For me it was “Helter Skelter” because of the Tate’s murders. That song truly terrified me just because of the ties to Charles Manson. It was 40 years before I could hear that song and really listen to the lyrics. Now I appreciate it as a Beatles song and not to Sharon Tate’s murder. That was a very scary time during the Manson family murders.
Great interview Adam! This is Bill Kelly, the singer on the hit Timothy. Those were wonderful memories to share with my friend Rupert. If you’d ever like to hear my perspective on those days let me know.
Wow!! Incredible!! I remember my thoughts from back then when I first heard "Timothy"... " Those guys are super cool for singing that song!" "What a bunch of great guys!" I was 15 years old. Thank you for singing it and thanks to Rupert for writing it! (Didn't know he had written it until this vid!). Thanks Adam!!!
Please interview him. I grew up in the Anthracite Region of Northeast PA close to the town of Sheppton PA where 3 men were trapped for several days 300 feet underground. 2 were rescued alive but one Lou Bova was Never Found. This happened in 1963 and made National news. Equipment from Howard Hughes was used to drill a shaft to rescue the men. When only 2 of the 3 were rescued the rumor mill started about them eating him to survive. The song by a local Anthracite Coal Region band just filed the rumor mill. There was always the alternative theory of miners eating a mine mule to survive. Miners treated the mules with respect since they were partners underground hauling the heavy coal out. Miners often named the mules so this theory wasn’t so far fetched. Excellent song, it will be in my head tonight and I’ll be downloading it to my iPhone play list. Thank you to Rupert and to the Buoys for such an awesome catchy tune. Bill Kelly, do you still play live in Central / Northeast PA? I’d love to catch you live. Dave in Reading but from Frackville, PA. Listened to the song on local AM radio WMBT Shenandoah and WPPA WPAM in Pottsville PA during the 60-70’s.
The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald...the haunting tone at times ethereal, when mixed with Lightfoot's equally haunting narrative of this true story, rife with fear and apprehension, sweeps over and draws in the listener. I was at a concert of his in 1983-84, and we heard him in a symphony hall, and when he played this, you could literally hear a PIN drop!! Mesmerizing!!
I went to a Gordon Lightfoot concert at that time also. When he got on stage he told the audience to keep quiet. He said even if you want to hum, Don't. So everyone was quiet. He's talented but his appeal to the audience is dubious.
@@s.jackman7684 She's so wrong about him, he never chased fame however he DID have struggles with substance & his health, he's a humble soul nobody has ever talked bad about him in the music business, he made MANY famous besides himself. He probably has sensory issues (like an Autistic) he got the Hall of Fame award last year & truly deserved it. He has millions of adoring fans of all ages not just Boomers. ua-cam.com/video/_u0VL8QxYa8/v-deo.html
I was very young in the 70's (born '71) and my youngest aunt and I loved 'They're Coming To Take Me Away' 🎶 Several people in the family thought it was "creepy".
I would without fail listen to Casey Kasem and then Dr Demento, it was the highlight of every week entertainment wise where most everyone first heard this song hoho haha hee hee to the funny farm where life is happy...I miss Dr Demento so much r. i. p. good public radio
I was born in 67 and I remember listening to the Doctor Demento show and he would play that song every so often. Good stuff, good stuff. The woke people would find something offensive about it today. They would not see the humor.
@@ddz1375 Woke people simply do not have a sense of humor. They're the biggest collection of easily offended, sociopathic and angry people ever known on earth. It's a shame for them, because decades ago, the music was what it was all about. The music was the soundtrack of our lives.
@@eucliduschaumeau8813 indeed music was the language we spoke and what spoke for us. So much poetry has been lost so many songs are banned by these tone death and humorless persons. All expression seems to be banned as well. I miss Echo & the Bunnymen, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Velvet Underground, Black Flag, Grace Jones and so many other talented artists. Ot seems the cut off date for good lyrics was 2004.
I've been listening to Timothy, a lot, since watching this episode. The other day, Escape was playing, in the wild, and I found myself singing, "If you like piña coladas... and eating friends in a cave..." It garnered odd looks on the sidewalk. Grateful for CA's mask mandate.🤣
Is that where they are going on their date after they drink Pina coladas, get caught in the rain, and make love on the dunes of the cape? Go to the cave and eat their friends!😱
I had the FEELING it would be about "Timothy"! It came out when I was around nine, and my schoolmates talked about it incessantly! Some people were convinced in was about cannibalism, others said no way. Years ago, I read it was about a duck....what? Who in their right minds would bring a duck to a mine? LOL This man is so interesting....makes the Pina Colada song really fascinating again (I got so sick of it when it was a hit, haha) and then I found out he did the Edwind Drood B'way show, and I was amazed and remembered the lyrics to that late 70's song and how well constructed it was. Thank you so much for this!
A couple of things - first off, Rupert Holmes is an absolute delight. Great sense of humor about himself, humble and always engaging. I always thought “Escape” was a cheesy song, but no one can argue with its success. Finding out about his early arranging career was eye-opening. Second - never heard of “Timothy” or The Buoys before today! I’ll have to go give it a listen. Now, for another creepy song to feature - I would love to hear an interview with someone from Bloodrock about their dark and scary “D.O.A.” A friend of my older sister brought that 45 to our house (slumber party I think) in one of those cylindrical carriers with the little handle on top. Plenty of pop records but then BAM. They put on D.O.A. and I had nightmares for a year.
