Execs TOLD BAND TO LEARN to Sing Without a THICK ACCENT...They REFUSED & Hit #1 | Professor of Rock
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- Coming up, a tale of twin brothers of The Proclaimers who were told by all the tastemakers that if they wanted to make it in music they should learn to sing without an accent. Their thick accents stopped many labels from giving them a chance and they were so original that a famous TV host called them weird on live TV… But this only motivated them and eventually, they had a massive hit all over the world in 1988 well everywhere but America… I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles). They couldn’t understand why it didn’t take off in the US. But then in a stroke of good luck, a famous actress made the director use the song in her scene in a movie, and it blew up 5 years after it was a hit everywhere else. 500 Miles hit #1 here, but even then some radio stations wouldn’t play it because of a misheard lyric that they found offensive. The story is next on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you spent all your quarters at the arcade or on the jukebox you’ll dig this channel. make sure to subscribe below right now and click the bell so that you never miss an interview. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out where we are starting to put full interviews and exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
It’s time for another edition of our series Bottled Lightning. where we break down a song that was king for a day or many days. A dong that was so big, that the artist or band wasn’t able to match it’s success long term. Most call ‘em one-hit wonders but we call them lightning in a bottle. This one is an old classic from an 80s brother duo that was also a hit in the following decade…one of the most interesting Bottled Lightning stories I’ve come across.
Love will make us do crazy things. The determination to prove our love for another makes us unreasonable….unstoppable….invincible! That superhuman resilience has been captured in the lyrics of some of popular music’s most beloved songs: Luminaries like Marvin Gaye who teamed with Tammi Terrell to vow that there “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough to keep them away..”
And Nat King Cole, who pledged his ubiquitous love when he proclaimed to his darling: “I’ll follow my star to the ends of the earth, just to be where you are.” In another act of insurmountable devotion put to music, two brothers from Scotland promised to walk 500 miles- then 500 more, just to be the man to fall down at the door of their love:
Identical twin brothers, Craig and Charlie Reid were teenagers at Bell Baxter High School, in Fife, Scotland, when they saw The Clash in concert, and were spellbound by what they experienced. With only a cheap guitar and a worn-out drum kit, the brothers decided to put a punk band together and named it Black Flag. No relation to the punk band from Hermosa Beach, California famously fronted by Henry Rollins.
Neither Charlie, nor Craig were punkers at heart, so when Black Flag disbanded in 1983, the brothers decided to become an acoustic-styled duo they called The Proclaimers and slowly developed a following around Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. As sons of Scotland, the Reids had really thick Scottish accents and made no effort to disguise their heritage when they sang in front of live audiences.
Poll: What is your pick for GREATEST SINGALONG SONG EVER? One that when it comes on... you can't help but BELT IT OUT!
Black Water
Depeche Mode - Everything Counts
John Cougar - Ain't Even Done With The Night
@@ProfessorofRock Joy To The World 🌍, Take It Easy, Rock Of Ages,I Can't Drive 55, Stone In Love and Anyway You Want It and yes Burn It To The Ground - Nickelback
Neil Diamond "Cracklin' Rosie"
I have Cerebral Palsy, and I used 500 Miles as my anthem - my motivation - when training to run the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch.
Did you? How'd you do on it?
Much respect to you.
@ yes
Awesome. Massive respect. ❤🎉
@@farrellmcnulty909 I had to slow down for a bit halfway, but: 500 metres, with - it felt like - every person I’d ever met, lining the road, or running alongside me, cheering me on. I’ll never forget it.
Thanks for covering this song.
The Proclaimers are a national treasure here in Scotland, and I'm gonna be is a Scottish anthem, we're extremely proud of them.
Had a wee laugh at your pronunciation of Inverness and Edinburgh 😂 but I'll forgive you 😅
I loved this song the first time I heard it, one of my all-time favorite feel-good songs. I'm glad to finally know what "havering" means, not a word that's used much on this side of the pond.
We have our own odd words that are very regional. A word that's popular in the South could be unknown in other states.
