I TRACKED Down the Singer Behind the BEST HIDDEN GEM of 1984…Here’s What He Said | Professor of Rock

Coming up next, an interview with an 80s artist whose signature song has become a teenage anthem for the outcasts and a quintessential 80s classic… Nik Kershaw and his teenage anthem Wouldn’t It Be Good. It was recorded for his debut album and the song was so big it put the rookie on the biggest live stage in the world in front of billions of people at Live Aid including playing with many of his heroes… and then the next year his song was re-recorded by a former member of Three Dog Night, Danny Hutton. But the band was called something else, Danny Hutton Hitters and he had an unknown sing lead… so many didn’t make the connection. That version was used in a pivotal scene in the iconic 80s film Pretty in Pink and the song was all over the radio again… Up next we have both of these artists take on this song and try to find out why the movie didn’t just use the original hit instead of a remake. It’s a fun one next.
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Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time, If you could relate to the many different characters in the films of John Hughes. The brat packers. You’ll dig this channel of musical nostalgia. the stories straight from the legends….Make sure to click on the bell so you never miss out. Also look at our Patreon link, to become a part of curating this important work and for more benefits.
I’m excited to bring you another episode from our series Revelations- where featured artists go deep on their greatest songs and albums. Today we have something special that I doubt has been done up to this point. If you don’t recognize this artist or song name once you hear both versions of this song you’ll remember it. It’s a quintessential song of the 80s and a true anthem for the outcasts. Today we have Nik Kershaw on his 1984 classic ditty Would’t It Be Good.
Then this song was remade and put in the John Hughes classic film Pretty In Pink … and guess what We also have Danny Hutton from Three Dog Night who did that remake as a band he formed called Danny Hutton Hitters… It was sung by someone else so nobody really made the connection. Up next we have interviews with both Nik Kershaw and Danny Hutton on the story behind this song including the craziness of playing live aid as a rookie and how he was struggling to finalize the guitar part for Would’t it be Good and borrowed a trick from the band Queen.
All of this is next on Professor or Rock. Now as we go into this interview I want to thank our sponsor Zenni Eyewear, my favorite glasses ever. at Zenni.com you can design your own glasses and then do a Virtual try-on: Where you can see how the eyewear is going to look on you and make sure it matches your face with Zenni’s virtual mirror feature. Check it out now at Zenni.com. Here’s the interview...
Thanks for watching. Leave us a comment on your thoughts about the song and the interview. Do you remember both versions or that scene from Pretty in Pink? What are your memories of this song? Let us know in the comment section below. If you like our content click on the subscribe button to get more content and support our mission become a Patreon at the link below. Help us keep the music alive.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for best New Wave artist of the 80s?

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

David Byrne

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Howard Jones Elvis Costello The Cure

[@brentcox7772]

The Cars!?🤘🔥

[@catherine6653]

Howard Jones INXS records The Swing and Listen Like Thieves.

[@DC8091]

(Sorry I can’t count The Cure as New Wave but if I did they would be #1) -Joy Division/New Order -Psychedelic Furs -Love & Rockets

[@rodgre]

Massive Nik Kershaw fan. Those first three albums, in particular, are constant favorites of mine. Extremely underrated musician and songwriter. I wish he would tour the US again.

[@dougsteeleguitar]

I saw him live tonight. Dude rocked!!

[@barryb6829]

Saw him play in New Zealand just 10 days ago. He rocks.

[@ElizIndRhythm]

Extremely underrated! It's such a shame, the Radio Musicola album is one of my favorites

[@user-mn3xl4nj2i]

Not underrrated among musicians, that's for sure. Brilliant. These days, songs sound like broken records, repeating a few words ad infinitum not to mention monotonous repetitive chords. Nick Kershaw, Howars Jones the best

[@elfman121]

Nik is one of the most underrated songwriters of our generation. Just fantastically interesting chord changes, a wide variety of styles, etc. Haven't stopped listening and following since Human Racing. Great interview!!

[@jennoury249]

Absolutely!

[@TheBridgesYouBurn]

Every musical artist and band is "underrated" according to the KZbin comments section! haha

[@sakaridis]

The fact that Nik Kershaw put out two brilliant albums in a single year (nine months apart, actually) is absolutely mind-boggling and speaks volumes to the man's genius and creativity! He pretty much owned 1984! But even now, almost 40 years later (daaaamn!), both albums sound as fresh and exciting as they did back then.