I first heard it on FM100 in Memphis. I think, I was 12 or 13. I had seen some bad car accidents in our family travels. Every time I heard it, I would have flashbacks of those. Maybe, subconsciously, I pushed that song out of catalog of preferred listening. Lol
You’ve outdone yourself Adam! Timothy is my favorite quirky song of all time. I had no idea Rupert Holmes was so multi-talented and diverse. How is it even possible that the composer of the Pina Colada song wrote Timothy? I remember spending hours calling the radio station in 1971 requesting Timothy. When I finally got through the DJ would try to talk me into requesting a different song- like Santa trying to talk Ralphie into a football instead a Red Ryder BB gun in a Christmas Story. “You’ll eat your eye out!”
The song "Into the Night" by Benny Mardones always seemed creepy to me. He was 33 when he wrote about a 16 year old girl, singing "I'd take you into the night and show you a love like you've never seen." Whenever it came on the radio, I couldn't change the station fast enough.
Holy crap, I JUST heard that song, tonight, on my way home. I’ve heard it a gazillion times, over the years, but tonight it was like I was actually HEARING the lyrics for the first time. I thought, “Oh my god, what the hell is this creepster shit?! This would never fly, if it came out today!” How on earth it never struck me as creepy, before now, I have NO clue! But then I stumble across this video, totally at random… I don’t even watch the video, but just start scrolling the comments… and here you are, talking about just the thing I was thinking, an hour ago!! Weird, man… weird.
I was a kid when "Timothy" came out. It played a lot on the radio in Wilkes-Barre, PA where I grew up. It was different but it told a story. Nobody freaked out over it. And I used to love the "Galloping Gourmet." He was funny as hell.
I caught this song the other day on one of the Sirius channels, and my almost 70 year-old brain immediately recalled it from 1971. What made it a great one-hit wonder was that it was a great melody. 3-chord rock at its finest. It received big-time airplay in Detroit on CKLW. Thanks.
I remember that song. It was well played on AM pop radio in its time. I had know idea later that the pina colada song was done by the same guy. What a full career. Sex Pistols got banned from the BBC, this guy invented the idea years before. True pioneer!
I knew you had mentioned this story was coming from Rupert. Glad to finally here what he had to say. Heard this song in my 20's. It was never played on any oldies station when I was growing up. I always loved the song, even with the lyrics. Great job, Adam!
@@ProfessorofRock You welcome! Also i'm glad Rupert finally set the record straight on the name The Buoys. Casey always would call the group, The Boys on the AT40's when they charted in 1971.
Fascinating story and I have to say that I’d never heard of that song “Timothy” but now I have to check it out. That said, when I think of creepy rock songs (other than “Hotel California” & “People Are Strange”), I immediately think of “D.O.A.” by Bloodrock. Truthfully before I listened to this episode, I assumed that the Bloodrock song would be discussed.
"D.O.A." is a beautifully crafted song, everything in it is built around the notorious musical interval called the "tritone" aka "diabolus in musica". It's repeated on the organ, sounding like a European siren, and the intervals between the roots of the chords in the chord progression are tritones as well.
@@JamesJones-zt2yx spot on! Between this one and “Brain Damage” by Pink Floyd, I’m sure there were plenty of chilling nights listening to music during our youth
@@HOTTIUSMAXIMUS I did. Thank you for posting about it. I can imagine the song was a shocker. I just look at the Billboard top 100 for 1970 and there are songs like Close to You by the Carpenters and Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head. DOA could be the grandfather of the Horror Punk scene.
I've always loved Rupert, but never knew he was such an accomplished composer and wrote so many songs. I'll definitely be digging deeper into his works.
The scream in Love Rollercoaster (I was young and there was an urban legend)! Black Sabbath, No Quarter, Am I Evil?, Lightening Crashes and several songs by Toad the Wet Sprocket are those that come to mind at the moment.
I wish Rupert was my uncle because I would hangout with him as much as he would let me. He can tell the most entertaining stories, the finest song about cannibalism ever written, lol. I hope there is more love these interviews with him.
My wife and I were blessed to know Jerry Hludzik, the bassist of the Bouys, and his wife Annie towards the end of his life and he was still very proud of Timothy!
I was born in 1967 and I listen to the radio as I grew up. I became a musician when I was younger as well growing up around a piano. I have never heard this song before in my life.
Rupert Holmes is just the coolest and a superb songwriter. For anyone who digs Holmes' music, I highly recommend getting his box set "Cast of Characters - The Rupert Holmes Songbook," which includes Holmes remaking "Timothy," "Echo Valley 2-6809," and other tunes he passed on to other artists.
I remember hearing "Timothy" around 1973 in Portland, Oregon. It was good story-telling, even if it is a bit grotesque. What I didn't know was that Rupert Holmes was the writer of the song. I know "The Pina Colada Song" of course.
The 70's song Emmeline from a English band. About a girl who didn't make it in show biz and um, "ended things". The guys scream at the end was chilling !
Wow, great story.I was a fan of Timothy, didn't know or really care who wrote it. Now that I'm old, the stories are great, kind of like putting a puzzle together.
Partners In Crime is such an excellent album. I've never seen an interview with Rupert before so this was great to find. He's still as sharp and as clever as the songs he wrote.
Loved Rupert! A kid in 79, just discovering music and top 40 radio, the Pina colada song was so darn catchy! Him was my favorite song for a while. Thanks for this, it is very nice to go back.
Hey I remember a song called "DOA" by Bloodrock, around 71ish? A song about a plane crash. Our school had a jukebox in the cafeteria and everybody always played that, weird song to eat lunch by. That was creepy to me.