I learned that lesson after living in Texas for 40 years, and moving 1500 miles to SoCal. After a really good meal, the waitress asked how the food was, and I grinned and said, "That was larruping!"
She looked deeply concerned and asked what was "wrong". "Nothing!" Larruping means that something tasted so good, it's perfection.😃
I don't think that word ever made it to California before I dragged it here, but I don't think it's gonna thrive here. Hmmm, maybe I need to put "larruping" in a song.😂
The way he says Craig wrongly. Agghh.
Matt Lucas is a massive fan and was in the Spinning Around in the Air video.
It's worth watching the musical Sunshine on Leith. A musical based on their music.
Just learn to say Craig's name correctly. It also doesn't take long to learn how to pronounce Inverness and Edinburgh.
Great band though.
He also butchered Leith LOL
And you called them "natural treasures" instead of "national treasures." 😂
I genuinely believe that the accent is a strong part of the song's appeal. I can't speak for the rest of the world, but here in the states it made them stand out. Yes the melody is great, the lyrics are great, the performance great, but the X factor for me was always their vocal inflections. Made it memorable in a way that a lot of songs weren't.
I totally agree!
Absolutely 💯
I feel the same way about Billy Bragg, I love his music, and his brogue enhances the songs for me. "Accident Waiting To Happen" wouldn't sound nearly as good without Billy's plaintive Brit accent.
I have always found it highly annoying that so many artists will sing with an American accent. There is not such thing as singing without an accent as they are all relative.
Back in the days of boozy quarterly work conferences I had a Scottish expat as our national manager. He loved Karaoke, and we’d always end up having to find a place with Karaoke. This was the only song he ever did, and he did it well. One year the place we were at didn’t give us a private room, so we had to take turns with the public. As soon as my boss started, another Scot from the crowd jumped up and joined him, and they did an almost perfect rendition of 500 miles. I’ve never forgotten that night. Since then, others tried a duo with him, but never came close. It also reinforced how much better the song is with the Scottish accent.
In 1981 I was preparing to quit my job and hitchhike/walk from PHX to Atlanta to see my best friend. She called me a week before I put plans in motion to say she was back in PHX...saved me a long walk. Married 43 years now.
friendzoned
@@AlaborJinta I don’t think you read the entire comment.
🎉❤CONGRATULATIONS on Your Long MARRIAGE!!!❤🎉😊🙏🎉🎉🎉
Sometimes good things happen to good people.
After watching Benny and Joon in the theater, my wife and I went directly to the record store and bought the CD of the Proclaimers. We binged the entire CD for a month.
Hearing you mangle all the Scottish place names is hysterical, great vid though
InVERniss! haha. That was a cracker!
Really enjoyed this. Your mangling of place and peoples names was funny though. Edinburgh is a fairly standard mispronunciation for Americans but Aberdeen, Inverness? How do you get them wrong😂? Oh and on this side of the ocean it's not Creg either btw.
@ That was my first “inkling “
It went downhill from there.
(I thought this in a Scottish Accent, Western Highlands)
🤣
At least he kept away from Auchtermuchty 😂
@ My mate was from there, crashed his motorbike twice trying to get back one Christmas. A motorbike. Twice. He grew up there…
The irony of an American talking about strong accents and not being able to pronounce “Craig” like the rest of the world.
😂😂😂😂
Love your work Professor.
I need to know how the rest of the world pronounces Craig. 😅 Crayg?
@ it most definitely doesn’t rhyme with Greg.
@@tubecat101 Guess it's an American thing :)
@ eggzackary what I was saying 🤦♂️
Not to mention them hanging out in an apartment in 'Edenburg'.....
NEVER. Nevernevernever. Tell a Scotsperson (shout out Fern Brady) to loose their accent. The bloody audacity! 😤
Love this song but the accent just makes me love it even more.
❤🏴 Love to you Scotland, never change.
As an Irishman living in Oxford for 28 years I fully agree.
