80s Band Tells The Incredible Story Behind Their Classic One Hit Wonder | Professor of Rock
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- Released in 1988, The Promise was When In Rome’s debut single. It was written by all three band Members Clive Farrington, Andrew Mann and Michael Floreale. It’s a song that has only grown in status since that day and it still mesmerizes me as one of the greatest love songs of a decade known for great love songs. I was very fortunate to interview 2 of the 3 writers Clive Farrington and Andrew Mann about it. Here they are with the story behind The Promise, and how movies like Napoleon Dynamite introduced it to a new generation
We Have New MERCH! bit.ly/Profess...
Thank you to this Episodes Sponsor, Zenni Optical
Incredible Prices on New Glasses - bit.ly/ZenniOp...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Producer
Brandon Fugal
Honorary Producers
Michael Bedenbaugh, J Lee, Tom Malanga, Casey Gallagher, Ardashir Lea, James Smith, Brian G
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access To Backstage Content
Become a Patron - bit.ly/Professo...
Check Out My Hand Picked Selection Below
Professor's 80s Store
- 100 Best Selling Albums amzn.to/3h3qZX9
- Ultimate History of 80s Teen Movie amzn.to/3ifjdKQ
- 80s to 90s VHS Video Cover Art amzn.to/2QXzmIX
- Totally Awesome 80s A Lexicon amzn.to/3h4ilrk
- Best In Ear Headphones (I Use These Every Day) amzn.to/2ZcTlIl
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here for Premium Content: bit.ly/SignUpF...
bit.ly/Faceboo...
bit.ly/Instagr...
#80s #Rock #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 80s songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community with music history video essay's. If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to see our brand new show there.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 79 | คู่เอก "ก้องชัย vs อาเมียร์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WfPSA1A0NHc/mqdefault.jpg)
![HIWWHEE | OHM [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OJJLtTLqLag/mqdefault.jpg)
Poll: What is the most memorable piano part from an 80s song?
October - U2
home sweet home - motley crue
Bruce Hornsby - The Way It Is
Right Now by Van Halen
Don't stop Believin'...I had to go find a piano and learn it.
I work in a local casino where I live. Before Covid, we had cover bands playing at the bar in the center of the casino. One of the bands that was in regular rotation always played The Promise as their closer. The lead singer was always sure to announce that it was the greatest song ever written, apparently his absolute favorite. They always did it justice. Their rendition was spot on.
The 80's will always be one of the most unique decades ever !
...I'm a rock guy, but "The Promise" is ALWAYS in my playlist!
One of the greatest love songs of all time. Brings a tear to my eyes every time I hear it and let myself fall into its story.
It really does have that magical power. Thanks Russ.
This is one of my favorite songs from that decade. Always welcomed once it came on the radio! Glad Napoleon Dynamite helped bring it back into people's minds.
What a blast from the past! This When In Rome album was one of the first things I ever bought with my own money. I completely wore it out, I loved it so much. I was so excited to see it show up on Napoleon Dynamite. Now, it’s one of my all-time favorite workout tracks.
I'm so glad POR mentioned this song! It was one of my favorites from what was one of the last years of the '80s British invasion in the U.S. that also included (just from 1988 alone) Breathe ("Hands to Heaven," "How Can I Fall"), Johnny Hates Jazz ("Shattered Dreams"), Scarlett and Black ("You Don't Know"), and Giant Steps ("Another Lover") along with bigger names like Def Leppard, Rick Astley, Elton John, George Harrison (with his last big U.S. hit "Got My Mind Set on You") George Michael, and Duran Duran.
...LADY JANET!! ....GIANT STEPS!???? ...I have the promo CD-5 of that tune, with the remixes!! ...I thought I was the ONLY ONE who remembered that tune!!
Great stuff. Love Johnny Hates Jazz!
No sir. I dug it as well!
I ❤ Breathe and Johnny Hates Jazz (the latter still performing). If the professor could score interviews with all those guys, particularly David Glasper who has been elusive since the '90s, would be spectacular!🤩
Thanks, just checked ‘em out. You Don’t Know’s beat sounds exactly that of Everybody Wants to Rule the World.
