The Arrows - I Love Rock 'n' Roll | The Story Behind The Song | Top 2000 a gogo

[@351528]

Great story and I'm glad he's still profiting from the song so many years later. Side note, he's aged incredibly well! Wow!

[@Mo_Ketchups]

351528 ... It’s not surprising to see what money can do for aging well. Looks like he dyes his lettuce in Worcester sauce, so half the work’s done right there. ✌️

[@bananenmus_tv1483]

He died on March 29 2020.

[@leannemo7382]

The Covid-19 virus took his life yesterday, on March 29, 2020. My heart goes out to his daughter and the rest of his family/friends. RIP Alan Merrill.

[@ludovica8221]

He was the most beautiful boy and the most beautiful man outside and inside

[@ludovica8221]

He had amazing genes, his mother is 91 and his father also lived into his 90s. I always thought he would too. He worked out every day and ate healthy food. Such a shock he was taken by this virus. He could pass for 20 years younger to look at.

[@soulnik]

5:05 "I make the money, I never gave up the rights." This is the important takeaway part of the video. RIP, Alan!

[@richalderson6069]

RIP my man, you gave us a true classic.

[@brooklynbabe7896]

Classic times my friend I loved this version And the Joan Jett version too rest in peace Alan Merrill

[@TimD.Morand]

Thank you, Mr. Alan Merrill, for your incredible contribution to rock and roll history.

[@michaelharling3977]

Tim D. Morand .

[@SuperAceuno1]

I never heard of him until today but obviously he made a huge impact in the music world

[@thatoneveryfunnychannel2482]

So sad he’s gone :(

[@Romchikthelemon]

\m/

[@shorerocks]

What a cool guy. You are never too old to rock'n'roll.

[@NessieT]

RIP Alan., Paul & Jake Thank you for the music. I miss seeing your shows Alan xxx

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

Wise man! Kept what belongs to him and didn't get ripped off by the business. Hats off.

[@uncleelmer]

Great attitude. Great outlook on life. Nice to hear a real success story without tales of rehabs and destitution. Very uplifting story. Thank you so much.

[@Jillsarocknroller]

Alan Merrill is a huge talent... I love him!

[@ludovica8221]

Me too

[@ludovica8221]

Miss you Jill

[@Ndlanding]

Now that was a proper story behind the song. Thanks!

[@Top2000agogo]

It's good to hear that, spread the word!

[@toastee3]

Good for him! I never knew this story. Thought Joan Jett wrote it. Heard her version on the radio and loved it the first listen as a teenager. And now all these years later I I know the real story... Amazing!

[@rajatsahota24]

This song is timeless. I wouldn't be shocked to hear a new version of this song even in 2060.

[@jorgejohnson451]

The lesson here kids is NEVER SELL THE RIGHTS TO ANYTHING YOU EVER CREATE.

[@Riazor1370]

The song is his baby, he got a strong faith that it is gonna be big. His patient paid up.

[@Mo_Ketchups]

Jorge Johnson ... For “Exhibit B,” watch this awesome series’ episode on that “Eye of the Tiger” loon. That guy eats money omelettes for breakfast from that ONE cheesy chyoon!

[@MickSG.]

Exactly, just look at the guy who wrote The Witcher book series, he sold the rights to it for 10k. It ended up making hundreds of millions.

[@barkboingfloom]

Dolly Parton knew that when Elvis wanted to buy I Will Always Love You. She held fast, and 20 years later Whitney made Dolly a gazillionaire!

[@myoneblackfriend3151]

I have a music producer friend that I spoke with today. If I wrote a song that made $250/day it would make just over $92,000 the first year. Forty years later it would have brought in $ 3,650,000.00. I asked her if I could write four songs.

[@paulbragget383]

I remember the Joan Jett version came out (and got to number one) when I was at university. I remember thinking "I'm sure I've heard that somewhere before." Many years later I realised I must have heard it on the Arrows tv show 5 years earlier.

[@k.d.8108]

Rest in Peace Legend. Your Music lives on.

[@countys32]

Perfect example of writing one hit song and being set for life. It had to be released and be a hit for 6-7 artists for that to happen though.