I keep me Dub accent. Sure why wouldn’t I. ❤️👍🏽☘️👍
Aye....don't be a 'Gerrrd Budler' 😅🤣
I am proud of being Scottish myself and hearing them sing with a broad Scottish accent was brilliant when I first heard it. I have been to quite a few weddings in Scotland and at every one of them this song was played at the end of the reception with the bride and groom dancing in the middle with everybody else gathered around them in a circle. We would be holding hands with our neighbours and on the lal la la las we would rush into the middle to squash the bride and groom amongst their family and friends. My cousin got married down in England, and when the DJ at the reception didn't have this song, the best man had to go out to his car and we dragged the bride and groom into the car park and played the song through his car music system. We had a huge crowd from the wedding party dancing to it in the car park before the couple left for their wedding night. The song is still played at most weddings in Scotland.
I’m English but have lived in Scotland for 35 years and the best weddings I’ve ever been to are in Scotland. When my daughter got married here and all my English family came, they had the best time ever and 500 miles at the end blew them all away. Happy memories 😊
And it's played at a lot of wedding receptions in England too. An absolute anthem of a song!
Oh man, I LOVE the Proclaimers!! They were huge in Calgary, both songs being wildly popular during my first year of college, and it still brings back a flood of great memories. I wore out my Sunshine on Leith cassette. NYE this year, as soon as the DJ played 500 Miles, the dance floor was packed. Thank you for this episode!
PS Gerry Rafferty was a great singer, songwriter and producer, amazing artist.
Love Gerry's stuff!
I love Gerry Rafferty! Didn't know he was Scottish, tho. Learn something new every ery day.
East Coast loved them as well.. mixed well with many east coast artists. Or west... Spirt of the West's Home for a Rest was a good match
@@ProfessorofRock”The Right Moment” was an amazing track which needs more recognition. Perfect partner song for “Baker Street.”
Loverboy was from Calgary too I believe.
The most beautiful thing about 500 Miles is the smile it always brings to David Tenant's face.
that woke idiot?
That "farewell" video they did at the end of his run on Dr Who was priceless.
Every accent has its own musicality, doesn’t it? When an artist prepares a piece, working to achieve the perfect sound, accent is integral to that sound. Why the heck remove such an important feature? I love the energy of this song. It never fails to elevate my mood.
Charlie and Craig are Hibernian supporters.
And their song 'sunshine on Leith' was sung by the Hibs support at the end of the Scottish cup final.
One of the greatest sporting moments ever. 🥲
When our daughters were young I told them that 500 miles was the most honest love song ever and they should look for guys like that. I'd tell them the same again today.
I don't have any kids (that I know of) but my neighbor across the street has two- a 24-year-old son and a 23-year-old daughter. She moved in 8 years ago shortly after her divorce when they were 16 and 15. The son is an incredible young man and in his second year of vet school. He'll be a vet in about 18 more months. The daughter got a degree in media studies and moved to Washington D.C. last year. The day before she left I was out working in my flower beds and she came to say goodbye to my wife and I. I told her: "Kristin, you are the sweetest, most good hearted and devout young woman. You are beautiful on the outside but you are also beautiful on the inside which is where it counts. Never give any man a second chance if he takes you for granted or doesn't respect you as a human being or as a woman. Please be careful out there and make sure you give some of the quiet guys a chance. Never let anyone make a fool out of you because Uncle Dusty's too old for prison.
Yes to both Housemartins and Beautiful South.
Fat Boy Slim was also in the Housemartins and also went on to great things.
If I recall correctly, the song also had a bit of a revival via David Tennant's fierce love of the song and constantly talking about it during his Dr Who days.
Yep!
David’s favourite is the title track of Sunshine on Leith, chiefly because it is now the anthem of his favourite football club, Hibernian (although it is a heart-achingly gorgeous song, to be fair)
There's a "behind the scenes" cast video on UA-cam of the entire Dr. Who cast and production team lip syncing and marching to this song. It's good fun when the monsters come on screen "singing."
@@grahamthomas1623there is a great video of it being sung by the Hibs supporters on UA-cam.
Glad they stayed true to themselves and sang the way they wanted. I've loved this song from the first time I heard it, owing partly to the accent. Truly set it apart, made it memorable. The Scottish accent is the BEST accent!
