Good morning!
Today we’re listening to Romeo Void’s “Never Say Never.”
Video Killed The Radio Star might’ve been the first video played on MTV, but Romeo Void was a band that would end up living that narrative.
The group had every ingredient for success; critical praise, great storytelling, a dynamic singer, a fantastic sax player in Benjamin Bossi, and an EP produced by Ric Ocasek.
They checked a lot of boxes. So what happened? MTV happened. And unfortunately, that sent labels looking for bands with a certain look. Singer Deborah Iyall didn’t fit that mold, and the band’s label made the decision to stop supporting them. The term ghosting didn’t yet exist, but looking back, it certainly fits.
But before that, we got great tracks like “Never Say Never.” With its catchy bassline and “I might like you better if we slept together” refrain, coupled with a black & white video straight out of 400 level film class, “Never Say Never” was timely and one of a kind, all at once.
Video might’ve killed Romeo Void, but their music lives on.
More:
In 2004, the band was featured on Vh-1’s series “Bands Reunited.” You can watch the full episode here.
Listen:
Click the record to listen on the platform of your choice.
What’d you think of this one? Do you remember watching this on MTV?
Thanks for being here,
Kevin—
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They are such a great example of that 80's New Wave/Post-Punk sound. And what happened to them was the point where I realized the fix was in for MTV. A good lesson to learn in the 8th grade. Rock and Roll isn't supposed to be pretty. The Ramones taught us that. Or, you know, Steeley Dan. I mean, come on... but to kick Romeo Void out of the zeitgeist because the lead singer didn't look like Debbie Harry was bullshit. It was bullshit then, and it's bullshit now.
It didn't help that Adam Ant was better looking than most of the girls in my school. Talk about blowing the bell curve.
Thankfully, the song has survived as a kind of 80's anthem, in a cult-classic kind of way.
Love this band! I play this song and "A Girl in Trouble" all the time. And the way Deborah spits out this verse on "Never" is pure Debbie Harry:
They slump by the courthouse with windburn skin
That man could give a fuck
About the grin on your face
As you walk by, randy as a goat
He's sleepin' on papers
But he'd be warm in your coat
Great pick for a Friday!