You live a charmed life, Professor: getting to interview the musicians, hear their stories behind the best pop of your best years.
We are fortunate to be the beneficiaries of your labor of love. Thank you 🙏
Man, I love this song. I swear I look cool when I sing it word for word. My kids disagree.
Laughed out loud to your comment! Absolutely know what you're saying... 😂
I loved this song the second I heard it. I had moved from Florida to Chicago for college and was supporting myself by mobile DJing. I had my girlfriend with me on this particular occasion as I had been chosen to DJ their company Xmas party (retail clothing). Needless to say, the white guy from Florida trying to DJ an urban clientele in Chicago, our music tastes were misfiring. I was finally able to reach them by playing disco and funk and we all had fun. The last song of the evening I mixed in "The Promise" by When In Rome... I was wearing a tux. No one wanted to dance to this... so I grabbed my girlfriend and tripped the light fantastic. I danced her ass around the floor in as adventurous a fashion as I could while everyone stood on the sidelines and started to clap. I dipped her and kissed her at the end and there was applause! Weird way to end a party, but very out-of-the ordinary and memorable to me. I always crank "The Promise" and "Heaven Knows I Tried" when I hear it. The chugging synth bassline, the piano... perfect pop.
This song is on a "best of the 80's" CD I love to listen to when on a road trip. When it comes on, I sing along, loudly. Romantic, and great depth of feeling.
You’ve done it again Professor!! Have always loved this song - it’s a true classic of the late 80’s when, to be honest, I didn’t find a whole lot on the charts that was this appealing. I was more of an early to mid 80’s fan. But this song is timeless. As always thanks for sharing with us all! You seem to always know the songs that have touched us and stayed with us for so many years!
Thanks Mort!
An incredible song!!! I was a senior in high school. The first time i heard it I fell in love with it. I right way bought the 12 inch record and still have it today!!!!
Loved the interview... but let's appreciate the awesome table made from old cassettes.
I actually heard this song for the first time at a church picnic! My friends and I were in love with this song (I still am!). This song makes me think of green grass, warm evening, and laughing.
Hey Adam, great “article” today! LOVE THIS SONG!! I knew the first time I heard it, it was a hit! It’s the melody, the tempo, the implied romanticism (cuz who knew what they were singing back in the day!). I remember feeling the same way with Captain of the Heart by the Swiss band Double (pronounced Doo-bleh)…. I too, remember 1988 being an AWESOME time for music!! So many great songs, so many different genres represented….
I miss the variety…
I too miss the variety Dan. I remember the first time I heard both this song and Double. Love Captain of my Heart. It calms me. Thanks for sharing....
You are so correct in saying their voices fit like a glove and it's funny how many artists say that the song just happens organically. Also Napolean Dynamite rocks and it was used perfectly in this movie. Great interview professor
I agree on all fronts!
@Anna Trail hello, hope you had a great Christmas! I had a good one, got to see my mom and my children. Not my favorite style music but I did like this song and others like it from this time too.
Great song. The final scene in Napoleon Dynamite helped me appreciate this song 🎵. Napoleon and Deb playing tether ball, " I caught you a delicious bass."
"Thanks"
"When you need a friend
Don't turn to a stranger
You know in the end
I will always be there"
This song was the message of that film. Pedro supported Napoleon when Trish ditched Napoleon at the dance. "You can dance with Deb." Napoleon supported Pedro, "Vote for Pedro. He will make your wildest dreams come true." I thought the friendship of these three characters was sweet in a school full of popular people. There is strength in friendship ❤
Well put.
I love this comment. You really nailed it.
100%
@Anna Trail HI Anna. 👋 I love the movie Napoleon Dynamite. It is funny, but is has a positive message. Be true to your friends!
Yes. There is 6 inches of snow and very cold. 7 degrees yesterday.
What an amazing vocal range these guys have on this beautiful song and melody. Instantly recognizable and has certainly remained timeless and a favorite of mine. As always a great song choice to highlight Professor. Thank you!!