Heroes in Scotland 🏴🏴🏴
I'm Aussie and 500 miles was everywhere for about 6 months. It was huge. Had a teacher at school we called Proclaimer behind his back because he looked so much like the twins. Didn't hurt that he walked down the halls singing the song too. It's still loved and when it comes on people sing along with a bad Scottish accent not to mimic but with affection and fun. I say bad because no matter how hard you try it comes out bad 🤣
🤣🤣
I've been a DJ for 30 years I play this song at every function
Everybody knew this song... easy floor filler in the 90s for sure. Canadian (at least eastern) djs liked it because it flowed well with a lot of our east coast folk rock .
So true. It's a barn burner!
I think this is the fastest I've ever guessed what the POR song of the day is!
I loved this song the first time I heard it, and it's that charming brogue that makes the song a standout. This is one of my top five favorite 80s songs and I'm delighted to learn the story behind it.
TBH, I also adore the songs of Billy Bragg, and his UK accent adds authenticity to the heartaches he sings about.
It's very easy to choose which UA-cam channel is my favorite, it's POR!
Thanks again, Adam!😘
POR shouts out Black Flag and Henry Rollins! Black Flag and I share a hometown: Hermosa Beach, California!
YES!! I fell in love with Billy Bragg the first time I heard him sing New England by Kirsty MacColl. I loved his accent. “I don’t want to change the whoa’ed, I’m just looking fo a new inglund. I’m not looking fo a nuh-va go.” LMAO, nothing better to make a song sound MORE INTERESTING!!
I always jump right on it when I see a POR video. You are just THE BEST! I love these inside information vids. It deepens my appreciation for songs I already love to know more of the story. I loved "500 Miles" from the first time I heard it just because it was quirky/different. I understood every word of it. Years later, when I became a fan of HIMYM, it cracked me up that they chose that song to be stuck in Marshall's tape player. 'Stay with it. It comes back around'.
Always something to learn and way more entertaining than when I had to go to class.
As a proud Scot, I can say the Proclaimers are revered in Scotland. 500 miles is played at every wedding.
They are by no means 1 hit wonders. Check out 'Sunshine On Leith'. Especially the Hibernian football fans singing it at Hampden Park. Im not even a Hibs fan, but it makes me cry every time.
Agree 💯 🏴 🏴 🏴 🏴 🏴 🏴
eedinberg. did ye catch him say that hahaha
I don't know if the Tartan Army still sing it as well (apart from the Jambo contingent!!), it was always brilliant as was 500 Miles being sung.
I love your passion for music! When I first heard this song, right away. all the other sounds in the room seemed to disappear. Then, I noticed that my heart started beating to the rhythm of the song. I was addicted.
THanks!
I would love it if my heart started doing that!
This is such a fun song. A band I was in used to play this, and the crowd loved it. We always got a good response.
My friend Larry spent a year in Scotland when he came back in 89 he told me you got to hear this. He played Sunshine on Leigh and I was hooked.
Very cool!
Interesting point of note about "Sunshine On Leith" is that it's used as an almost anthem at Easter Road stadium, the home ground of Hibernian FC, the team which the brothers are supporters of and who subsequently are based in the Leith area of Edinburgh.
Because of this association, you tend to find that the people in Edinburgh who really dislike The Proclaimers are in fact Heart of Midlothian FC supporters... Hibernian's bitter rivals across the city!
For what it's worth, "Sunshine On Leith" is an incredible song!
There's also a musical film of the same name created using Proclaimers songs.
Sunshine on Leith is a beautiful song
I'm a Jambo and I like The Proclaimers, in fact if I would be happy if Scotland"s Story ever became the new National Anthem, but even before you took Sunshine on Leith as your club song, I didn't like it. I realise it was almost a nanosecond, but it's a dirge. Not for me.
@@BigAndyK haha, I'm no Hibee mate. Don't really follow any team to be honest... I just have enough friends and family who are Jambos and know their feelings towards the Proclaimers and "Sunshine On Leith" in particular.
And that's fair enough, it is a bit plodding... but I wouldn't necessarily call it a "dirge".
