.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You’re not wrong. I’d say the same thing for Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran, I Ran by A Flock of Seagulls, and Down Under by Men at Work.

[@stevegraham3817]

11-12 years old, coming of age in one of the best music eras ever. That was 40 years ago, bloody heck, where did that time go. lol

[@markallen2984]

I didn't realize that ABC, Def Leppard and the Human League all came from the same place. That strikes me as pretty remarkable considering they are all so excellent and all so different. It's particularly funny that the Human League and Def Leppard both released albums called "Hysteria"

[@philipqvist7322]

Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, Paul Carrick, Ace and Moloko were also from Sheffield - amongst others.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

The Human League supported Def Leppard in Sheffield in 1978. Ten years later both had been huge although it is fair to say Def Leppard's album sales were stratospheric.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Isn’t it wild?

[@heidichristensen7919]

And the movie The Full Monty was set there. Sheffield must have been incredible back in the late 70s/ early 80s.

[@ricl7413]

Also add Heaven 17, created from the split of the original human league.

[@fivestring65ify]

This is new wave at its best. Great band. This song highlights the problem couples have with control and space. My favorite is Human. You feel the pain the couple is feeling. Anyone that's really been in love with someone, knows how this feels

[@ProfessorofRock]

Human is an amazing second #1 hit for sure.

[@chipchippahson]

No one ever heard of that one. Great name drop. Also is your name an attempt combo of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love Human. Such a soul haunting tune.

[@fivestring65ify]

@@chipchippahson Nope. No connection.

[@adolfsson2705]

The song smashed so huge! I remember well when i watched the video... this is the song that turn on the synth and british invasion

[@michaelcanales280]

Professor, I just love and respect you. You got a knack for kicking the dust off of good memories. You’re a treasure.

[@jvee2901]

I still love this song. Crank up the radio and sing along. 40 years and still great.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's amazing.

[@chipchippahson]

So according to you this came out in 1988.

[@jvee2901]

@@chipchippahson my bad, 40 years.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A perfect song.

[@maxaroni15]

I’ve heard it probably a billion times and have yet to grow tired of it.

[@IamNotANumber]

Phil Oakey, what a voice. We'll always be together in Electric Dreams. RIP Lenny xxx

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Agree. ❤

[@simonalyneenderz3247]

One of my Top 3 all time favorite songs. OMyGoddess I love this song!!

[@sharonromano2737]

I was 7yrs old at the time. I received a 45 of that single, I played it over and over again. Till my mom said she had enough! Fun times the 80’s we’re definitely the best time ever.

[@randysharp1716]

U were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar when I met u... Absolutely love this song

[@ProfessorofRock]

Such a great first line.

[@jerrycote659]

This song sounded completely different than anything I had ever heard when I first heard it. I still remember buying the album it was on, “Dare” (on vinyl) for like $4.99 if I remember correctly. I was just as blown away with the rest of the tracks on that album and to this day when I listen to the “Dare” album it still sound unique and fresh to me, particularly the #1 mega smash hit “Don’t You Want Me”. One of the best pop songs I’ve ever heard and continue to love to this day.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Dare is proof that British new wave is superior.

[@jerrycote659]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 💯 agree

[@baronsaturday1]

Hated the song as much as the song writer as a kid. Absolutely thrilled to Guns N' Rose's and heavy metal later in the decade.

[@virtualyme7659]

Great song then and now. I was just a teenager when it came out. Fascination and Human also were great but' Don't you want me' was just innovative for it's time imo and still iconic.

[@richsadowsky8580]

I was in college at age 19 when this came out. I was a guitarist/singer in various rock or new wave bands around campus. I was into everything. I recall an argument I had with my college roommate. He was a die hard classic rock-only fan. To fluster him, I argued Oakey's argument that the guitar was obsolete. Of course, I didn't actually believe this as I considered The Clash and The Beatles my two favorite bands at the time. One thing your episode made me realize is why I was so drawn and attracted to the two women in the Human League. They were teenagers just like me. If there was one thing I loved was dancing young women in the nightclubs. Back in this days of 1981 the drinking age where I grew up in Connecticut was still 18 and I was often in NYC at the hot clubs. What great times those were!