[@MrPgbass]

Thank you for sharing this! I’ve been lucky enough to share a stage with Nik for the last 25yrs as his regular Bass Player. I never get tired of performing this song, or the seeing the reaction when we do! It’s a different level of songwriting for sure. ❤

[@colinwalford]

@MrPgbass, please tell Nik from me that he truly was and is one of the most gifted musicians the UK has ever produced. Mad, complex melodies and bass changes, thoughtful, clever, poetic lyrics and a great voice. I've enjoyed his music for almost 40 years and even back in the eighties, I could see that he had been mis-cast as simply a synth-keyboard, pretty boy rock star. I think he was treated badly by his management at the time and pressured to go down avenues he wouldn't have chosen himself. However, he has been able to continue to write and perform excellent music and I'm glad that so many people of a later generation are becoming aware of his genius. Thanks for giving me so much enjoyment over the years, Nik! 😊🙏

[@MrPgbass]

I will certainly tell Nik this! 👍🏻

[@LeeLee-sk2wf]

As a 15 year old in Melbourne Australia, Nik was my first live concert. I saw him again in 2013. I note he is here again soon. I love all the early hits but I love Radio Musicola. Such an eclectic group of songs. They are always on high rotation in my house.

[@jrhodes69]

@MrPgbass Saw you in Frome last year and looking forward to seeing you in Bath in Oct for the 1984 tour. Why doesn’t Nik come to Bristol, is he banned or something? 😂

[@roguecheddar7545]

Man I got to give you some mad props for getting more and more artists to come on your channel. It's quality work, but I wonder if there's word of mouth amongst them as well. Like "you should do an interview with this Professor of Rock, he does his homework and is passionate about the music" Hopefully it gets bigger and you get returning artists for follow-up to other work. Fingers crossed for Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel :)

[@andyroid5028]

*_I completely agree. Adam has an incredible channel & he is a great interviewer._* _He really does know and research the music and is dedicated to getting 'the true story behind the story' of these legendary people of music of the last several decades. It's really quite impressive as to how many musical legends he has been fortunate enough to have interviewed._ *_And yep, I agree that the more quality interviews, etc. he does, the more quality musicians/singers, etc. will grace him with their (often exclusive) unique historical stories. He and a small handful of other great KZbin creators (such as Rick Beato) are making history by thoroughly documenting a lot of this (still) untold music history._*

[@joebonomono5078]

Agreed, it would be a honor and not a drag to be interviewed by Adam, he knows is stuff, he honors his subjects.

[@johnbeck2170]

This channel is quickly becoming mainstreamed and heavy-hitting. Look at how one person’s interest can resonate with so may artists and so many listeners. Otherwise, the details behind all the great music would fade into history. Just more reason we should pursue, full- or part-time, our own individual, God-given interests. Given to us for a reason.

[@whitemdw]

Thank you!! I graduated HS in '84, this was my favorite song back then. The Riddle is an amazing song too.

[@ImperatorEcks]

Although I’d heard “Wouldn’t It Be Good” prior, I hadn’t listened to Human Racing in its entirety until a few months ago… Honestly, it might be my favourite album of all time! Nik is a musical prodigy, and I highly HIGHLY recommend you give it a listen if you loved this track- incredible from start to finish!

[@davidporshia5081]

Today March 1, 2024 is Nik Kershaw’s 66th Birthday!!🎉 His album The Riddle was my intro to Nik Kershaw. I then backtracked to the previous album Human Racing. Saw him on Live Aid…..he and the band were superb! I saw Nik Kershaw live at the Theme Park Carowinds in Charlotte, NC in 1985. Nik and the band were phenomenal. One of the best live acts I’ve seen. I also really dig his albums Radio Musicola and The Works. Nik’s an excellent writer/producer and one heck of a singer and guitarist. He’s also an excellent percussionist….and I love his vocal percussion he does on songs like “Don’t Ask Me”!!👍👍 So Happy 66 years young Nik Kershaw and Thank You for ALL the great music. God bless.🕊️🎉🎸🎂🎉

[@havilandsgamerchannel8586]

I never knew there was a version other than Nike Kershaw's version, so I learned something today. Always loved the original.

[@ProfessorofRock]

The more you know!

[@johnfinnerty252]

Nik actually remade the song 100% acoustically . . . no words . . . It’s THAT good!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me neither. From a former member of Three Dog Night, no less.

[@80ssynthfan48]

It was also used as the basis for a German pop song Juliane Werding - Sonne auf der Haut.

[@johnchase9054]

Cascada also did a version. That is the first time I remember hearing it.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

For being nervous about the huge audience you would never know it, I saw the performance live and I thought he knocked it out of the park. This song is a timeless gem. Great episode professor!

[@eightiesmusic1984]

He forgot the lyrics in places but no-one noticed. It is a great performance on the Live Aid DVD.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You can adopt a persona that blows everyone away, conquering your stage fright.

[@commentfreely5443]

first record i ever bought was human racing by nik kershaw

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@commentfreely5443 great choice!!

[@neilgadsby3924]

Kershaw is a genius. Very underrated song writer. I remember buying ‘Wouldn’t it be good’ as a single when it came out. Brilliant song.

[@_Urahara_Kisuke_]

Nik is a lyrical genius. He doesn't just sing the words, he made the words sing! The Riddle, Wide Boy, I Won't Let The Sun Go Down.

