Aldo Nova peaked with his first single Fantasy. Given the leopard skin pimp outfit he’s wearing in the video, it’s not hard to see why.  But don’t call him a one hit wonder. He’s had plenty of hits over the last 30 years believe it or not. They were just recorded by other people. Clay Aiken’s # 1 hit in 2003 This Is The Night was written by Aldo Nova.

As for Fantasy, it hit #3 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock Charts and #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982. The video is standard early 80’s cheese, but the song is one a rock classic.

WATN? He released several more albums in the 80’s (my favorite was Twitch) and then tried to stage a comeback in the 90’s working with Jon Bon Jovi.

Trivia: Over the course of her career, Celine Dion has recorded 11 songs written by Aldo Nova. Others to collaborate with him include Bon Jovi, Michael Bolton, Faith Hill, Clay Aiken, and Blue Oyster Cult. Now that would make for a wacky music festival!

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Foreigner released Inside Information in 1987. The first single was Say You Will and it reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Shot in black in white, it’s a lot swankier than any of the videos from the Agent Provocateur album.  The guys appear to be in some NY club watching a couple of high class “pros” pick up some rich old guy. Other than that, I’m not sure what the heck is going on here.  Good song though.

WATN? Foreigner released a single earlier this year. It was their first new recording since the dismal Mr. Moonlight in 1994. Only Mick Jones remains of the original lineup.

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Living on a Prayer was voted best song of the 80’s in an online poll by VH1.  The 2nd single from Slippery When Wet, it was released in late 1986. The song hit #1 on the U.S. charts in February of ‘87 and stayed there for 4 weeks.  The album spent 94 weeks on the Billboard album chart, including 8 weeks at #1.

Looking back, the video isn’t that remarkable. But, it’s a great look back at the hair band era from one of the few acts to actually survive and thrive post 80’s.  And yes, I did see this tour. Twice. Feels good getting that off my chest. Seriously though, Bon Jovi was a great show for the money (and probably still is) and that’s what Rock N Roll is all about.

WATN? Still making records and touring. They released Lost Highway last year.

Trivia: Jon Bon Jovi is co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League.

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With album sales sagging in 1983, KISS decided to take off the make-up.  Lick it Up was the first album and video in which the band appeared without their trademark look. They keep you guessing for the first 40 seconds of the video, only showing the band from the waist down. It looks like the guy who shot all those annoying Dockers commercials was trying to sell ripped jeans and leather pants.

About 43 seconds into the video, you want them to put the make-up back on.The only member who benefited from the loss of the makeup was Vinnie Vincent (far right in the opening sequence) because he never embraced is KISS “alter ego.” Gene was the Demon. Ace was Space Ace. Peter was the Cat. Paul was Star Child. However, Vinnie never got over the guys calling his Kiss character Transgender Crack Whore. Of course, after this video was released, that’s what the rest of the world called him!

Lick it Up is another post apocalyptic videos that were popular in the early to mid 80’s (mostly with metal bands). I remember liking it when I was in high school, but let’s face it: I was pretty much an idiot then!

WATN? Catch Gene on A&E’s Simmons Family Jewels. I love that show!

Trivia: Eddie Van Halen wanted to join KISS after Ace Frehley left. Gene Simmons talked him out of it.

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The lads released their landmark documentary, This is Spinal Tap, in 1984, and the American “mockumentary” was born! This video was in regular rotation on MTV and many people didn’t realize they weren’t really a band! This team went on to create the comedy classics Waiting for Guffman, Might Wind, Best in Show, and For Your Consideration.

WATN? David St. Hubbins achieved immortality by uttering the following,

“Well, I don’t really think that the end can be assessed as of itself as being the end because what does the end feel like? It’s like saying when you try to extrapolate the end of the universe, you say, if the universe is indeed infinite, then how – what does that mean? How far is all the way, and then if it stops, what’s stopping it, and what’s behind what’s stopping it? So, what’s the end, you know, is my question to you.”

Trivia: The butler in the video is the same butler from Ratt’s Round and Round video.

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