[@mikekaraoke]

Love this video about HL, but you forgot to mention that they had their own home studio in Sheffield! They found a room above a disused vet’s practice in their home town of Sheffield, put in an 8 track recorder with a Trident desk and gave it the great name of Monumental Pictures. (Liverpool’s Hambi and The Dance persuaded Virgin to support building a studio to record their first album.)

[@VanillaCuckoo]

I loved hearing about the events surrounding this song, and how the band was formed. But, as usual, the thing I liked best about this episode was Adam's personal anecdotes... really made me chuckle!

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome episode! Love the "Human League "! Great to hear this story Professor! Thanks for keeping the music alive!

[@dalemartell8639]

Pat Benatar said that if your gonna make a hit you better like it cause your gonna be singing it for the rest of your life. 😀

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

True that.

[@Bruce12867]

I was on a class field trip to Washington, D.C. (1982) when I first heard this song when the clock radio went off, and it sure caught my attention. My favorite song from them, however, is "Human".

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Human is a great song as well.

[@mikemeltzer8398]

Another great video..... I'm convinced, you really are the hardest working man on you tube......rock on brother...

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Thanks Mike!

[@trinaq]

If you were to mention 80's Britpop, this is the first song that springs to mind! It has so much going for it, a rhythmic beat, a catchy chorus, and a memorable hook! 😍

[@catherine6653]

Well said 👏

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question. It defined the times Thanks Trina!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

When I think of the early 80s this is one of the first songs that comes to my mind, along with Physical and Eye of the Tiger…

[@GeraldM_inNC]

"I know you miss me; I know you miss me; I know you miss me BLIND!" One of the catchiest hooks ever.

[@terramysae]

I love it when you include previous versions of the songs. It really helps to illustrate the point of how important a music producer is. That bit at 10:28 is just painful to listen to. What an amazing change for the better!

[@mizginavale22]

"Don't You Want Me" has that unique distinction of having a song being sung from the perspective of two different people and their different experiences of their feelings. Another one of those is the song is from the artist Goyte along with Kimbra in "Somebody That I Used to Know". And of course, Meatloaf in the song "Paradise by the Dashboard Light". There is likely some more songs like this, but I can't think of others at the moment.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good insight!

[@bobdavis4848]

May I ask what you meant by calling the two people's perspective's distinction unique and then going on to mention other examples, showing it was not unique? Especially as Meat Loaf is deceased, I hope people will remember his industry name was two words. Have a nice day.

[@mournblade1066]

@@bobdavis4848 You'll be okay, Bob. You'll be okay.

[@seandevine3695]

@@bobdavis4848 Who pissed in your oatmeal, dude? Relax before you give yourself an aneurysm.

[@mizginavale22]

@@bobdavis4848 I didn't write that the song by all by itself is uniquely distinctive, but rather, I was trying to convey that the "style" of the song in which two people have a different perspective and sing it within the same song is what's distinctive in these kinds of songs. Not a lot of songs are done this way. And you are correct. His stage name was "Meat Loaf" (two separate names, and not how I wrote it).

[@videogemsproductions]

I completely agree here. When I was 10 years old…This song blew my mind in ‘82 and opened the door to some great 80’s Brit pop….but, in 86 when I got into the 60’s it blew my mind wide opened ten fold! So even though there was some great pop in the early 80’s and beyond….it’s the 60’s that rule my friend. Just about every style, harmony, melody and great chord and chord change was created in the 60’s …period 😊

[@jeffsummstl]

This was the first song I ever heard on a CD. It was about four years after the song came out, and it was playing on a CD jukebox in an arcade. Despite all the video game noises in the room, the song sounded sharper and clearer than it ever had on the radio. Synth pop heaven!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It really does sound like a video game.

[@lcruz2783]

Prof. Another masterpiece of my childhood, after watching yoi channel now I have been so great full to ha e grown up in the 80s and 90s. Thanks again

[@gregfathers5548]

You really are a professor. I cannot imagine how much time you have spent getting these inside stories and tons of other info. Keep up the good work.

[@jasonhowarth6789]

This song reminds me of riding on the school bus in the early 80's. Along with Voices Carry and Pac Man Fever....🤣 Our bus driver was a cool guy that put on the top 40 radio station for us kids. Wonderful times!