[@erad67]

Sounds like he's happy to take it. :)

[@bustershobby]

@@erad67 - who wouldn't? he wrote that song. he should be paid.

[@erad67]

@@bustershobby Yes, he should!

[@valmarsiglia]

Damn. I'd be more than happy to have a hit like that under my belt.

[@KowankoMusic]

I played a show with Alan recently, lovely man!

[@thatfullmoonguy2330]

I think so too. Unfortunately, I hear he's passed away this year. The corona thing....

[@fabnekko]

Great interview! What a pro! He nails his talking points!

[@ludovica8221]

LOL you made me laugh ILY Fabnekko

[@Primalonna]

A short lived band, the Arrows had three hit singles in the UK charts 1974-'75 before they released "I Love Rock N Roll" - "Touch Too Much" (#6) "Toughen Up" (#51) and "My Last Night With You" (#23) but their 4th single "I Love Rock N Roll" was promoted very weakly by their label RAK.. But the song got them a TV series the next year 1976 after performing it on a TV show called "45" in 1975. The Arrows TV show is where Joan Jett first heard the song and she bought their record. The song has had an interesting life with crazy twists and turns. The Arrows lead singer Alan Merrill wrote the song, which has been a good thing for him, I'm sure!!

[@CandleLight1974]

Sadly, the original version was a little too slow and lacked punch which was very surprising given many of their other songs.

[@ludovica8221]

@@CandleLight1974 It had plenty of punch, it simply didnt get the promotion because the label failed to promote the single to punish them for getting uppity and taking on a manager

[@CandleLight1974]

@@ludovica8221 I know about the label's failure to promote and the reasons why, but there is something about their up tempo songs that lacks punch. This is one example and 'Gotta Be Near You' (that should have been a single and, with the right production, would have been a stormer) is another of which there are many. They need to be a beat or half a beat faster and the accent points more accentuated. That's nothing against the band as their live performances that are available (I'm not old enough to have seen them live) are so energetic and on point, but simply down to poor production. For all his fame and status, Mickie Most wasn't much cop. It takes a special kind of incompetence to make 'I Love Rock n Roll' sound dull.

[@ludovica8221]

@@CandleLight1974 You have to remember that ALL the songs Alan wrote for the band were destined/ intended to be B-sides (RAK policy was to go with Chinnichap Coulter/Martin or Roger Ferris for the A-sides) and had to be dashed off in the smallest amount of studio time possible. Those songs were simply never given the airtime, while songs like Broken Down Heart had a ton of studio time and extras thrown at it and still sounds ploddy anyway

[@ludovica8221]

@@CandleLight1974 Actually I think the A-side version isnt at all dull, but even then Mickie Most's heart had definitely moved on to bands like Kenny and Smokie and he wasnt interested in Arrows anymore.

[@bbsteviebb]

Such a cool guy! Loved his TV show in the seventies, used to watch it every week and saw him play with Meat Loaf in the eighties.

[@denonhd8]

That classic Gibson Ripper Bass. I have a Tobacco Burst Fretless version. Awesome bass.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

Man, he thanked me personally in the comments for saying his version of Walk Away Renee* was the best one, and died months later. A great talent who so many in the US have never heard of. RIP, Alan Merrill. *look that one up. The perfect pop song.

[@therugburnz]

The tempo is great. I loved playing this in cover bands. It might be a Merl Haggard crowd for the bikers but ALL the ladies would and still do, I'm sure, shake their money maker's when this number got played. God Bless You arrow man.

[@Ianhaddon]

This song made my ears wake up to music.Thanks Alan Merrill and Joan Jett.

[@revolutionday1]

Just got news that Alan has died from the CoVid-19 virus, at the age of 69. I had JUST discovered this video a few weeks ago, and developed a respect for the man..... R~I~P

[@ludovica8221]

He was a lovely, lovely person My heart is so broken :(

[@markfryer9880]

This virus has no respect for anyone worthwhile.

[@declanquaile5247]

RIP Alan Merrill. He died from Coronavirus in New York on 29th March 2020.

[@glenngarofano5661]

THIS SONG BELONG IN THE HALL OF FAME.

[@AuntieSDC]

RIP Alan Merrill. The horrid COVID19 has claimed another life March 2020.

