D80sV #122: Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer

Daily 80's Video #122: In 1986 Bon Jovi had two major monster hits, "You Give Love A Bad Name" and "Livin' On A Prayer", both off their third album, 1986's 28-million mega monster 12x Platinum (or Diamond) seller Slippery When Wet. "Livin' On A Prayer" was co-written by Jon Bon Jovi and Desmond Child, of whom the story in the song was loosely based, as Tommy and Gina was originally Johnny and Gina, after John, Child's given name, but eventually changed to Tommy for the song to avoid the obvious confusion with Jon Bon Jovi. It's all in this very informative article. Enjoy! Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV. 

D80sV #121: Simple Minds - Don't You Forget About Me

Daily 80's Video #121: This unforgettable song about not being forgotten was a mega-hit in 1985, especially when it was coupled with fellow mega-hit the movie The Breakfast Club. The song was written by Keith Forsey and shopped to various artists at the time including The Fixx, Bryan Ferry, and Billy Idol, but all refused, which is kinda good since I can't even imagine anyone else doing it other than Simple Minds, who only agreed to do it after Jim Kerr, Simple Minds' lead singer's wife Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders convinced him to do so. Sometimes it takes some cajoling to record a mega-smash hit and certainly the biggest hit of your career. Dig Jim Kerr in this video, who looks a tad like Martin Short goofing on being a rockstar at times - kinda funny. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #120: Big Country - In A Big Country

Daily 80's Video #120: Scottish band Big Country burst on the scene in 1983 with their massive hit "In A Big Country", one of those wild-fire debuts that just didn't seem to sustain itself, at least not in America. This song was everywhere in the middle-eighties and I loved it! As far as other hits, Big Country came back around in 86 with the lesser hit "Look Away", but for the most part never recaptured that initial splash. It's a fun video, seeing the boys seemingly on a quest, I guess maybe like the song suggests, searching for your dreams, "You can't stay here when every hope and dream is shattered..." Whatever it all means, it's kinetic, and fun, and typical of the 80's story videos. Sadly, in 2001, after a lifelong struggle with alcoholism, lead singer Stuart Adamson succumbed to his addiction. Donate and help those struggling with addiction. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #119: Wham - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go

Daily 80's Video #119: Wham absolutely owned 1984, with 4 smash hits, starting with this one "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go", then "Careless Whisper", then "Freedom", then "Everything She Wants" and even adding what's now become a staple during Christmas time, "Last Christmas". That's 5 hits in one remarkable year! "Wake Me UP Before You Go Go" is probably my least favorite of the 5, but you can't argue with its catchiness as a great opening act and precursor of what was to come from Wham in 1984, not to mention all the iconic imagery from this video with the white shirts with black lettering with various messages, a look that has become synonymous with Wham and the 80's. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #118: The Outfield - Your Love

Daily 80's Video #118: The Outfield's "Your Love" was a mega hit in the 80's and still gets tons of play today. The Outfield were a very talented English 3-piece band who probably should have had more success than they did. Their biggest hit, "You Love" is a perfect pop song with a killer hook that practically forces listeners like myself try to and sing as high as lead singer/bassist Tony Lewis - yeah, good luck with that. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #117: John Cougar Mellencamp - Jack And Diane

Daily 80's Video #117: John Cougar Mellencamp had 2 mega hits in 1982, the first being "Hurt So Good" and the second being "Jack And Diane" which went to #1 in the US and Canada. "Jack And Diane" also happens to be my favorite JCM song, making quite an impression on me as a kid, especially all the cool high-tech (at the time) transitions used in the video. Now, as an adult who has entered into the living after the thrill of living is gone stage of his life, the song means even more. On that depressing note, enjoy! Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV. 

D80sV #116: Lou Gramm - Lost In The Shadows (The Lost Boys Theme)

Daily 80's Video #116: Ah, the glorious 1987 release Lost Boys, starring 80's mega-geek turned mega-heartthrob, the late great Corey Haim, as well as Corey Feldman, Jason Patric, Keifer Sutherland, and tons more, featuring a great soundtrack, starting with Lou Gramm's (of Foreignor) driving theme song Lost In The Shadows. Enjoy! Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.