[@AngelicusImmortus]

Have a listen to Roses & Faces written in the early '80s and true right now. was he a prophet back then?

[@purefoldnz3070]

Wide Boy and his best song Change the Score.

[@traci4187]

Nik Kershaw claimed real estate on my bedroom wall as a teenager. Human Racing was a killer introduction, and The Riddle was just FUN. His later music has also stood the test of time, and I'll still pull up his albums now and then to listen to.

[@willjam465]

Live Aid…it was an incredible day. Still remember watching all day long. Amazing they were able to put it together and pull it all of as well as they did. What great memories of it and growing up in the 80’s as well.

[@racegts]

Followers of The Professor will never be “adults”! We’re stuck in the 80s and LOVE it!!!🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@mikefisc9989]

Agreed. I would give up everything I have today to go back and live the decade of 80's all over again. That is how much I loved that decade, both the good times and the bad.

[@TheGrayMatters]

Amazing song, Professor. Every day I miss the 80’s and its music more and more.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same!

[@thebluesrockers]

It's really funny how a lot of music that we hated in the 80's sounds great as we've aged. hahaha..

[@markallen2984]

The 80s was the last great decade.... the last period of individualism and optimism before the digital plague infected and altered the DNA of youth culture permanently. Remember the Analog!

[@ronb21]

Absolutely Correct! I feel the exact same way.. Wish I could go back to the 80s now.

[@DanieVargas]

I truly miss the SOUND of the 80’s… I keep hoping someone would try ad bring the sound back. I find the occasional band that sounds like they were coming from the 80’s, but it’s just a one off album. Spa small taste is better than nothing…

[@Mark_Wheeler]

I'm a child of the 60s and 70s, and I didn't pay much attention to music in the 80s. This channel has really given me a new appreciation for 80s music. Thanks!

[@CodeBleu724]

I'm a child of the 70s & 80s, being born in '72. We were the mall generation. I look back fondly on those days. The aesthetic of the arcade, New Wave, freestyle BMX and skateboarding was right up my alley.

[@ncexnyc4466]

These are my exact same sentiments. For some reason 80's New Wave just didn't do anything for me at that time. I'd say most of my listening time was spent on Hair and Metal bands, probably because they were guitar centric. Now I listen the heck out of First Wave on my Sirius XM account.

[@sariahut1]

I have always loved this song. It’s got incredibly insightful lyrics. I’m loving that you’re spotlighting so many amazing 80’s artists. Great music should never be forgotten in favor of the new. This is such a great channel!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’ve definitely been helping to keep the music alive!

[@mikefisc9989]

Such a fantastic interview with Nik. I really appreciated listening to him reflect upon and speak about one of the most iconic songs of that decade. Thank you so much Professor of Rock....it was an absolute pleasure to watch this video.

[@musickrayz]

I have always loved this song but to make it even better, this is one of my favorite interviews that you've done! What a likable guy!

[@iwanttheoneicanthave11578]

I love the original version of Nik Kershaw. I really dig your show Prof! Love and respect from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching. How's the weather down there right now?

[@iwanttheoneicanthave11578]

@@ProfessorofRock We have a storm here as we speak. But everything's fine. Thanks again Prof!

[@markallen2984]

​@@iwanttheoneicanthave11578What strikes me about the Philippines is that it seems everyone there can sing beautifully

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Rock on! I agree with your screen name, those bands are dope.

[@MichaelWhalen-yo1pc]

​@@ProfessorofRock How about a Jeff Scott Soto story? Great story there, Sir. Thanks! Love Your show!

[@lindamcfarland9656]

I love Wouldn't It Be Good, and it gets lots of play on my 80's playlists. Its such a great song and I loved showing it to my kids. Hats off to your dad, Prof, for sharing music with you and encouraging your love of it. It's also a big component of what I share with my own kids and I'm thrilled that they have a wide range of interests in music and they're now showing my grandkids the good stuff, too!😊❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing. We gotta raise them up right!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What are some of your kids’ favorite 80s songs, Linda?

[@lindamcfarland9656]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 its a long list but definitely Raspberry Beret and anything by Duran Duran, Trars for Fears, Roxy Music, Talking Heads and Genesis. Specific songs are Head Over Heels, Space Age Love Song, She Blinded Me with Science, Safety Dance, Karma Chameleon, Vienna, Land of Confusion, Money for Nothing, etc. Those are the bigger songs and they're great, but I like that they listen to the artist when they hear a song. 😊

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@lindamcfarland9656 Awesome! You’re showing them the stone cold 80s classics. As a 17-year-old hardcore new wave savant, I approve. 😃

[@lindamcfarland9656]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 you have great taste in music!😊👏 Keep listening to all kinds of music from different eras and genres! Its a wonderful way to make a bad day better! As the opening line from Rush's 'Spirit of the Radio' says, "Begin the day with a friendly voice, a companion unobtrusive, Plays that song that's so elusive And the magic music makes your morning mood" 😄 Along with prayer, music just gets me in the right frame of mind!👏

[@craiggriffin5410]

Fantastic episode! One of my top five artists of all time, and this is where it all started for me. Love love love your channel.