[@michaelday216]

Me as well. WLS radio Chicago was played on our bus

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Ditto on the way to school. The bus driver used to have students talking to him but standing in the wrong place too close to the front of the bus. One day some idiot pressed the emergency button which opened the front door and a girl fell out. The bus driver was in shock and everyone had to disembark and walk the remaining distance. She was injured but remarkably not too seriously; I daresay she still remembers it to this day as it is not an every day occurrence. The combination of the music, shouting and the driver being distracted was not good.

[@jasonhowarth6789]

@80s Music wow! Crazy experience.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@jasonhowarth6789 Indeed. I had not thought about it for years until today. But yes, at the time and still now it was unbelievably shocking not just for how it happened but how much worse it could have been given the bus was travelling about 30mph. I can still see it now and it was almost 40 years ago.

[@jasonhowarth6789]

@@eightiesmusic1984 I'm just glad that nobody was seriously injured! 🙏

[@cpuuk]

I bought this album at Christmas, played it over and over. A great year where I discovered New Romantics.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It was different, but game changing nonetheless.

[@DrDoobius]

3:08 Fun fact, they actually asked Phil Oakey second! They originally asked Glenn Gregory, who at the time was out of town. Later on, they started Heaven 17 with Gregory.

[@ETBlair]

I loved this song so much when it came out. Still do.

[@duromusabc]

Love their song Only Human - my favorite lyric - “born to make mistakes “

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's a wonderful song. Great hook.

[@bobdavis4848]

"Only Human" is a great Utopia song. You meant "Human."

[@chipchippahson]

You don't even know the correct name of their basic known song.

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

I didn't like that song, sounds nothing like their other stuff due to Jam & Lewis production

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We all can relate to this song one way or another.

[@DukesMusic84]

Cool story. Even more impressive is how he just pulled shawty out of a club and she sang an absolutely flawless verse on that record. Hits different to this DAY.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know, right?

[@nevadabadger7925]

Greetings from, Nevada. I have followed you for quite some time now. I can’t imagine how much “homework” you have to do to be as informed as you are. I love your format and presentation.

[@chrisdutton2975]

Great episode as usual, Professor! I'm among those who aren't generally into this style of music, but this song and Human are two songs I can't get enough of.

[@RomVlad]

I'm so glad you covered this. Dare may be my favorite album from the 80's.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Every song is great! Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree. I love Dare. Such a cool album.

[@stephenmoncrieff2056]

The first song I heard from this group was 'Fascination' . I still think it was their best song .

[@NANKEL1]

Watching these videos makes me realise that I have lived the best era of music fashion and cars my favourite song from the 80's Money for Nothing Dire Straits

[@jenlea9095]

One of the best concerts I saw whilst in the UK during the mid 80's 🙂

[@davidellis5141]

Along with The Lexicon Of Love by ABC , Dare defined UK 80's pop. Great track from a great album.

[@ProfessorofRock]

COuldn't agree more. Thanks David!

[@genwoolfe]

That was a superb band & Album (& they too were from Sheffield as far as I remember).

[@davidellis5141]

@@genwoolfe ABC , The Comsat Angels & Def Leppard were all from Sheffield !

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@davidellis5141 Cabaret Voltaire and Pulp too. There was a vibrant music scene in Sheffield although it is often overlooked in comparison to Liverpool and Manchester. In my view there is a lot of exaggeration of the music scene in both of those cities.

[@davidellis5141]

@@eightiesmusic1984 Just found out Richard H Kirk died last year when watching the video for Sensoria .

[@philipqvist7322]

More of a hard rocker myself, but I agree that Dare is a classic early 80s album. Takes me back to my last years at High School. I still think Jo and Susanne are still pinching themselves; having fun and dancing in a Sheffield disco one minute and the next minute it became their full time profession - 40 plus years later they are still there.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish we could catch up with them - maybe Adam can try to reach out to some of the Human League for an interview?

[@INXSFan33]

The Don't You Want Me music video changed my life. I remember seeing it for the first time in 1997 on an MTV countdown when I was 8. It captivated me, and began my love affair with 80s music and New Wave. They are my favorite band along with INXS. I know their history in and out and have watched every interview multiple times over. This is an incredible, comprehensive video. Professor of Rock is the true master of telling a band's story. Well done! Martin Rushent's contribution on Love Action with the two trailing notes is my favorite piece of Human League trivia. Filling Up With Heaven followed by Love Action and Tell Me When are my other favorite music videos. Thank you for this!