I was a sophomore in high school when this came out, and I remember being hooked on it the moment I heard the piano intro immediately followed by the drum machine (which for some reason reminded me of Depeche Mode's "People are People"). It was like hearing two musical worlds collide, and I loved it. Listening to the lyrics, and being a romantic at heart, I knew that this song was one that would become part of my DNA. To this day, I find myself listening to it on repeat quite often.
No kidding!
I have always absolutely loved this song, but it has a newfound special place in my heart because my son recently played it at his middle school piano recital.
Oh how much I loved The Promise. This song was played every time I went to the teen night club and it reminds me so much of my friends.
So this song is HUGE to me. In 1988 I had a girl who I was COMPLETELY head over heels in love with, but my parents and her parents thought we were poison. Therefore, I was forced to move almost 200 miles away to live with my older brother. They were effectively trying to end the relationship.
Then, one morning I called into the morning show at the Top 40 station that I knew the signal would reach her. Then I called her and told her to turn on the radio.
We've now been together for nearly 35 years, and we're still going strong.
That is a great story. Well played sir...
The Promise is one of my favorites! Grew up in the 80s, and love all the Prof of Rock music, plus some more ;)
I have never heard of this song and I have an extensive 70's and 80's collection. I was in my late 20's when this came out and I can only guess that it was when I stopped listening to the radio and/or watching MTV. Just goes to show you always miss something. EDIT: Just listened to it and it doesn't suck but it didn't do anything for me. And I have many many love songs in my collection. Don't mean to step on anybody's toes just being honest.
I also have no memory of this, and I was deep into Mtv, watching as much as 12 hours a day! It's almost like a Mandela Effect.
How refreshing Gary to hear honest, constructive thoughts on the song. Personally, the story behind the song is what makes it shine even for me & I never get tired of the live performance. Your comment only means one thing to me. Go further..
Thank you x
I always thought I was the only one that had discovered this song! It was on all my mixed tapes and any '80s playlist I've ever put together. Brilliant on many layers.
Love how he gave God the praise for his harmony chops!
I bought the CD because of this song. This was before the internet. I needed access to this song. I honestly expected more from the other tracks but I had no regrets. Even the band name and sleeve art were awesome.
I remember hearing a gorgeous dance cover of it growing up on a club radio show in the 90s and I called up and asked the DJ what song it was, and while I was trying to find it to buy, I found out it was a cover and that the original was even better. Still haven't found the dance cover, though, and I wish I could lol! But When In Rome were one of those blink-and-you'll-miss-then bands that still ended up having a huge impact on the music scene, and had such emotion-laden music. I'm glad I came across them!
This is why I look forward to these programs everyday is getting gems such as this one well done interview for artists such as when in Rome that deserve to be remembered for more than their big hit but what a song they gave us in the promise
Another song I've never heard of and i loved music in the Eighties.
Got my Zenni glasses via FedEx today, Adam. Thanks for pointing me in their direction. Captured the spirit of my awesome 80s frames without being quite as hugely 80s as what I used to wear, but just as cool. I live in Montana so it takes forever to get bifocals locally, and it's expensive, so I saved a bundle and got the glasses in a couple of weeks.
Just played The Promise on my Liked Songs playlist. It fades out and the auto-shuffle algorithm brings on The Edge of Forever by The Dream Academy. Perfect. I melt further into melancholy bliss...
Nice to hear this again. I only 'discovered' this track about 4 or 5 years ago. It was lost when my old iPod Nano gave up the ghost!
I have the pleasure to watching them or he live 2 times!! Back to back years 5 years ago.!! All audience singing and dancing.. Great interview!
Thanks Alberto!
My favorite verse that is me
When me and my wife of 17 years listen to this together
This verse stands out
When your day is through
And so is your temper
You know what to do
I'm gonna always be there
Sometimes if I shout
It's not what's intended
These words just come out
With no cross to bear
Great song another great trip back in time when life wasn't so complicated
Hello my friend how are you today Professor, so the great 80's, some of this brings back so many memories, wonderful memories Professor once again your stories are great!, have a great day!!❤✌
LOVE this song- was in 10th grade when it came out- was a good song to "make-out" as it was playing in the background... had 2, perhaps 3 even, 'first kisses' with this song as my wingman LOL. Likely would be a few more of those 'firsts' if I wasn't so happily spoken for haha! Nostalgia is a fantastic aphrodisiac from what I have observed too. Another great one in the books Professor- Much love to all and Happy New Year!!