[@404ErrorPage]

One of my top 5 songs of all time. His discography is littered with classics. He writes amazing lyrics and melodies.

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

This song was hugely popular in Australia. He defines 1984 for me . The Riddle, won’t let the sun go down on me, etc etc. Never knew Renee Geyer did the version on the PIP soundtrack… she’s a legend in her own right.

[@tristantristan4733]

Certainly was down here in Oz. There was also ‘You Might’ from The soundtrack of ‘Secret Admirer’. Wa an awesome rock song for a new wave artist.

[@doncollins6465]

Renee Geyer was amazing. Sadly has passed away earlier this year (2023).

[@DaveCosley]

Definitely one of the more melancholy songs of the 80s. Great song, great episode!!

[@LyonsdenNC98]

What a great song. Awesome interview PoR!! Definitely represents the 80s sound. Brings back flashbacks to a simpler times. ❤

[@miloatpsychoblab7338]

I have always loved this song. A true '80's overlooked gem! Thanks for giving us the amazing story behind it.

[@rico4you]

Awesome interview Prof so well done! 👍💯...the 80's music is so iconic for so many reasons! .. 🎶 wouldn't it be good to go back... 🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

As Eddie Money said, I wanna go back.

[@daynelawless]

Nik is an incredible songwriter. The Works and Radio Musicola changed my life. Further proof that 1984 was the greatest year for Pop Music.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You got that right Dayne!

[@TheNightBadger]

'Radio Musicola' was '86. However, 'Human Racing' and 'The Riddle' were both released in '84 - which still proves your point!

[@nsbmiller]

The Works was somewhat later in 1989... I can't say that any of the tracks on there really stand out for me as "genius" as do the songs from the first two albums and the albums post-1999.... love the imagery in "Lady on the Phone" mind you, the concept that every person you see has some backstory and something on their mind .... don't think I've heard any of the songs from that album played live and I think the only ones from "Radio Musicola" are the title track and "When a Heart Beats"....

[@blaketarpley8174]

That Live Aid version the way the first few notes from the keyboard ring out so crystal clear is magical. One of my all time favorite songs.

[@C2C.]

Great song and the definitive version. Loved it then, love it now. Thanks for featuring this.

[@tnrodgers]

Kershaw brought his A game for this song. The chord balance is double black diamond hard to make work, but it’s spot on. His lyrics and rhythm are a euro rap in slow motion, which won’t leave your head. To appear at Live Aid is overwhelming to rock stars, try being on your rock star honeymoon. His humility is a joy to listen to. Thanks Adam!

[@MrHornback]

I was a teen when Nik's song came on the radio and after hearing it just 2 or 3 times, I had memorized the lyrics. From that day on, I've always sang along when I hear it. I'm glad to know that Nik is such a down to Earth guy and still has gratitude for what the song has meant for its fans and himself. Great interview.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s one of those singalong choruses for sure.

[@emmanuelwayoe1]

1984 was an iconic year for music as a whole, and this track from Nik K was one of the best tracks of that year. Brings back awesome memories. Keep up the good work Prof.

[@leveldistortionband]

Amazing episode!! Nik was a favourite back then…..And still is, keep up the great work Adam. Totally hooked…

[@kennethjones4574]

how can the professor NOT have at least 1 mil subscribers?? He does GREAT interviews and gets access to amazing artists that nobody else can... don't understand it... Big fan of your attention to detail and your passion and enjoyment for what you do Professor! please keep it up!

[@TheShadowKarl]

Right there with you but I imagine a million subs will happen for him soon.

[@bobbieg3904]

Gotta tell you, I just found your channel. I've been watching them all day for a week! Love what you do!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks! I appreciate.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Welcome 🤗

[@Owen-dc5jk]

Hello, I'm 50 years old and I still think 'Wouldn't It Be Good' it is quite simply the best song ever written.

[@jimflores9098]

Absolutely one of my favorite songs from that era....THANKS FOR THIS!!!!

[@TurboMan942]

I rediscovered this song about 5 years ago as I had remembered it from my childhood. Its one of my favorites today and always will be. Great to see Nik and he looks to be doing well. What a lovely fella he is.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s suave.

[@byff2323]

Believe it or not, I NEVER once heard this song until 1989. All of a sudden, it was in heavy rotation on Hit 100 in Rapid City, SD. So for years I thought it came out in ‘89.