[@craigr13666]

Just catching this video from your channel for the first time. I have to say, I was instantly drawn in by the audio quality and vocal tones of your voice. Talking about 80s music, the quality of the audio gives me a sense of being back in the 80s myself listening to the radio and the DJs of the time. On another note, love the content and information. I really like this.

[@RFXLR]

Off the subject, but does England have the most successful pop and rock acts per capita than any other country? I mean, if they’re not from London, they’re from Birmingham, if not from Birmingham, they’re from Liverpool, if not Liverpool it’s Sheffield. It’s crazy!

[@Rambam1776]

You should say United Kingdom. If you take a look, most of the people you think are English are actually Welsh or Irish.

[@ProfessorofRock]

There was something in the water!

[@ProfessorofRock]

True.

[@RFXLR]

The ones I can rattle off the top of my head are Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, oasis, human league, Def Leppard, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, Culture Club, etc. but you’re probably correct.

[@johnytwotimes4072]

Also Brooklyn NY breeds great rock bands. I didn't know it for a long time but 5 or 6 of my favorite bands were all from there

[@johnytwotimes4072]

I always sing along far too loudly whenever and wherever I hear this song🤣

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too!

[@JohnWhitakerHRHardball]

Thanks professor, for once again taking me back to a great time of life & the soundtrack that accompanied it

[@harrypalmer7169]

My favourite song of theirs is one I think gets overlooked. Louise is a great bit of story telling. A love lost must ring true with many and the feeling you get when meeting after many years. Oh my, The Crazy Daisy brings back some very good memories of a misspent drunken youth around Sheffield.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

“As if we were still lovers”.

[@jamesburningham1860]

The Human League is the BEST synth band! And yes, the song DYWM did defy the 80s. However, it has been over played, like so many 80s songs do. You always hear it on radio stations that play 80s. It's really sad, because most people think of that one and only song from The Human League. They had so many more. As a fan, I never understood why after IOH, no more from the decade. I'm so glad you did a song from them! I hope you will do more & get to talk to Phil. Thank you!

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

3:27 I agree, Adam. I always thought, "human league" was a fantastic name for a band.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks my friend!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s one of the best band names ever to come out of the rock era, along with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blue Oyster Cult, Led Zeppelin, Massive Attack, and Mott the Hoople.

[@tideivlife1]

I was a seventies guy through and through and at first didn’t like the direction new wave was taking. Thought it was mostly corny tunes with synthesizers. But one thing I noticed…the women loved it and I started going to the occasional bar where they were playing these songs and my tune, so to speak, changed. The women had a different attitude and dress than the hard rockers I was used to and soon I’m changing wardrobes myself. I never fully shed the power chord scene but I had found a whole new scene that expanded my musical tastes. I fully appreciate that time in my life now and this song was one of the first to usher me into the eighties. Thanks for bringing up these memories!

[@RickBeall]

The Professor of Rock and his personal connection to every song released in the 80's. This time in the kiddie pool. It sounds like I am being critical, but actually I find it rather amazing!

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Amazing band. To also go to Number One in the Billboard 100 in 1986 several years later with Human is incredible, although I read that they were unhappy at the time, which detracted from the achievement. I am reliably informed that Phil Oakey is a very nice person. He had to obtain permission from the head teacher of the college where Susan Sulley and Joannne Catherall were studying for their A Levels for them to go on tour with the band. One minute they were furthering their studies, the next members of the soon to become legendary Human League. 'Don't You Want Me' is so emblematic of early eighties synth pop and blazed a trail for others to follow. The lyrics are sometimes mistaken as autobiographical ( working as a waitress in a cocktail bar- neither Susan or Joanne ever did). They had hit after hit in the UK and elsewhere until the late eighties. Fashion changed, and 'Heart Like A Wheel' and 'Soundtrack To A Generation', two brilliant tracks from 1990, flopped. In 1995 they staged a very successful comeback with 'Tell Me When'. The band has seen ups and downs, struggling to cope at first with the sudden change when the hits dried up at the end of the eighties. I understand that they recorded a lot of good music too that has never been released. For many years now their legacy has been secured and they remain highly regarded by fans and critics alike.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I actually interviewed Jimmy Jam about that collaboration. I'll have to release it soon> Thanks!