Great video. I was a small kid during the late 80s, but remember and cherish this song. Every time I hear it I vividly remember walking through camelot music trying to find the album to buy my mom as a Christmas gift with my dad. Amazing song that has stood the test of time. Thanks, so much.
Definitely one of my favorites of the entire decade...as the Professor stated it only gets better with time....
Season's Greetings Adam! Thanks for the trips down memory lane in what have been a couple pretty challenging years for many. Since my teenage years I've spent many hours by myself just listening to music (my wife doesn't understand how I do it!), and your videos sometimes remind me of songs I haven't heard in ages. The Promise is one that I still have on several playlists and is a classic for sure.
Looking forward to more of your amazing content.
All the best for 2022 sir!!
This song takes me back to my senior year of high school. WOW
I was a teenager in the 80s and honestly this song got swallowed up in the avalanche of amazing music that we all enjoyed. When it played on Napoleon Dynamite I instantly remembered it of course and got a little melancholy and nostalgic for the 80s. Nothing these days compares to the raw talent of the last century. It was truly an amazing era.
I was wrong! I was guessing you were going to talk about Dream Academy's song "Life in a Northern Town" but, The Promise is an iconic tune as well. Good job Professor!
I have only learned to love synth in retrospect. I’m currently deeply involved in hearing minimal wave synth, especially from the mid to late 80s, just when this tune would have appeared. I had always thought of synthesized sounds as soulless and unexpressive. Then comes Depeche Mode with tunes like this and Personal Jesus to show me how wrong I was.
I don't know a great many things, but I do know that this is one of the greatest songs in the history of ever.
Ha ha. Love your comment.
An outstanding song and one of my wife and my songs on our Top 1200 hits of all time. The first time I heard it I knew it was one of my favorites. Then saw it on the movie "Napoleon Dynamite" and it was a perfect song for that scene in the movie.
absolutely classic song...2 cool guys who happened to write one of the 80s greatest songs...this is one of those songs that should have been number 1...actually there is something cool that it made it only to 11 yet it is timeless...
Another 1988 look back. I had no idea what was going on the U.S. Abu Dhabi (pre cable, pre internet, pre cell phone) had 2 day old U.K. focused news papers. I knew only the dance songs (Poison, The Promise, etc.). Thanks for the look back.
So funny he mentioned hearing the song on the radio at Ipanema Beach, here in Brazil. Every kid born in the 80s here love it. And thank heavens we here don’t have this demeaning concept of “one hit wonders”. A hit is a hit. It has meaning in our lives.
One of those great songs I haven’t heard in decades! Thanks POR!
I remember being intrigued by the movie "Rain Man" as I had no idea what autism was. Little did I know, like you Professor, I'd have an autistic son later on in life. As for the song, I believe it's aged well and I have it in my 80s rotation...
Very cool. Thanks for sharing!
***PROF.'S "PROMISE"...*** : ....although this is an 'oldie' Ep, It's gratifying to FINALLY see someone acknowledge the sheer beauty & intelligence of this classic Sophisti-Pop track....to know it peaked at #11 Pop, is a TRAVESTY!! ...But time marches on, but, with 'Promise'..let's shoot back to Dec.,1988, when When In Rome was on the outside, looking IN.... (CONT.)