[@adellittle3547]

Oh what a treat. 😊 One of my all time favourites. 😊 I’ve always wanted to know more about the back ground of this song. Thank you. 😊

[@user-ow1iu2wz1x]

What a backstory. Never knew the amount of work he put into this song. But it shows because it’s a phenomenal piece of history that is still relevant today. I love that he looked to Brian May for inspiration. Great video. What a great interview with a humble guy whose hit is ‘still in my head’. Thanks Prof ❤

[@Bkokane]

Been waiting forever for this episode! I thought you had a grudge against Nik or something as he never gets mentioned. Really glad you covered this song at last!

[@RC32Smiths01]

What a made artist! Gotta love how it all came to fruition with some of the most important musical events ever. That commitment to getting the details says a lot about the credibility here. Cheers

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks RC32! Cheers!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

His effort paid off in the end. Cheers to you RC32. 🍻

[@earthwatcher2012]

So glad i’ve found your channel Professor! i love all your vids and all the rhapsodic, sentimental, nostalgia you bring us !

[@vincentross7469]

One of My all time 80s Favorites, TY Adam for this segment.

[@JWCFB]

Could care less about the film or the remake, Nick’s version will forever be among my favorite songs.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great episode story and interview with Nik Kershaw Professor! This was one of my favorite songs in 1984! It had that futuristic feel and i loved the video! They should've used the original song in Pretty in Pink, Nik's is the best! Thanks for keeping the music alive!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for always watching! I truly appreciate it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The video and the suit he is wearing is one of the finest 80s moments.

[@musclecarmitch908]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 👍

[@christopherriley15]

I remember watching PIP and seeing that scene and thinking that’s not Nik Kershaw! And wondering why they didn’t use the original! I like the original much better! Great episode as usual! 🎶

[@Splicer1970]

As a 14 year old kid in 1984 I've realized all these years later how lucky I was to grow up in a time of such musical diversity... The story lines 80's pop and rock are unlike any other genre in my lifetime ( in my opinion 😉). I remember Nik and this song being played on MTV and thinking wow, or as Nik put it, state of the art for 1984.. Listening to it today takes me back to a much simpler time in my life....Good times! Thank you Nik Kershaw for writing it and for being so humble after all these years.. Class Act!!

[@mr.starman2178]

One of my favs from the 80s, didn't even know someone else did this song and now that I do what we're the thinking. Nic knocked it out of the park with his version. would love to see him perform live here in America.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He should launch up a North American tour.

[@zoptu5608]

That song is immortal! I keep hearing that song in the airwaves from time to time and get mesmerized from it’s catchy melody and arrangement. I’m glad he’s still performing and hope he passes by in LA one of these days.

[@entropy6981]

Waited a long time for this song and this artist to be re- revered. Few songs become the dna of a generation like this one has. Thanks so much 🙏

[@thebluesrockers]

Nik Kershaw, After stepping out of the limelight to concentrate on writing and producing, Nik wrote Chesney Hawkes's 'The One and Only' and has collaborated with Elton John (including writing and producing one of the songs on the Duets album), Sia, for Gary Barlow and Bonnie Tyler. He's a lot more talented than most people know. He also seems like a class act. Thanks for all your time and killer video's Adam.

[@RBS_]

....ha-HAA!! ...I found my US promo of Chesney's single this past Sunday (in storage), with REMIXES! ...I thought I LOST that Bad boy! ...ha-HAA!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's right! We talked about that!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He sure is one friendly guy! 😊

[@johndavidgoes9053]

Pretty in Pink is without a doubt one of my favorite movies and the soundtrack is in my top 10. Interesting to know the backstory of this great song.

[@9sunskungfu]

Here in melbourne, to this day i hear the song on the radio every week on Gold FM and i never tire of the song. I remember when it was released in 84 and it did get played to death but it's just one of those songs that it doesn't matter how many times i hear it, i always enjoy it. I had Nik's greatest hits tape and i also had "Human racing" on cassette which bought when i was a teen, some 5-6 years later. To think of it now..i was 9 years old when the song came out and next year will be it's 40th anniversary, how the years go by so quick and how these songs bring you back like it was yesterday, it just doesn't feel that long ago. Thanks again Adam, great interview !

[@Bun_Can_Do_It]

Wouldn't It Be Good is one of those time machine songs. I was 9 years old in 1984 and this song instantly brings me back to the mall days and big hair. To me, this song the embodiment of the 1980's excess, ostentation, and envy. As someone who gets major nostalgia, this song gets me very emotional and I am so grateful to have grown up in the 80's.

[@marktubeie07]

WOW!! I didn't know our own Aussie Rennee Gayer sang one that track (PIP version). We lost her only a couple of years ago - a true loss - magnificent voice and did background vocals on SO MANY famous albums over the years it's surprising when you scratch the surface...

[@ProfessorofRock]

So sad. I'm going to look her up.

[@tech9803]

​@@ProfessorofRockStares and Whispers is a great track of hers.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wasn’t aware of her before today.