It's more pensive in its approach perhaps, let's just go with that! 😄
Love, love, LOVE these guys.
Another great song off their second album: Cap In Hand. Powerful song calling on their countrymen to show some pride in being Scottish in the face of British oppression.
WTF are you on about? You don't get your history from 'Braveheart', do you? Halfwit!
Haha, British oppression? The Scots are British, and we're not oppressed at all...oppressing ourselves??
True Story: As a Freshman at the University of Oregon, Black Flag literally played in front of my dorm.
My kids love this story, they tell their friends this all the time. It's "my dad was cool in his day" story.
True story. Chuck Dukowski, founding bassist for Black Flag, and I went to high school together. (He went by a different name back then) We're still friends and chat once in a while.
True story: my friend Jon O'Barr was a Journalism major at NYU in 1984 when Black Flag was having lineup problems and constantly about to break up. He was in front of Henry Rollins at after a show on campus, got a couple of questions in for the school newspaper and handed a Black Flag record to Henry to sign who, in front of cameras and droves of people asked in a dramatic voice: "How long you want this signature to last, Jon?". He replied: "I guess until Black Flag actually breaks up" and was solidly, squarely punched in the mouth by Henry Rollins.
True Story: Dave Smalley never sang with Black Flag, but he did front Dag Nasty and Down by Law. Down by Law covered "500 Miles" and it's spectacular
ua-cam.com/video/DG0gl4p2F-g/v-deo.htmlsi=gFapd9cX08HULjfa
@@danooc1 just listened to it. meh.
@@danooc1 True Story: this is becoming a nice little thread.
This was your best session… The rejection these two ordinary guys went through. Their integrity and staying true to their Scotland, and then the reaction from the Imagine Dragons crowd brought me to tears. Someone’s got to make a movie about this journey.
Sunshine on Leith is one of the most underrated albums of all time the brothers harmonies are next level nothing comes close listen to Shaun actually any song from this album chills . The song with the same name touches your soul like no other please do a video on the whole album and with a breakdown of the songs getting to know them better you won't regret it .
Funfact about The Housemartins:
When the band was split, Bassist Norman Cook deicided to hang the bass on the wall.
...and started DJ-ing. He released some music late 80s and early 90s, with some success.
Mid 90s he switched name to "Fatboy slim", and became one of the most influetial electronica artists. That's quite a switch up!
He also was in Beats International that had the hit Dub Be Good To Me
@@curtisthomas2670 Yeah I know... Thanks for adding it.
Man Oh Man. Mary Stuart Masterson. Some Kind Of Wonderful is 38 years old in a couple of months. I wonder if Mary knows how many guys in 1987 were completely in love with Watts. What a great actress.
I really liked her in Gardens of Stone.
Quick correction, she is 58, not 38.
She also was good in Fried Green Tomatoes.
@@BurnettMary"Some Kind of Wonderful" is turning 38 this year. Wow, how time flies!
@ Her mother was Carlin Glynn, who played her mother in Gardens Of Stone. She was also the mother in 16 Candles.
This group is totally original and unapologetic about it. Always loved this band and I always felt there was plenty of room for something different to be heard in music. Excellent show.
I had to laugh, because I guessed the song before I even started watching the video. When you said that they wanted them to sing it without such a thick accent. LoL. Great song and it was kind of a last hoorah song for 80s pop/rock before alternative and R&B/dance took over. Definitely a great anthem and anytime that my band plays it out at a club, everybody is singing along and dancing like it was 1988 all over again.
Same
I guessed it too. It could only be The Proclaimers
Definitely, I just knew it had to be The Proclaimers too, absolutely love their voices! :)
Ditto 😂
There is something timeless to this song. When you reminded me of when it was recorded and when it broke out as a hit, I was surprised. I thought it was much later than that. Can't say it's one of may favorites, but I don't usually change the channel when it comes on.
Thanks for watching!
Housemartins and Beautiful South!!! Two of my favorites too!!!
Brilliant video, as Scots we love this song to the point it gets played at loads of social occasions such as weddings and it's always good to know that something Scottish is appreciated outside of Scotland 🏴 🎉
Wow, the Housemartins I haven't heard of them in thirty years. Definitely do a story on them. Thanks
I spin them a lot.