10. Walk On Water - Eddie Money
9. Welcome To The Jungle - Guns N' Roses
8. My Prerogative - Bobby Brown
7. Waiting For A Star To Fall - Boy Meets Girl
6. Every Rose Has It's Thorn - Poison
5. Giving You The Best That I Got - Anita Baker
4. I Don't Want Your Love (7" Mix) - Duranduran
3. How Can I Fall? - Breathe (this band neeeeeds some LOVE, Prof. ...SERIOUSLY....)
2. Baby I Love Your Way / Freebird (Medley) - Will To Power
1. Look Away - Chicago
....and, a side note Prof.; Me Best Buddy had me over to his place once in CT., and pulled out some cassettes he wanted to give to me....When In Rome's cassette was in the milkcrates, and he made me SWEAR I wouldn't 'dump' it, because The Album meant SO much to him....but, I had the CD, and he FLIPPED, 'cause he thought I wouldn't KNOW of them.....
...SO, we bonded over When In Rome, and I STILL have the cassette, 'cause I upheld my end of....."The Promise"..... I will, I willlllllllllllllllllllll- I willlllllllllllllllllllllll...- I willlllllllllllllllllll.... ha-HAAA!! ..Thanks, Prof.!
Very cool. Look at that 10? Only one song that I'm not excited about. WE should just swap it out for WIR... That WiR had such a distinctive album cover too eh?
@@ProfessorofRock ...Me Bud pointed out the classy chick on the cover, FIRST! ...I said to him, , '...calm down, Boy...' ...ha-HAAA!!
@Anna Trail I'll give you a clue. It's a remake of two songs, where I adore the originals...
@@ProfessorofRock The first one I could never hear again is the #1 Look Away - Chicago. Ironic. My Prerogative immediately follows.
As someone who owns every Marsheaux song, I really appreciate that they specifically called that version out. This song is just legendary.
I can't understand how on Earth you don't get many more subscribers. I love your channel, full of nostalgia and good songs.
such a great song.. thanks for making this video...
Napoleon Dynamite played at the Astoria Queens movie theatre for 1 year. This iconic song ended a beautiful movie about friendship.
I’m going straight to Apple Music when this is over. What a charming pair of guys. The humility of some of these musicians is very surprising to me. Great interview.
I love this channel for this exact type of content. Great song, great memories. Junior high days for me.
You can’t please everybody, but you’ve definitely pleased me. One of my all time favorites.
My favorite song of 80's
1:50 Waiting For A Star To Fall by Boy Meets Girl is an all time favorite of mine. I even learned it on guitar, singing and playing it out in public.
I absolutely love this song!
Amen!
That was the song playing when I lost my fiancé in 1995. We were moving to another state after he finished college to go to grad school. He was also the last person I kissed right before he died. Even when I got married I just did I tiny peck kiss. It wasn't until 2017 I kissed another man. I had promised my love that I wouldn't ever kiss another man if he died on me and I didn't until I found someone I truly loved again. I knew we would be lovers but not meant forever and he transfered out to Cali and I stayed behind because I was just dx with two primary cancers squamous cell carcinoma that spread to my bones (terminal) and endometrial cancer. I think my death sentence allowed me to be completely open and I kissed him. Our memories are perfectly aligned and we bonded over music. We still send songs each week and he's been gone for 4 years and we only spent 10 months together but it was powerful. I sent him this song as one of my song's to him for his Playlist of my song's and then we just combined them and made a full Playlist adding one song at a time. We now have over 700 song's but this song was one of the very first I sent. I knew he would never know the real reason of why this song is so special but I also knew his love of music and he grew up listening to some of the same music since we were teenagers in the late 80's. I have two song's that stop me in my tracks and that's I promise and under the milky way by the church. I am now in remission since 2020 and still not kissed anyone but I'm glad I got to give my heart to another man after all these years.
This was a "Screamer of the Week" for the 1st week of October '87 on WLIR, the station that Dared to be Different (there is even a movie "Dare to be Different", about this little station from Long Island, NY)
That's such an awesome coffee table - what a fantastic use for old cassettes !!
...gotta rewatch Napoleon dynamite now...
My kids just watched it a few weeks ago. I grew up in a town about 1 hour from where it was filmed and based Ha ha.
I confess, this song wasn't quite in my teenage musical palette of choice (think Cincinnati: 96Rock, WBLZ, and Caddy's dance club). But I love this video. I even got choked up about it. I am proud of The Promise, and this is exactly why I enjoy PoR videos.