[@404ErrorPage]

Yep. She did the background vocals on We'll Be Together by Sting from his Nothing Like the Sun album.

[@julia393n]

I've loved Renee since the early 80s, such a unique powerful voice

[@blackcoffy83]

I was born in '83, so I heard this song 10 years later. I always thought it was brilliant! It's sad but somewhat uplifting. Even my mom mostly listens to R'n'B loves this song too 😊

[@jeffreykoger3978]

I'm flying to England from the U.S. in September to finally see Nik in concert! Thank you for this one professor!

[@heidichristensen7919]

Human Racing and his follow up album The Riddle are two of my favorite albums. Funny you mention his awesome guitar chops - I remember a review of the song You Might from the Riddle being in the vein of Def Leppard (another of my favorite bands). So yeah, Nik rocks.

[@Mikey-ke5tm]

One of my favorite 80’s songs.👍 He played guitar on the Elton John song Nikita.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's right. He's a great guitarist. Very underrated.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Thanks for sharing! The more we know.

[@AnyangU]

This is one of my all time favorite songs! It is still in heavy rotation in my house! Thank you Nik Kershaw for this gem!

[@nealnc07]

This is one of my all-time favorite 80's songs!! Still have it in my rotation today.

[@SignalCorps1]

It’s wild to see how people age over the years. I know I’m older as I see myself in the mirror every day, but to me, these guys are kind of frozen in time in my mind, until I see interviews like this. It’s kind of sad that time is catching up to all of us, but it sure has been a good ride.

[@PPW-007]

@SignalCore1 your comment brings to mind "Enjoy The Ride" - a later track by Nik.

[@SignalCorps1]

@@PPW-007 Good call. I hadn’t thought of that, but I see it know that you mentioned it.

[@daverich3352]

The contrast is acute since Nik had his greatest success in his early 20s, moving into production and song writing by the late 90s. If you've not seen him for getting on 40 years, that's a whole lifetime.

[@kcronin7211]

loved this song a LOT, loved this whole album, and loved his later stuff too (Frank-era). How nice to hear him discussing his work!

[@A_Knuckledragger]

This song came out while I was in army basic training and it couldn't have been more appropriate. Might be my favorite 80's song.

[@bamispeciaal1]

I consider Nik Kershaw as one of the best rock artists of the 80's and 90's. I think he has been highly underestimated as of Radio Musicola, which to me is an absolute brilliant album. Thanks Nik for your wonderful music!

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Saw him in Liverpool in 2012 and he sounded just as good in front of a crowd of 200 as he did in the eighties and at Live Aid. Interesting interviews in recent years talking about his music and career. He does not take himself too seriously. Probably wrote some of the most complex songs of the era, no doubt in part on account of his prog roots. His first two albums are great as is I Want To Change The Score with Tony Banks of Genesis. The outro to Wouldn't It Be Good is even a highlight too! The 80s Classical version with full orchestra from a few years ago is powerful. Great artist.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. What's your favorite track by him, outside of Wouldn't it Be Good?

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@ProfessorofRock Hard to pick just one but favourites are The Riddle, You Might, Wide Boy. The wooden floor in my flat in London in the 1990s was fitted by the owner of the big yellow car he sings about in the lyrics to Wide Boy and appears in the video.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I need to listen to the orchestral version!

[@80ssynthfan48]

@@eightiesmusic1984 You Might is a great tune. Love it.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@80ssynthfan48 It is excellent.All of the album is great. Both of his first two albums are first class. As well as really inventive, quite complex song structures that delivered straightforward sounding pop songs,his lyrics were very thoughtful and incisive commentaries on the times. Cloak and Dagger is about the surveillance state, I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me is a plea for nuclear disarmament, and Human Racing echoes You Might and Wild Horses in admonishing the dog eat dog capitalism of the eighties. I think it is fair to say Nik resided on the left.

[@Tuinuiski]

Wouldn't It Be Good is a great song that I still listen to this day. Very meaningful lyrics too.

[@annika_panicka]

Thanks, Prof - You've made a crappy day a happy one. I didn't know much about this song, but as per usual you've provided a wealth of information and conducted a great interview. I love and appreciate you and your positive vibe and passion for music. I'm planning to support you on Patreon soon. I'm sort of holding out for an Elvis Costello "lesson" but ultimately it's because my finances are iffy due to the strikes. ❤ from 🗽 Oh! Ten minutes into the video I realized that this song ( Nik's version) was used in the "Extras" Series 2 Christmas special when Ricky Gervais was palling around with Jonathan Ross.

[@duncankomenda86]

Me and my other half Juls heard NIK sing it live on 4th Oct 2023. To hear it was unbelievable and it sounded simply perfect and man! Can Nik play guitar and his vocals have not lost a note. Great interview!