I was a teenager when Timothy was released. I can’t speak for everyone, but the thing that grabs me first in any song I listen to is the music. Then around my 2nd or 3rd time listening, I start listening to the words. I remember it was a mystery among my friends who Timothy was. Lol. I think we thought at first it must have been a mule they ate, because who would eat another person. I don’t remember exactly when I found out it was another boy. But regardless of the subject matter, the song was awesome! I never knew that the same person wrote Pina Coladas, another favorite, but this man is really a musical genius and I hope he really knows how much entertainment he provided people with, with these two songs! Thank you!
I literally just found you. This was just amazing. I love this and had no idea about Timothy. I was like two when it hit. But most every other song I knew. It's so cool how he stood up to be noticed.
For all who said “doa” by bloodrock. Thank you. The music from that song has been stuck in my brain for decades and I didn’t know who it was. Thank you thank you
I like Rupert’s other song Him also. It tells the story of a cheating woman and she needs to make a choice because no one gets to get it for free!! Rupert is a great story teller in his songs and his interviews.
They tried to push the idea that Timothy was a actually mule. It kind of made us less interested in the song. That song was later replaced by another shocker, DOA. It was about death in a terrible auto accident. It was terrible but we couldn't get enough.
Awesome interview! Rupert Holmes seems to be one of the most down to earth and genuine people. I'm sure he's been interviewed about "Escape" hundreds of times and yet he gave very thoughtful and interesting answers. Not a speck of pretense in that guy!
Rupert Holmes produced a wonderful album for Barbara Streisand...She recorded a really good song that he wrote for her..Its called "Widescreen"..Its a favorite for me..another great story song with fantastic orchestration..She sings it majestically..
My younger brother was in a radio broadcasting class in high school (late 70's) and as a punishment for a now Harvard-educated lawyer who was late to class, the Rupert Holmes song 'Him' had to be performed as a dramatic reading on one of their shows (on Skagit Valley College's KSVR Mighty 90 FM). Wish I had a tape- it was hilarious!
This was a hell of a song. I remember listening to it over & over as a teen. What a trip of a song. This & Indian Reservation, Paul Revere & the Raiders.
IM BACK! I just had to share that tonight we started season 3 of Channel Zero (this is our second time watching this show because we have caught up with everything else we want to see) and the first episode (Insidious Onset) of season 3 titled Butchers Block, was playing "Timothy "!! ......cool.
If a creepiest song of the 80's is ever chosen, I would say Silent Running by Mike & The Mechanics. It's terrifying and seems to be playing out in these crazy times.
Amazing! Wow, I am sold on this vid alone!! Such incredible info from the man himself! Thank you! Thank you SO very much for this extra joy to go with his music!! I am now a subscriber, and true believer in your channel!
Not able to reply to the poll but here's my answer anyway: The song that most creeped me out when I first heard it as a kid in the early 1980s is Hamburger Lady by Throbbing Gristle. About 3 years after that Hell Awaits by Slayer, Procreation Of The Wicked by Celtic Frost, and Welcome To Hell by Venom (1983 At War With Satan version) all blew my mind and scared me when I first heard them all on the same day in spring of 1985.
Great interview and insights from Rupert. The creepiest song I know is Country Death Song by Violent Femmes. i love the group and was listening to the CD back in the day (Hallowed Ground, i think) and that song came on and just freaked me out. Never listened to it again. "You want to know how to take a short trip to hell? Just take your lovely daughter and throw her in the well". Eek.
I was too young for Timothy, & tbh I didn't love Pina Colada the song, but didn't dislike it either when it came out - I was leaning into punk by the late 70s. But I remember wanting Rupert's glasses in the film clip, LOL. Great interview, I now totally admire Rupert's nascent punk sensibility, trying to write a song that will banned, and in a way more subtle, effective manner than any punk executed. Onya Rupert!!
Stranglehold by UK Subs has got to be up there too....,'Some little girl's got a hold on me she's only 13 but she's oh so sweet' Now I love Charlie Harper and the Subs but creepy is what creepy is!!
they did not write any song to "get banned" it was likely and afterwards cover story after doing such a stupid dark song. you cannot plan or predict to write a song "to get banned" plus get air play then successfully get banned. it would be impossible
Rupert Holmes created the TV series Remember WENN for American Movie Classics cable channel. It was magical. It's a shame it hasn't been "officially" released on dvd. I'd love to hear more of his stories of his career.
I think the creepiest song award goes to Paul Anka's 1974 hit "Having my Baby". He sings about how she could have gotten an abortion but chise not to.Talk about an effed up song.I believe it was a number one hit .
A twisted and disturbing song that comes to mind for me is "Bodies", by the Sex Pistols from their album "Never mind the Bollocks here's the Sex Pistols"1977! The song is about an abortion and was actually based on an incident involving a fan who was arrested in a discotheque with the aborted fetus! I'm Andy not Annmarie!
I knew it! When I saw the title of the video, it had to be Timothy.I remembered it from my childhood in Canada. Weird tune. Kinda like a early Excitable Boy.
Really enjoyed the interview. The Pina Colada song was a great hit here in the UK and is just as strong now. The Timothy song story was wonderful ( never heard it ) . The buoys sound like a good band. I will be off to find the song right now.
I don't know how many times I used to listen 😕 to this song, and untill this moment. I never had a clue. But I've been finding a lot of song lyrics and like that now. Lola, Cecilia?
Hotel California always creeped me out as a kid. Still won't listen to it. A funny but also naughty song was "My ding-a-ling. I believe that's the name of it.