My story: I listened to this song when I was a kid, in the 90's, on a cassete of my cousin's. Then this tape was lost and I never forgot the song, but I couldn't tell the lyrics. So it was impossible to know what song it was. I just remembered that electronic bass, but I couldn't tell how exactely it was. Then about 24 years later, I was with a girl and we were setting up the room to...date... so I put the cable TV on a radio channel and chose 80's to play. Some music went through and, in the middle of the hum.... dating... The Promise begins, and I stop all the stuff to pay attention and try to understand some of the lyrics, now that I can speak English. The girl hated it (because I litterally woke up and told her I stopped because I had to know what song it was)... but I managed to get all jobs done. And I listened to it every day for a month. It's definitely one of my favorites of all time.
When thinking of this song... All I can think of is my high school romance hits and mostly misses were at it's height when this song was happening.
I was just starting high school when this song charted. I would listen to it on repeat and dream of finding a boyfriend who would emulate the song’s message. It was so ethereal. It really transported me to another place.
….And it took 3:07 to get to the SONG? I was still on the Radio then, and this song does doesn’t ring any bells with me, and I played ‘em ALL!
What do you think now?
This song makes me want a history of two other songs, if you haven't already done them.
Rome Void - Never Say Never
Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy
I don't know how I first heard it but I got the cassette probably at Schoolkid's Records in Ann Arbor as soon as it came out. I did not listen to radio then but I had a radar for good, moving, synth-y new wave-y song. I had met my other half the year before and this became 'our' song, as we made our friendship into a real relationship around the time it came out!
Everything about this song is perfect. I’ll love this song for everrrrr
Farington & Mann were one of the acts on the lost 80s bill, and the promise transported me away!
Never heard this song in my life before this episode.
What do you think?
@@ProfessorofRock Honestly Professor....while it is done well, I am not overwhelmed by it. You have a great channel! 🎵🎸🥁🎤🎹🎶
Another great one. Thank you
Excellent pick, Love the stories behind the songs...
I love the shirt you had in the intro, I was born in ‘71. Love this song!
Isn't it fantastic? Love the first 10 seconds. It really grabs you and you're hooked by the first chorus.
One of my all time fave songs! I remember dude flipping his hair. I thought that was cheesy but I loved the video snd dong.
Happy New Year Adam. Can you ask the interview subjects how they fill their days now. I know many are still are creative but some are doing interesting things that would surprise their fans.
Love you stuff bro :) I'm more of a metal and classic rock guy but I appreciate this song. Reminds me of my mom. Thanks
Great song, definitely one from my formative years. When I was 11 I received a clock radio as a Christmas Present in 1988. It opened up a whole new world of music to me that was beyond just what my parents listened to. And my friends and I gravitated towards the pop stations. Paula Abdul, Information Society, and of course, this song were all staples of that initial year of discovering music that helped individualize myself.
The Promise is my go to Karaoke embarrassing song that I sing. I can’t sing, but love this song.
I wasn't really into the style of music, but for some reason that song was memorable.
I know I'm late to this party, however a recent group that covered the song is SuperFruit with Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying of Pentatonix. It's worth a listen.
Great 80s song it is a vine in my life of the music that always grabs my attention, truly a master piece of the 80s!🙏🏻
one of my favorite bottled lighting
I loved this song then and love it still…..
love this song
My kid loved this one when they saw it on Napoleon Dynamite. And it’s still one of my favorites!
Got to see them perform this track live at a Bayside Queens nightclub (Camouflage) back in the day. Also got my 12" Maxi single signed by 2 bandmates who were most gracious and friendly.
Love When In Rome!
I don't think I was aware of this song when it was new, but became familiar with it during nostalgic "Reagan Rock" broadcasts in the mid-'90s. It's been so long since the 1980s that I'm nostalgic for the early nostalgia waves.
Fantastic song! I may have to check out the whole album
Definitely remember this song. I was a senior in HS 😇 I also liked Richard Marx Endless Summer and Hold on to the Nights.
Thanks for the memories sir! 👊
what a song!
My father loves this song.