[@kleptrep94]

Honestly Nik Kershaw's one of my favourite underappreciated 80s musicians much like Thomas Dolby and Breakfast Club. All his songs are great but my personal favourites are "Cowboys And Indians", "You Think", "Roses", "Faces", "James Cagney", "Bogart", "Cloak And Dagger", "15 Minutes", "Don't Let Me Out Of My Cage", "L.A.B.A.T.Y.D", "Drum Talk", "Easy" and "Know How".

[@Bkokane]

Cloak & Dagger and L.A.B.A.T.Y.D are a couple of my favourites. James Cagney is up there too.

[@kleptrep94]

@@Bkokane I swear he must have been one of the first if not the first musician to term the phrase "Life's a bitch and then you die", right?

[@Tpanther775]

I never understood why this never made the 40. Love this song! Just proved how unbelievably hard it was to make to the Top 40 in 1984.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So many great songs! Have you heard his other songs?

[@Tpanther775]

@@ProfessorofRock actually no. But I aim to. You got me curious on the other songs. So for sure i'm checking them out.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

1984 is the best year ever. I paused Karate Kid to comment on this video and have to say that soundtrack was kicking!

[@appledoreman]

It was a Top 5 song here in UK.

[@TheNightBadger]

@@Tpanther775 Well worth checking out some of his other big UK hits: 'I Won't Let the Sun Go Down On Me', 'The Riddle', and 'Wide Boy'. To me, The Riddle and Wide Boy take me straight back to late '84 early '85 emotionally. He was gone as a hitmaker by late '86, so he really sits in that perfect '84 / '85 period (as xxlilly says it was a great year). He also wrote 'The One and Only' which got to #1 in the UK in 1991 as the theme for the movie 'Buddy's Song', and was also used in the Michael J Fox movie 'Doc Hollywood' not long after and became a US top 10 hit.

[@Mikeytunes76]

Dude I totally dig your channel! You always have really cool interviews and dig into the background of some of my favorite tunes. I really dug the Survivor bit you did and talked about Jimi James who’s one of the best singers of that era or any era for that matter. This was really cool too and reconnected me with one of my favorite tunes from when I was a kid. It brought back a lot of great memories. Thanks bro and keep up the good work!

[@andyscott5277]

Thanks for this interview! Love Nik Kershaw. Think he’s pretty underrated, particularly here in the States. Just a fantastic songwriter and performer. Love watching his live shows on YT, wish I could have been there, but I was born in ‘84 😅

[@ericcrawford3453]

Professor I'm proud of you man you have lived your dream , you have talked to some of the biggest lege ds in Rock & shared it with all of us. Keep on T.C.B.ing it man. 🤟

[@jillwklausen]

Learning about his song writing process was so fascinating. I don't actually remember this song at all, but I recognize that it fits well with the Petty in Pink soundtrack for sure. And how amazing is it that even all these years later it's having a positive impact on young people's lives. Thank you so much for bringing us this inspirational interview, Adam. Have an excellent day.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Jill!

[@xtrachrisb488]

What a melody!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I still hear it every now and then when I’m out and about.

[@kevinorr6880]

Those films were/are amazing! They still create emotion in me. I did have a love for these characters that has not gone away. GREAT song.

[@darrenscriven7595]

Grew up listening to Human Racing album by Nik Kershaw. One of the best songs of the day from 84. One of those songs i throw the earphones on, and go on a melodical journey with Nik. Professor of Rock, great work. Thanks for memory lane👍

[@chadergeist]

I consider this song my theme song that deals with my struggle with depression, suicidal thoughts and the pain that i endure all of of my adult life, etc.

[@roymichalik2580]

I first heard this song, believe it or not, in 2022, thanks to satellite radio. Whether it got any airplay on Detroit radio back in 1984, I was too young to remember. But I heard it randomly, it intrigued me so I left it on, and then couldn’t get it out of my head for weeks. Started researching Nik Kershaw and the rest of his musical repertoire, and it didn’t take long before I was completely hooked. He is a damn musical genius, and now ranks among my favorite artists. Even traveled to England last year to see him perform live during his UK tour, and am planning to do so again this year. So glad you did this interview, perhaps it will bring more exposure to others like me who didn’t experience this song the first time around.

[@akbarlebowitz8151]

Loved the song and video!! If not for MTV, I might not have heard it until later in my life.

[@The_Jimrod]

I always felt Nik's tracks were some of the most lyrically thoughtful of the 80's - much deeper than the pop genre they were pegged into. I think Human Racing's "Well there's a man, A real pace setter, Coming after me, And after him there's someone better, And after him there's me" was such a perfect summary of the rat race of the 80's.

[@nsbmiller]

"They fill your head with clever verses and then they disappear".... agree, an absolutely brilliant song. I sometimes play "Faces" (from the same album) live too.... "There's no need for you to do or see we'll do your thinking for you if you'll agree, we will be your body we will be your mind and you can leave the real world behind... for a moment I was taken in, they were in my body; they were under my skin, until I heard a voice crying 'SET ME FREE!' and I realised that it was ME" Genius!