This is THE BEST channel on UA-cam. Yep, I said it. Thanks, Professor **If you're still looking for inspiration, I suggest Nantucket - Heartbreaker. Or, for those with the insane knowledge of all music, maybe "John Lee Pettimore" (what a story that would be)
You wanna hear a really creepy song? Try "Jet Boy Jet Girl" originally done by the punk band Elton Motello in 1977. Holy Cow, it blows all these away. Or try "The Four Horsemen" by Aphropdite's Child (Vangelis' band before movie scores). That song is still played like a Top 40 in St. Louis. Not obscene, but the singing?
First time I heard Timothy I was a kid. Never paid attention to the lyrics back then and thought it was a happy song. When I heard it again as an adult it was kind of a shocking experience.
Dang! I didn't know that he was in a band, especially that band. I don't know anything about it, but I just recently discovered that song. I saved it. It's pretty crazy. Oh. I see. He just wrote it for the band. That's interesting.
Great Interview and I even was schooled of Rupert Holmes, I didn't know on Timothy. One song off of Crimes of Passion is Answering Machine was one of my favorites of Rupert. That song had the same formula as Escape but an answering machine feel to it. Scariest song for me when I first heard it was Hotel California in 1976. Granted I was only 14 at the time and didn't know about habits that trap you. I thought it was a plan ghost story. As I grew up and became a disc jockey, I learned differently.
I went to buy ‘Timothy’ 45 at NRM back in 72-73(I was 10 or 11), and they wouldn’t sell it to me, said I had to have a parent buy it. I did not know why at the time. I just liked the melody and the chorus. Another controversial song I liked back then, troglodyte caveman song. Mongoose was a cool song back then too.
That is wild that a young man had such vision to manipulate a song so convincingly. I doubt if most artist are that calculating when they write a song. I would think that would be a very exhausting way to write a song. You have to be brilliant. Obviously Rupert has been that and much more. I missed out on his first genius moment. (Buoys-Timothy). Since a musician myself I tend to gravitate to the music first before I really dig into the lyrical content. Some of that I know must be because of my hearing loss. I have less than 30% hearing in my left ear. So most of my hearing comes from my right ear. Plus we didn't have the tools that we have today to adjust recording speeds and other manipulation tools. Brilliant beyond words.
That's funny. Back then here in central California on KSTN Timothy got played so much we kind of got tired of hearing it. I guess out DJs must have liked it a lot.
I’ve always liked this song. It has a great arrangement but I’ve never actually paid attention to the lyrics. Wow- cannibalism! Mind blown. Thanks Professor.. your revelations are always a treat. 👍🏼
I had this on my playlist because the song itself - the musical part is very cheerful! But I had to delete it because the creepiness factor got to me after a while. Too bad!
Because of Guardians of the Galaxy my sons love Escape. They have reintroduced me to it and I appreciate it in a much different way now. However it’s about a couple going out on each other.
Poll: What is your pick for the scariest song of all time? A song that left you completely petrified!
Black Sabbath - Iron Man
Excitable Boy.
Jeremy 😳
Bloodrock DOA
For me it was “Helter Skelter” because of the Tate’s murders. That song truly terrified me just because of the ties to Charles Manson. It was 40 years before I could hear that song and really listen to the lyrics.
Now I appreciate it as a Beatles song and not to Sharon Tate’s murder.
That was a very scary time during the Manson family murders.
Great interview Adam! This is Bill Kelly, the singer on the hit Timothy. Those were wonderful memories to share with my friend Rupert. If you’d ever like to hear my perspective on those days let me know.
You should totally have him on!
I would love to hear what he thought about the song.
Wow!! Incredible!! I remember my thoughts from back then when I first heard "Timothy"... " Those guys are super cool for singing that song!" "What a bunch of great guys!" I was 15 years old. Thank you for singing it and thanks to Rupert for writing it! (Didn't know he had written it until this vid!). Thanks Adam!!!
Hi Bill 😘
Please interview him. I grew up in the Anthracite Region of Northeast PA close to the town of Sheppton PA where 3 men were trapped for several days 300 feet underground. 2 were rescued alive but one Lou Bova was Never Found. This happened in 1963 and made National news. Equipment from Howard Hughes was used to drill a shaft to rescue the men. When only 2 of the 3 were rescued the rumor mill started about them eating him to survive. The song by a local Anthracite Coal Region band just filed the rumor mill. There was always the alternative theory of miners eating a mine mule to survive. Miners treated the mules with respect since they were partners underground hauling the heavy coal out. Miners often named the mules so this theory wasn’t so far fetched.
Excellent song, it will be in my head tonight and I’ll be downloading it to my iPhone play list. Thank you to Rupert and to the Buoys for such an awesome catchy tune.
Bill Kelly, do you still play live in Central / Northeast PA? I’d love to catch you live. Dave in Reading but from Frackville, PA. Listened to the song on local AM radio WMBT Shenandoah and WPPA WPAM in Pottsville PA during the 60-70’s.
You sound great !
The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald...the haunting tone at times ethereal, when mixed with Lightfoot's equally haunting narrative of this true story, rife with fear and apprehension, sweeps over and draws in the listener. I was at a concert of his in 1983-84, and we heard him in a symphony hall, and when he played this, you could literally hear a PIN drop!! Mesmerizing!!
I went to a Gordon Lightfoot concert at that time also. When he got on stage he told the audience to keep quiet. He said even if you want to hum, Don't. So everyone was quiet. He's talented but his appeal to the audience is dubious.