[@RBS_]

...I thought I was the ONLY One who remembers "Heart Like A Wheel"! ...I have a promo CD single of that tune, that has a 'Pinwheel' cover of the Band, and when you flick it... it 'spins' photos of the Band members! ...One of THE most inventive CD covers I own!

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@RBS_ Perhaps the only one in America! I am the sole representative of the UK wing of those who remember Heart Like A Wheel! It got some local radio airplay but Radio 1 did not run with it, and without their backing it was usually impossible to have a top 40 hit. The record buying public failed to appreciate what they were missing out on with the cover of the CD by not buying it. If only they had I would not be so alone in my memories!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Overall they’re one of the best pioneers of the Second British Invasion. Their catalog is very deep and extensive and has some otherworldly music in it.

[@barrysmith8920]

Again...Professor gives us a pop gem.. Love your grasp of British vs American pop and their chronological events...Brilliant post!!

[@michaelforget3655]

You're awesome. I really do love your take on these pivotal songs that I grew up with as well even though I'm a few years older than you are but I still enjoy every bit of it!

[@mournblade1066]

I absolutely love the New Romantics: Human League, Duran Duran, ABC, Spandau Ballet, Talk Talk, Alphaville, Japan, Ultravox, Soft Cell, OMD, Visage. . . and all those fantastic bands rooted deeply in the Roxy Music aesthetic.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I have always been fascinated with everything British new wave and I could not agree with you more!

[@GeraldM_inNC]

Thanks for being the only person other than me to mention VISAGE. I saw OMD live at the Hammersmith Palladium, great concert.

[@111Phoenix777]

The Human League had such a fresh, unique sound that was so moving. They were so talented.

[@GeraldM_inNC]

Did you like their debut LP? I did, although I thought it would be strictly for synth cultists.

[@111Phoenix777]

@@GeraldM_inNC Honestly, I don't think I ever bought an album of theirs, but I probably should now. I can't specifically recall having any of their 45s either, but I must have. I loved that song "Don't You Want Me" and "Fascination". I probably recorded some of their songs off the Weekly Top 40, and definitely would turn the radio or TV up when one of their songs came on. I went to a concert of theirs about 10 years ago at the Hollywood Bowl and it was fantastic. I really enjoyed it.

[@GeraldM_inNC]

@@111Phoenix777 You can hear their early music on KZbin

[@counterpuncher01]

Great show professor. HUMAN is a wonderful song--certainly their best.

[@jerrywellborn]

I saw them in Dallas, touring for this album. Hugely enthusiast reception, I think they were blown away at the cheering crowd. Big smiles on their faces, even laughter.

[@catherine6653]

I was 12 years old when this song hit the charts. I ❤ British New Wave music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. It's such stone cold classic! Thanks Catherine.

[@jasonkendrick681]

Me too, boy were we lucky.

[@catherine6653]

@@jasonkendrick681 😊❤

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

British new wave is gold compared to the music we had stateside.

[@catherine6653]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I agree and I am always on the lookout for another hit song I like. 🎵

[@radman8321]

They are still touring regularly too. Martin Rushent was a genius. There was a companion album to dare containing remixes called Love And Dancing that is just fantastic.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’ve heard that! It is so cool.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

I saw them at the Liverpool Philharmonic concert all pre Covid and they were good. Phil Oakey had barely aged.

[@arturodelcarmen3839]

Thanks to You Tube i have known many things about my favourite songs. I watched many favorites that i have'nt watched and known it before. I loved HUMAN LEAGUE. 64 yrs old.❤ Philippines.

[@Jonathanstockwell]

Great job, love Don’t you want me, Feeling Fascination and Human, great songs, absolutely timeless. Again great job.

[@Astronomater]

I love the Human League. Rock HOF, get off your duff and add these legends!

[@dewdew34]

Incredible song, it's uniqueness was what caught fire on the charts. Set the stage for Tainted Love to reign for awhile.

[@gaywizard2000]

I feel like Tainted Love was first? Am i wrong?