[@butcherbabys]

Rip

[@Charliegirl2]

That is too sad. 💔

[@ROCKYBLUEDOGS]

R.I.P. Alan .....I remember your show on t.v growing up in the late 70's in England sorry your gone to Coronavirus of all things at 69.

[@amerocker]

Wow. Alan Merrill was a grateful Rock musician. I don't hear about many sincerely grateful Rock musicians.

[@chadlovelock5932]

Great energy and an amazing career!

[@kaibyogoten5818]

So great! He was starting his career in Japan!!! It's the legend.

[@marzbarz1849]

So tragic Alan passed during the early days of covid, may he rest in peace. Such a talented and sweet guy.

[@bebehoules]

Great interview, thanks for posting!

[@steveifko255]

A classic rock anthem.

[@ludovica8221]

Alan Merrill is the real deal ♥

[@DrWhom]

sweet guy

[@slackdude1]

He was the real thing wasn’t he. Missed the boat and caught the plane. Wears it on his sleeve and loved what he was doing. His secret was sheer talent and dedication.

[@sirshagamore]

Proper gent! Respect!!

[@lylewilliams1371]

THANK YOU!!! My FAVORITE Rock ‘n’ Roll song, EVER!!!!!!

[@ludovica8221]

Miss him so much :(

[@Lensman864]

RIP Alan Merrill ... You'll be missed. (Covid-19 victim. March 30th 2020.)

[@ludovica8221]

29th march in the very early morning.

[@susanwoo7855]

Fantastic! He's lovely.

[@well_i_liked_it]

Such a grateful guy!

[@billydenkmusic]

RIP, Alan. A true talent!

[@jcstevegigs]

Man, to write a song like this!! Glad he’s living well!

[@gtrdoc911]

Funny how the greatness of a song is mostly due to the performance. Joan Jett's "angry girl" snarl really makes this song.

[@mikewazowski350]

I have thought many times why hadn't a guy sang it about a girl, but low and behold it was Joan Jett who covered the song. Good story! Glad he didn't sell the rights! He deserves all the money he is making!

[@ludovica8221]

He made very little money from the Joan Jett version

[@bhk5150]

Excellent song. Better attitude. I like this guy.

[@cyvais]

RIP Alan... you made your mark, you're immortal.

[@johno4521]

RIP Alan Merrill, just another statistic of coronavirus....

[@CandleLight1974]

The only celebrity casualty so far to not have had an underlying condition.

[@pebblesmounier4043]

😪🙏

[@thatfullmoonguy2330]

Oh no! I didn't know that! What a shame. I still owe him a personal favor. A great musician and a nice man, told me a story about the time he played with Meat Loaf. Here on KZbin, that is, not in real life. But nevertheless. He will be missed, and remembered.

[@sabinewenz2918]

A great fantastic musician 🎶❣️🎤

[@Bluewater3272]

RIP Alan. We knew each other briefly...over a 5 year period.

[@geemac7267]

I love rocky road too.

[@RavnerRavner]

you know what's up

[@videodudeX]

Al is that you?

[@I_like_turtles_67]

Vanilla just needs to be cold.

[@ShaolinthibaudBarbarella-sc4xk]

Thanks for writing that great song , brother

[@lisag18]

RIP, Alan Merrill. Passed from Corona virus 3/29/2020 You'll be missed.

[@rexmaximilian9548]

My sophomore year in high school we went to a wrestling tournament. I had brought my Boom Box with me and had Joan's cassette. The morning of the first day of the tourney before any matches started, different teams were sitting in different parts of the stands. Once your match started you just went down, wrestled, then returned to the area of your stands with the rest of the team. Anyway, that morning I decided to play "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" just loud enough for my teammates to enjoy. The team next to us asked me to turn it up. I did. Then we were requested to turn it up again by other teams. By mid-song the entire gym was singing along to the chorus. It was just popular enough at that time for most everyone to know it. I will never forget that day!

[@vivicola]

Fun video clip! He's great!!

[@timallbritton7329]

He was a great talent. His version of Walk Away Renee (a 60s song) is just flawless. RIP.