@@charilynn6647 I think he's just human, we have good das and bad. Maybe he day was important to him? Sorry you went through that. 😞
@@s.jackman7684 She's so wrong about him, he never chased fame however he DID have struggles with substance & his health, he's a humble soul nobody has ever talked bad about him in the music business, he made MANY famous besides himself. He probably has sensory issues (like an Autistic) he got the Hall of Fame award last year & truly deserved it. He has millions of adoring fans of all ages not just Boomers.
ua-cam.com/video/_u0VL8QxYa8/v-deo.html
That is an epic song. Even after hearing it all these years it will still draw me in with his story and the fabulous music that accompanies it.
I grew up in Great Lakes area. It so describes the time, hearing on the local news of the ship being missing etc.
I was very young in the 70's (born '71) and my youngest aunt and I loved 'They're Coming To Take Me Away' 🎶
Several people in the family thought it was "creepy".
I would without fail listen to Casey Kasem and then Dr Demento, it was the highlight of every week entertainment wise where most everyone first heard this song hoho haha hee hee to the funny farm where life is happy...I miss Dr Demento so much r. i. p. good public radio
I was just going to add this song.
I was born in 67 and I remember listening to the Doctor Demento show and he would play that song every so often. Good stuff, good stuff. The woke people would find something offensive about it today. They would not see the humor.
@@ddz1375 Woke people simply do not have a sense of humor. They're the biggest collection of easily offended, sociopathic and angry people ever known on earth. It's a shame for them, because decades ago, the music was what it was all about. The music was the soundtrack of our lives.
@@eucliduschaumeau8813 indeed music was the language we spoke and what spoke for us. So much poetry has been lost so many songs are banned by these tone death and humorless persons. All expression seems to be banned as well. I miss Echo & the Bunnymen, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Velvet Underground, Black Flag, Grace Jones and so many other talented artists. Ot seems the cut off date for good lyrics was 2004.
I've been listening to Timothy, a lot, since watching this episode. The other day, Escape was playing, in the wild, and I found myself singing, "If you like piña coladas... and eating friends in a cave..." It garnered odd looks on the sidewalk. Grateful for CA's mask mandate.🤣
Very clever! I know Rupert would appreciate that! LOL
Man, have me rolling with that little ditty you've concocted.😂👍
Is that where they are going on their date after they drink Pina coladas, get caught in the rain, and make love on the dunes of the cape? Go to the cave and eat their friends!😱
😂
I had the FEELING it would be about "Timothy"! It came out when I was around nine, and my schoolmates talked about it incessantly! Some people were convinced in was about cannibalism, others said no way. Years ago, I read it was about a duck....what? Who in their right minds would bring a duck to a mine? LOL This man is so interesting....makes the Pina Colada song really fascinating again (I got so sick of it when it was a hit, haha) and then I found out he did the Edwind Drood B'way show, and I was amazed and remembered the lyrics to that late 70's song and how well constructed it was. Thank you so much for this!
A couple of things - first off, Rupert Holmes is an absolute delight. Great sense of humor about himself, humble and always engaging. I always thought “Escape” was a cheesy song, but no one can argue with its success. Finding out about his early arranging career was eye-opening.
Second - never heard of “Timothy” or The Buoys before today! I’ll have to go give it a listen.
Now, for another creepy song to feature - I would love to hear an interview with someone from Bloodrock about their dark and scary “D.O.A.” A friend of my older sister brought that 45 to our house (slumber party I think) in one of those cylindrical carriers with the little handle on top. Plenty of pop records but then BAM. They put on D.O.A. and I had nightmares for a year.
A rock station in San Antonio used to play it every Halloween. I always looked forward to it.
I first heard it on FM100 in Memphis. I think, I was 12 or 13. I had seen some bad car accidents in our family travels. Every time I heard it, I would have flashbacks of those. Maybe, subconsciously, I pushed that song out of catalog of preferred listening. Lol
I agree--hopefully our Good Professor will profile the infamous“D.O.A.” and Bloodrock
I had an alarm radio in the 70's. I had a habit of accidently setting the radio to go on in the middle of the night. One time DOA played.
@@jimleech2364 Yoooouuuu
Remember…
You’ve outdone yourself Adam! Timothy is my favorite quirky song of all time. I had no idea Rupert Holmes was so multi-talented and diverse. How is it even possible that the composer of the Pina Colada song wrote Timothy? I remember spending hours calling the radio station in 1971 requesting Timothy. When I finally got through the DJ would try to talk me into requesting a different song- like Santa trying to talk Ralphie into a football instead a Red Ryder BB gun in a Christmas Story. “You’ll eat your eye out!”
"If you like pina coladas, and eating Tim in a cave..."
I'm stealing that
@@timmick6911 Remember to use quotations marks.
@@Maxid1 will do!
I was in a band that opened for the Buoys way back when. They were a really good band, and really nice guys!
Awesome memory 🕊️
What was your band?
Did you see Bill Kelly replied in another comment a day after yours...
Awesome !
The song "Into the Night" by Benny Mardones always seemed creepy to me. He was 33 when he wrote about a 16 year old girl, singing "I'd take you into the night and show you a love like you've never seen." Whenever it came on the radio, I couldn't change the station fast enough.
Yes Sir that is creepy
I agree with you on that song
I agree. I was going to mention the same song. Very Creepy!!!
I never gave it much thought at the time, but as I got older it became a disgusting song, something Epstien would like. Ewww.