[@sharonmattox]

l LOVE this song!! It's brilliant! I actually saw Nik Kershaw open for Paul Young in the 80s at the Paramount in Seattle. He was great! 😊❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

As a teenage fan of new wave, I wish I was there!

[@Era515]

I "saw" Nik in Vancouver at the Queen E theatre on the same tour. The sound was too muddy & loud for Nik's set, so we left our seats until Paul started; the sound was way better for Paul's set. We were there for Paul, (I'm still a major fan), and I'd totally forgotten about Nik until this episode of POR. 😳

[@brentcox7772]

Very cool interviews! Great insight! Awesome song! See you tomorrow!🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@davej.4989]

Been a Nik Kershaw from the beginning. He never ceases to amaze. Still a huge fan today.

[@iansnyder274]

Ty. I adore Nik and his music. Wonderful and timeless ❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s a cool guy.

[@diamondunicorn1983]

Thank you for this interview. Nik Kershaw has been one of my favorites since that day in July 1985 at live aid. He has a great catalog of songs that the US population sorely missed out on. Good job professor. 🎉

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That was an impeccable Live Aid performance.

[@danielc1978]

Dude! Who HAVEN't You interviewed?! Love this song!

[@sheer64]

Another great interview

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@thoom42]

One of my favourite songs as a kid. I put the record in my window to tell the world how great it was. The sun warped the vinyl. The ecstasy and the agony of youth.

[@johnglielmi6428]

To be honest, I was 24 when this song came out and I never heard it being played on any of my local radio stations in the Chicagoland area. I've lived here my whole life and this is the first time I'm hearing of this song.

[@clacicle]

A lot of great music from the UK never made it to the US or wasn’t promoted so much. I grew up in Holland and this was on all the time.

[@sspencer4036]

@@clacicle I grew up in Ireland and was thinking the same thing. There are a ton of 80's songs from America that I never heard simply because at the time they just never made it across the pond.

[@clacicle]

@@sspencer4036 But, I have to say that when it comes to the new wave and some pop music of the 80’s, the music coming out of the UK as well as Australia and New Zealand was way ahead of most of the music coming out of the US. A lot of the US stuff was just….blah (with some exceptions of course). I still recall having my little black and white tv hooked up to some old speakers and we’d just gotten sky tv so there was a daily stream of music videos. What an amazing experience! The music and accompanying videos were out of this world and I was hooked. Good times.

[@sspencer4036]

@@clacicle But would we think those songs were blah if we had been exposed to them at the time? Oh man, getting those channels in was like the invention of fire! 😂😂😂

[@clacicle]

@@sspencer4036 Well, I was sort of exposed to 80s American music because I spent several summers there visiting my grandparents. A kid who lived down the street from them introduced me to mtv at the time and it was great. But, nothing like the music we had on sky tv. There was an intimacy to it that I didn’t sense with most of the American music at that time. It definitely was an absolutely amazing thing though. Every afternoon I’d come home from school and turn on my little tv to watch music videos.

[@thomashoeger1615]

Every time I hear this song it stays in my head for days! And the message, good for perspective and grounding. Most definitely a beautiful and perfect song!

[@the_katman2181]

I LOVE this song - it's the perfect pop tune. Such a great intro hook, great lyrics. Such good songwriting.

[@ericbgordon1575]

I probably heard "Wouldn't It Be Good" when it was new. One thing is for sure: I dig this interview with Nick Kershaw and what he shares.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A great song.

[@JamesDavis-sh9gh]

My 80's underrated classic would be Mexican Radio by Wall of Voodoo. That would be a track to tackle on your channel if you want to. Other than that, keep up the great work, Adam.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great suggestion!

[@LazyIRanch]

That would be a great topic! What an iconic video they made for that song. I remember in the 80s when MTV was on TV most of the day at our home, when that video came on I had to go watch again. Always makes me crave some delicious Mexican food! Years ago I bought a black t-shirt at a thrift store that has the words "Mexican Radio" in big red letters wrapped around an image of an old-fashioned microphone. There's no mention of "Wall of Voodoo" but on the back of the shirt in small letters it has a website address for Stan Ridgway. I looked it up online but didn't find that shirt, or any shirts for sale. I've searched eBay, never found another one. Kinda weird, I guess there weren't many made. I was going to sell it on eBay but never found any comps so didn't know how to price it. I also really like the shirt, so I'll just keep it rather than selling it cheap. I love the shirt but get lots of side-eye when I wear it. I'm in California near the border, most people in my community have Mexican family roots. I wish people would just ask me what it means instead of giving me stink-eye!

[@jeffreyleonard7210]

Moar beans!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s so catchy! Whoa oh. Radio.