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When you do an article on some 'where are they now?' nostalgic trip, and you have the cool fortune to actually make contact with someone, the irony of asking "Why do you think programs & columns about 'where are they now?' and 'bands reunited' are so popular?" strikes you. Hard. Shouldn't you be telling them that? Anywho, I went ahead and asked it. I figured if this guy can wear a gladiator suit in a music video, he'd be the kind of guy who can appreciate it... Sure it was the 80s, but then, being a product of the 80s is probably what warped me in the first place... So who is this gladiator I was so giddy to interview that I exposed myself as a complete 'fan geek?' Here are some clues: In the book "Totally Awesome 80s" the band's biggest hit was #3 on the list of 'Quintessentially 80s Songs' & the band's name was selected as #2 'Best Band Name of the 80s.'
Bill, despite my Strange Behavior, was generous with his time, so this interview is definitely Part One. We'll deal with music, inspiration, family & all that stuff next time, but let's continue with the giddy time warp... What song (or top 3 songs) define the 80's for you personally?
Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears What was the moment when you realized 'this was it' and you were BIG? We were invited to a huge dance club. The crowd screamed and rushed at us. It was like 'A Hard Days Night.' We coined the term 'Animaniacs,' (which later became a Spielberg cartoon. Not quite the same though.) It was crowd reactions like that and finding out we were in the Top Ten that made our jaws drop. Who was your idol then? Peter Gabriel, Sting and Springsteen were doing Amnesty International Concerts. All three great artists doing humanitarian work. We were stuck doing disposable pop music. Our record label did not want us to get 'serious.' No question - Annie Lennox was the coolest, and most kind to me. The Gladiator suit! Who's idea was that? Did you get to keep it? Director of the Obsession video suggested we play off of the line 'who do you want me to be...?' We went to Hollywood Costume Supply and grabbed a load of various character outfits. I did not choose the Gladiator suit, but I did feel good in it. The image of me in that suit in front of the Hollywood sign is classic 80?s camp. (It sure is, Bill! One of those images as burned in my brain as the hypnotic dancing I did back then...) Why do you think programs & columns about 'where are they now?' and 'bands reunited' are so popular? People are curious about human nature. I think we wonder if success is fleeting or lasting and how artists that we like are handling the ups and downs. It's rather brutal really. Or brutally real. There is a small handful of musicians that are 'set for life?'financially. Most are not. The ones that have cashed in often sabotage themselves. What do you think of classic pop songs in commercials now? Would Animotion let a song be used thus? I think it happens to every era. Obsession is running in a commercial now where Brooke Shields sings it to her baby. I think it's kind of cute, and we've been paid well. (Now we know where Miss Blue Lagoon is, besides episodes of That 70s Show) Next time, more on Bill's family, musical inspriations, & of course, 'where he is now!"
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That band's name is 