Holy crap, I JUST heard that song, tonight, on my way home. I’ve heard it a gazillion times, over the years, but tonight it was like I was actually HEARING the lyrics for the first time. I thought, “Oh my god, what the hell is this creepster shit?! This would never fly, if it came out today!” How on earth it never struck me as creepy, before now, I have NO clue! But then I stumble across this video, totally at random… I don’t even watch the video, but just start scrolling the comments… and here you are, talking about just the thing I was thinking, an hour ago!! Weird, man… weird.
I was a kid when "Timothy" came out. It played a lot on the radio in Wilkes-Barre, PA where I grew up. It was different but it told a story. Nobody freaked out over it. And I used to love the "Galloping Gourmet." He was funny as hell.
I caught this song the other day on one of the Sirius channels, and my almost 70 year-old brain immediately recalled it from 1971. What made it a great one-hit wonder was that it was a great melody. 3-chord rock at its finest.
It received big-time airplay in Detroit on CKLW.
Thanks.
I remember that song. It was well played on AM pop radio in its time. I had know idea later that the pina colada song was done by the same guy. What a full career.
Sex Pistols got banned from the BBC, this guy invented the idea years before. True pioneer!
I knew you had mentioned this story was coming from Rupert. Glad to finally here what he had to say. Heard this song in my 20's. It was never played on any oldies station when I was growing up. I always loved the song, even with the lyrics. Great job, Adam!
Thanks for listening Kyle! Fellow chart lover an AT40 fan!
@@ProfessorofRock You welcome! Also i'm glad Rupert finally set the record straight on the name The Buoys. Casey always would call the group, The Boys on the AT40's when they charted in 1971.
Fascinating story and I have to say that I’d never heard of that song “Timothy” but now I have to check it out. That said, when I think of creepy rock songs (other than “Hotel California” & “People Are Strange”), I immediately think of “D.O.A.” by Bloodrock. Truthfully before I listened to this episode, I assumed that the Bloodrock song would be discussed.
"D.O.A." is a beautifully crafted song, everything in it is built around the notorious musical interval called the "tritone" aka "diabolus in musica". It's repeated on the organ, sounding like a European siren, and the intervals between the roots of the chords in the chord progression are tritones as well.
@@JamesJones-zt2yx spot on! Between this one and “Brain Damage” by Pink Floyd, I’m sure there were plenty of chilling nights listening to music during our youth
I had never heard DOA until now. I don't know if it inspired "Halloween" by the Misfits, but I wouldn't be surprised.
@@MIKERUPTION I hope you enjoyed it; that song was the stuff of nightmares back in the’70s
@@HOTTIUSMAXIMUS I did. Thank you for posting about it. I can imagine the song was a shocker. I just look at the Billboard top 100 for 1970 and there are songs like Close to You by the Carpenters and Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head. DOA could be the grandfather of the Horror Punk scene.
I've always loved Rupert, but never knew he was such an accomplished composer and wrote so many songs. I'll definitely be digging deeper into his works.
The scream in Love Rollercoaster (I was young and there was an urban legend)! Black Sabbath, No Quarter, Am I Evil?, Lightening Crashes and several songs by Toad the Wet Sprocket are those that come to mind at the moment.
I wish Rupert was my uncle because I would hangout with him as much as he would let me. He can tell the most entertaining stories, the finest song about cannibalism ever written, lol. I hope there is more love these interviews with him.
There is much more. Stay tuned!
My wife and I were blessed to know Jerry Hludzik, the bassist of the Bouys, and his wife Annie towards the end of his life and he was still very proud of Timothy!
I was born in 1967 and I listen to the radio as I grew up. I became a musician when I was younger as well growing up around a piano. I have never heard this song before in my life.
Rupert Holmes is just the coolest and a superb songwriter. For anyone who digs Holmes' music, I highly recommend getting his box set "Cast of Characters - The Rupert Holmes Songbook," which includes Holmes remaking "Timothy," "Echo Valley 2-6809," and other tunes he passed on to other artists.
I remember hearing "Timothy" around 1973 in Portland, Oregon. It was good story-telling, even if it is a bit grotesque. What I didn't know was that Rupert Holmes was the writer of the song. I know "The Pina Colada Song" of course.
The 70's song Emmeline from a English band. About a girl who didn't make it in show biz and um, "ended things". The guys scream at the end was chilling !
Wow, great story.I was a fan of Timothy, didn't know or really care who wrote it. Now that I'm old, the stories are great, kind of like putting a puzzle together.
The local radio station had the "Timothy for Lunch Bunch" which was a jab at a diet drink with a similar catch phrase.
Partners In Crime is such an excellent album. I've never seen an interview with Rupert before so this was great to find. He's still as sharp and as clever as the songs he wrote.
Loved Rupert! A kid in 79, just discovering music and top 40 radio, the Pina colada song was so darn catchy! Him was my favorite song for a while. Thanks for this, it is very nice to go back.
Hey I remember a song called "DOA" by Bloodrock, around 71ish? A song about a plane crash. Our school had a jukebox in the cafeteria and everybody always played that, weird song to eat lunch by. That was creepy to me.
I was a teenager when Timothy was released. I can’t speak for everyone, but the thing that grabs me first in any song I listen to is the music. Then around my 2nd or 3rd time listening, I start listening to the words. I remember it was a mystery among my friends who Timothy was. Lol. I think we thought at first it must have been a mule they ate, because who would eat another person. I don’t remember exactly when I found out it was another boy. But regardless of the subject matter, the song was awesome! I never knew that the same person wrote Pina Coladas, another favorite, but this man is really a musical genius and I hope he really knows how much entertainment he provided people with, with these two songs! Thank you!
I literally just found you. This was just amazing. I love this and had no idea about Timothy. I was like two when it hit. But most every other song I knew. It's so cool how he stood up to be noticed.