[@staceywood4369]

What a fantastic story!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@brooklynbabe7896]

Beautiful story Rest in peace Alan Merrill 🇬🇧🇦🇩🙏💞🇮🇱🇮🇪🇯🇲🇨🇦🇺🇸🕎✡️💔🕊️🙀😱😿🇭🇲🇸🇭😇✡️🕎🇸🇭🇸🇭😢😭😘😮‍💨

[@bananenmus_tv1483]

R.I.P. Alan Merrill who died on March 2020 due the Corona-virus.

[@anotherhandle2364]

I found out about Alan Merril and down the rabbit hole, I went onto learning about him. Came across 2 or 3 NY Public Access TV shows that had less than 50 views. I was impressed by him. In addition, he had done a lot in Japan and elsewhere. My takeaway was that he was a great guy, that his manager and record label let him down. At least he retained his rights to that famous song that is still in rotation on the stations I listen to while driving. One band, he formed was Vodka Collins? Found a video where he gives shoutouts to Joan, Brittney, and Miley for keeping his song alive by introducing it to new generations. Sorry that the virus got him.

[@jivingjunkosan4245]

I love this guy! xx

[@Kim-Ohio-Fuzz]

Peace And Love Alan Merrill

[@licketyslick]

Great interview!!

[@phoenixmoon3]

such a good sport! I only first heard the Joan Jet version. This was a cool one.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

Alan was a very close friend of Laura Nyro, arguably the most influential singer/songwriter after Bob Dylan: a Bronx prodigy and genius. 'Wedding Bell Blues' (1966).

[@licketyslick]

His aunt (mother's sister) married her mother's brother. They were always close.

[@ludovica8221]

Step-cousins, but in a big clannish family where everyone was close

[@robertwilson5058]

Wonderful! I miss Alan.

[@jamiemartinez8674]

RIP Alan Merrill..a victim of Coronavirus..sad

[@funguy29]

lovely man

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Wow, that was the best story ever. I had no idea. Good for him.

[@MarkFromHawaii]

So cool! Good on ya Alan Merrill.

[@angelagreen8221]

Loved you Alan from watching your Arrows show when at school in England got album still have, but know wrote a loads of good songs after and still gigging in March 2020 when last time heard from you on fan page, just found out as all went silent could not understand found out today you died from Coronavirus!!!!!!!! I am absolutely gutted, and so sad words cannot express. RIP 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@cazw179]

RIP Alan 😭

[@W103WWRW]

Check out Alan in the Band "Runner".

[@asaxon3rd590]

Great band, Runner!

[@sydkid67]

A True Classic...R.I.P. Man

[@bennydudkevitch]

RIP & Shalom Alan Merrill...

[@leefreed2060]

Awesome story. So cool

[@caseyandrews1981]

Rest :-( Alan Merrill has passed from COVID-19 :-(

[@BillMcGirr]

Very cool story. Iconic song. Good stuff.💪👍

[@lt9316]

He looks great for his age, rock music does a body well....

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Pretty cool!🤘

[@TigerLikesTail]

RIP Legend. :-(

[@MartinMcAvoy]

It is so cool that Joan took a sleazy three chord wonder and turned it up to eleven. RIP Alan Merrill.

[@gardenia81]

Love you Alan 💔 Rest easy

[@aacrobatt1705]

This song was way before its time The mark of a Genius.

[@Jean-ct1xo]

Señoras y señores el genio Alan Merril

[@DestinyFilmWorks]

God Rest You Alan Merrill.

[@imsomewhatcertain1024]

A lot of people forget Joan Jett and the Blackheart’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” is a cover song.

[@asianfacility5682]

The Great glam Rock Anthem!

[@michaelsievers8476]

Rip ....but that song man it will carry on

[@MrChristian]

RIP Alan Merrill!!

[@ticofoto2063]

Woow amazing story ✌️

[@saveriosalemme5366]

RIP Alan, you will be missed 🎸

[@seangerant653]

wow...i never know that was a cover !!!

[@HotrodsnRock]

R.I.P.

[@eeshsinger]

rip mr alan merrill

[@yuspapillon7070]

RIP ALAN MERRILL - THE ARROWS ...

[@janeleekeller]

R I P Alan Merrill