[@dewdew34]

@@gaywizard2000 Not wrong but for some reason Tainted Love never hit big till mid 82 on US Billboard, no.8. Then it stayed on the charts for 42 weeks...I think Don't You Want Me hit no.1 in June or July 82. But Tainted Love was released prior to Don't You Want Me. It gets complicated... Both were the two biggest sellers in 1981 in the U.K., Don't You Want Me was no.1, Tainted Love no.2.

[@gaywizard2000]

@@dewdew34 and Im a Canadian. I remember getting the Soft Cell Non Stop Ecstatic Dancing album (which was really inappropriate for a 13 year old!) in 1981, but I wanted the Tainted Love album! and not really being into Human League until Fascination.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Don’t You Want Me was at #1 when Tainted Love reached #9.

[@lloyd4301]

This song will always remind me of school parties as it was just a monster hit at the time in the UK. Everyone knew it word for word. Still a great song.

[@1067MarkB]

Loved this band right from the first time I saw Phil with his lopsided haircut on Top Of The Pops, bought "Dare" & still own it today. Loads of timeless tunes that I listen to regularly. Thanks so much for helping to keep this type of music alive, the 80's had such an awesome range of great bands & singers of all genres.

[@Defensewhiz]

One of the funnest tracks to sing at karaoke, except for the long ass outro that goes on forever (typical of a lot of 80's pop hits) No matter what type of bar you're in (urban, suburban, city, rural) most crowds get into the tune

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. It's an undeniable pop extravaganza!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Oh no, I continue to sing on that outro!

[@GeraldM_inNC]

I once sang it with my female cousin.

[@SOLtoo]

I remember getting "Dare" because of the top-40 smash "Don't you Want Me" but was completely blown-away with the rest of the album!! I thought "Sound of the Crowd" , "Seconds" and "I am the Law" were far better than the so-called "big hits"

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Seconds is a really cool song!

[@jenlovesbooks]

I never saw them at the height of their fame in the 80’s but they headlined a local festival in 2014 so we went, mainly just to see them. They were fantastic, we all thought they were great, even my daughter and her friend loved them and they weren’t born until 12 years after Don’t You Want Me topped the charts.

[@randytessman6750]

Am about 6 years older then you professor and really remember this song ! I hear you on a song that changed your idea of what music could be. This one and Little River Bands "Night Owls" in 81 were both songs unlike anything I was hearing. Being a born late in 68 I was privileged to have spent my entire teenage years in the wonderful 80s. Thou when I look back on it the only thing I long for is the sound of the jukebox playing at the arcade while playing Defender to a new high score........ aaah the innocents of youth :) My three young daughters (13.12.10) keep me connected to todays pop music and old Dad shows them the glory that was the 80s.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I just interviewed Little River Band about Night Owls!

[@seanswinton6242]

@@ProfessorofRock Awesome! I can't wait for that show. Few people mention them anymore. I loved them for their sound. I thought they were a West Coast band like the Eagles and Ambrosia only to learn they were Australian (thanks to Casey Kasem).

[@seanswinton6242]

Little River Band is great. Very underrated and often not mentioned.

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

@@seanswinton6242 Yes. They are. I got their greatest hits on cassette and still have it. My favorites are "Lady," "Cool Change" and "Take It Easy on Me."

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish I had a time machine.

[@naughtysmurf64]

I was so in love with the Brunette, Joanne Catherall, from this group back in the day......Human League would use this same vocal format of 2 people tellling a story in the song "Human"

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Thanks Stephen!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The women were very cute. ❤

[@SD9Driver]

I thought "Human" was their finest work.

[@kevinshockey1836]

I think the reason this song was so popular is it actually tell the story. It leaves out a lot of details and makes you wanting to know more about it anyway that's my opinion that's what I like about this song

[@tizviz3921]

This song blew the roof off of the "the old rock dinos of the time" and yes another british invasion....much needed and that is why it shines to this day!!!

[@EvaFull]

Hoping one day you can cover Candlebox on a future episode. Went looking the other day after my Aunt Passed because they made one of her all time favorite songs and didn’t see one, so I had to settle with the music video instead. 😢😢😢😢 💔💔💔💔 R.I.P.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Peace I will look into it.

[@EvaFull]

@@ProfessorofRock Thank You Professor. It was one of her all time favorite songs to jam when we were in the car and/or working together.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m so sorry to hear this! My condolences. ❤