50 years later I still remember this song. Got massive airplay. More infamous though was Bloodrock - D.O.A.
Explaining his epiphany moment for the cannibalism theme killed me.
For all who said “doa” by bloodrock. Thank you. The music from that song has been stuck in my brain for decades and I didn’t know who it was. Thank you thank you
I remember 'Timothy' very well!!! Quite a story!
Amazing. I played his marching band arrangements in high school. I had no idea.
I remember Timothy! We always wondered… man, animal??
I like Rupert’s other song Him also. It tells the story of a cheating woman and she needs to make a choice because no one gets to get it for free!! Rupert is a great story teller in his songs and his interviews.
WE have the story behind that song here:ua-cam.com/video/ZQswbOuqG5M/v-deo.html
Thanks Professor! I’m going to check that out for sure!
I actually like "Him" more than "Escape."
They tried to push the idea that Timothy was a actually mule. It kind of made us less interested in the song. That song was later replaced by another shocker, DOA. It was about death in a terrible auto accident. It was terrible but we couldn't get enough.
Awesome interview! Rupert Holmes seems to be one of the most down to earth and genuine people. I'm sure he's been interviewed about "Escape" hundreds of times and yet he gave very thoughtful and interesting answers. Not a speck of pretense in that guy!
Rupert Holmes produced a wonderful album for Barbara Streisand...She recorded a really good song that he wrote for her..Its called "Widescreen"..Its a favorite for me..another great story song with fantastic orchestration..She sings it majestically..
My younger brother was in a radio broadcasting class in high school (late 70's) and as a punishment for a now Harvard-educated lawyer who was late to class, the Rupert Holmes song 'Him' had to be performed as a dramatic reading on one of their shows (on Skagit Valley College's KSVR Mighty 90 FM). Wish I had a tape- it was hilarious!
At the time, I had to explain the lyrics to a number of people who liked the melody, but didn't pay much attention to the lyrics.
This was a hell of a song. I remember listening to it over & over as a teen.
What a trip of a song.
This & Indian Reservation, Paul Revere & the Raiders.
I had the single of Timothy. Over the years I've asked people my age and no one remembers the song. But I loved it.
Well, I, for one, could listen to Mr. Holmes' stories all day long. Legend.
.....9 years later as 'DAKOTA', they came out with an absolutely FANTASTIC song, "Crazy Love".....
I knew it! I guessed "Timothy." That song did creep us kids out a bit...but, we still liked it.
IM BACK! I just had to share that tonight we started season 3 of Channel Zero (this is our second time watching this show because we have caught up with everything else we want to see) and the first episode (Insidious Onset) of season 3 titled Butchers Block, was playing "Timothy "!! ......cool.
If a creepiest song of the 80's is ever chosen, I would say Silent Running by Mike & The Mechanics. It's terrifying and seems to be playing out in these crazy times.
Amazing! Wow, I am sold on this vid alone!! Such incredible info from the man himself! Thank you! Thank you SO very much for this extra joy to go with his music!! I am now a subscriber, and true believer in your channel!
"Fire" - The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Absolutely terrifying. 😱
I remember that song and loved it. We all knew it was about cannibalism, but somehow we managed to disassociate that while listening to it.
Not able to reply to the poll but here's my answer anyway:
The song that most creeped me out when I first heard it as a kid in the early 1980s is Hamburger Lady by Throbbing Gristle. About 3 years after that Hell Awaits by Slayer, Procreation Of The Wicked by Celtic Frost, and Welcome To Hell by Venom (1983 At War With Satan version) all blew my mind and scared me when I first heard them all on the same day in spring of 1985.
*All what he did for the "Piña Colada" song definitely worked like a charm, has a spark and magic of few songs you can count in one hand*
I disagree with Holmes. "Silver Spoon" by Grace Slick is the greatest song about cannibalism ever.
Great interview and insights from Rupert. The creepiest song I know is Country Death Song by Violent Femmes. i love the group and was listening to the CD back in the day (Hallowed Ground, i think) and that song came on and just freaked me out. Never listened to it again. "You want to know how to take a short trip to hell? Just take your lovely daughter and throw her in the well". Eek.
I was too young for Timothy, & tbh I didn't love Pina Colada the song, but didn't dislike it either when it came out - I was leaning into punk by the late 70s. But I remember wanting Rupert's glasses in the film clip, LOL. Great interview, I now totally admire Rupert's nascent punk sensibility, trying to write a song that will banned, and in a way more subtle, effective manner than any punk executed. Onya Rupert!!
Stranglehold by UK Subs has got to be up there too....,'Some little girl's got a hold on me she's only 13 but she's oh so sweet' Now I love Charlie Harper and the Subs but creepy is what creepy is!!
Been wearing Zenni's for about 20 years now. Love them! Have never had any issues whatsoever
they did not write any song to "get banned" it was likely and afterwards cover story after doing such a stupid dark song. you cannot plan or predict to write a song "to get banned" plus get air play then successfully get banned. it would be impossible
the red frames kill this great episode sally jesse raphael
Rupert Holmes created the TV series Remember WENN for American Movie Classics cable channel. It was magical. It's a shame it hasn't been "officially" released on dvd. I'd love to hear more of his stories of his career.
My first thought was Blood Rock doing "DOA"
I think the creepiest song award goes to Paul Anka's 1974 hit "Having my Baby". He sings about how she could have gotten an abortion but chise not to.Talk about an effed up song.I believe it was a number one hit .
A twisted and disturbing song that comes to mind for me is "Bodies", by the Sex Pistols from their album "Never mind the Bollocks here's the Sex Pistols"1977! The song is about an abortion and was actually based on an incident involving a fan who was arrested in a discotheque with the aborted fetus! I'm Andy not Annmarie!
You load 16 tons and what do you get? Trapped in the mine and you eat your friends...... Sounds like a hit.
I knew it! When I saw the title of the video, it had to be Timothy.I remembered it from my childhood in Canada. Weird tune. Kinda like a early Excitable Boy.
Hey I played that song in marching band in 1976, one of my favorites.
I enjoy interviews with these people who were really determined to make music a career.
Really enjoyed the interview. The Pina Colada song was a great hit here in the UK and is just as strong now. The Timothy song story was wonderful ( never heard it ) . The buoys sound like a good band. I will be off to find the song right now.
I don't know how many times I used to listen 😕 to this song, and untill this moment. I never had a clue. But I've been finding a lot of song lyrics and like that now. Lola, Cecilia?
The Buoys had a reunion concert May 15th here in Wilkes - Barre Pa HEY IT'S PRONOUNCED BOYS-NOT BOOEYS
Then they should have damn spelled it that way.
Hotel California always creeped me out as a kid. Still won't listen to it. A funny but also naughty song was "My ding-a-ling. I believe that's the name of it.
My Dingaling was by Chuck Berry. 😆 Actually, I didn't like that song, though.
This is THE BEST channel on UA-cam.
Yep, I said it.
Thanks, Professor
**If you're still looking for inspiration, I suggest Nantucket - Heartbreaker. Or, for those with the insane knowledge of all music, maybe "John Lee Pettimore" (what a story that would be)
OMG I haven't even watched this yet yet with the intro I remember this
You wanna hear a really creepy song? Try "Jet Boy Jet Girl" originally done by the punk band Elton Motello in 1977. Holy Cow, it blows all these away. Or try "The Four Horsemen" by Aphropdite's Child (Vangelis' band before movie scores). That song is still played like a Top 40 in St. Louis. Not obscene, but the singing?
Love the song Timmothy, We used to play it in a duo I was in back in the ‘90’s as part of a 1 hit wonder set we would do.🤘😎🤘
First time I heard Timothy I was a kid. Never paid attention to the lyrics back then and thought it was a happy song. When I heard it again as an adult it was kind of a shocking experience.
Rupert was lucky to make it through the stairs in that performance, imo. Wikipedia can be edited after the fact by anyone.
'Friends' by the Police is the only other song I can think of about the same subject.
Dang! I didn't know that he was in a band, especially that band. I don't know anything about it, but I just recently discovered that song. I saved it. It's pretty crazy.
Oh. I see. He just wrote it for the band. That's interesting.
I find it funny that Timothy would be banned, but Alice Cooper's Dead Babies or I Love the Dead were not. (except by the BBC, of course)
Excitable Boy was way worse. I guess if Noel Coward’s “Don’t Let’s Be Beastly” was banned than it shows how weak society is.
The creepiest song I remember was Bloodrock D.O.A. I was in Fort Lauderdale and w.s.h.e. played it over and over again. I think it was 1970.
Great Interview and I even was schooled of Rupert Holmes, I didn't know on Timothy. One song off of Crimes of Passion is Answering Machine was one of my favorites of Rupert. That song had the same formula as Escape but an answering machine feel to it. Scariest song for me when I first heard it was Hotel California in 1976. Granted I was only 14 at the time and didn't know about habits that trap you. I thought it was a plan ghost story. As I grew up and became a disc jockey, I learned differently.
I went to buy ‘Timothy’ 45 at NRM back in 72-73(I was 10 or 11), and they wouldn’t sell it to me, said I had to have a parent buy it. I did not know why at the time. I just liked the melody and the chorus. Another controversial song I liked back then, troglodyte caveman song. Mongoose was a cool song back then too.
I was always told as a kid that the song was about a donkey.
That is wild that a young man had such vision to manipulate a song so convincingly. I doubt if most artist are that calculating when they write a song. I would think that would be a very exhausting way to write a song. You have to be brilliant. Obviously Rupert has been that and much more. I missed out on his first genius moment. (Buoys-Timothy). Since a musician myself I tend to gravitate to the music first before I really dig into the lyrical content. Some of that I know must be because of my hearing loss. I have less than 30% hearing in my left ear. So most of my hearing comes from my right ear. Plus we didn't have the tools that we have today to adjust recording speeds and other manipulation tools. Brilliant beyond words.
The creepiest song, for me, is "Beyond the Realms of Death," by Judas Priest.
I have been a Zennie buyer for 20 years. They are awesome! 😎
That's funny. Back then here in central California on KSTN Timothy got played so much we kind of got tired of hearing it. I guess out DJs must have liked it a lot.
Loved this! Always a fan!
I always thought the Pina Colada song was Barry Manilow
If it was banned why was it constantly being played on the radio?
I’ve always liked this song. It has a great arrangement but I’ve never actually paid attention to the lyrics. Wow- cannibalism! Mind blown. Thanks Professor.. your revelations are always a treat. 👍🏼
I had this on my playlist because the song itself - the musical part is very cheerful! But I had to delete it because the creepiness factor got to me after a while. Too bad!
An album called "The Knife" by the O Band
The only other cannibal song I can think of is "I Eat Cannibals" by Toto Coelo.
Because of Guardians of the Galaxy my sons love Escape. They have reintroduced me to it and I appreciate it in a much different way now. However it’s about a couple going out on each other.