Will do!
@ProfessorofRock ,I second this.The Housemartins were brilliant.Paul Heaton is an amazing songwriter
Fatboy slim was also in the Housemartins
@@PaulBaird-z6c WOW, I didn't know that. Thanks
I love that song! My wife and I always sing along with it when it comes on. And sometimes we sing it together without any music!
Very cool!
I'm sure glad they stuck with how they sound! The song is awesome! Thanks Professor!
Right!
I remember seeing the video of 500 Miles on MTV and VH1 when it was on
the music charts by the twin duo of the Proclaimers from Scotland and it
was a really catchy song to listen to have a great weekend and until next time
Thanks again Professor of Rock.🎶🎶📻🎶🎶
Have a great weekend!
Perfect timing! I heard this song on the radio today while driving. Next thing I know, the radio is cranked and I’m singing like a fool. There’s something about this song, because after the song was over, I was in a good mood for hours.
I live in Edinburgh and see one of the twins nearly every time I pass through The Meadows park in the City as he lives near by there. The Proclaimers have more songs that were hits but this is the song they are well known for. Great episode.
If I can paraphrase Marshall from How I Met Your Mother, this song definitely "comes around again". My son (who had been raised listening to the album Sunshine on Leith) discovered the song for himself when it was played on a loop within the show.
Incidentally, the song "Sunshine on Leith" was one of the songs my husband and I played at our wedding (along with "The Ship Song" by Nick Cave). As two very broken people who found each other and healed the damage caused by others, it really resonated for us.
First thing I thought of when the song was mentioned was HIMYM
Me too....😅😂😅
The one song “cassingle” cassette tape that had been stuck in “Marshmallow’s” Pontiac Fiero’s cassette stereo was a classic 9 season running joke. Absolutely loved it, and loved HIMYM.
In September 2023 my wife and I took a trip to Ireland and Scotland. We stayed in Edinburgh, and took a one day excursion to Loch Ness. We were fortunate to have a lively and interactive bus driver. As we headed back to Edinburgh he learned there was a major accident on the main motorway so we took a detour that added about an hour to the drive. It’s was dusk when we got back into Edinburgh, and he started playing this song and got the whole bus singing as loud as we could, to the point the people walking the sidewalks were singing with us as well. A great end to a great day - aye it was.
It's Edinburgh. Pronounced Edinburru, using the u sound in butt
It's 'Edinburgh' not 'Edinburg'......
@ Yes it is.
@@doittoit00 @aye it is 😆
@@Kazza_8240 Aye
I was going to name my dog 500 miles. Why? Because then I could honestly say I walked 500 miles! 😂
Love this song. Thanks for covering it Professor. TGIF PEEPS!
Funny story. Horrible name for a dog though. LOL
That's hilarious, and I think it's a great name for a dog! I love word play in all its forms. My dog is called Odie, or affectionately called Odie-Bodie-Boo, but his full name is Odysseus Bodacious, because, like the Greek character, he went on an epic journey to find his way home to me. (He's a rescue from Kentucky, now residing in Minnesnowta)
@@rogerdeahl9629 Anything like my four it's running so maybe Forest Gump!
Thanks Roger!
@@rogerdeahl9629 If like my dogs running more appropriate so maybe Forest Gump ha ha
I remember this song. I love it. I used to sing along when ever I heard it on the radio. Great episode. Thank you.
Thanks!
Always learn something new about t songs I loved but never knew the story behind or much about the people that made them. I believe it's the chorus sing along that puts this song over the top. Great episode professor!
Thanks My Name!
This song introduced me to the Housemartins, for example.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ I love this song! They play it in a scene on Derry Girls! LOL. Thank you! Have a fabulous weekend! 😊
I'm not Scottish , not a Hibernians fan nor a huge fan of the Proclaimers. Still, the Hibs fan's rendition of 'Sunshine on Leith' is sure to give you goosebumps.
Also talking about weid connections; Johnny Depp who played in the movie that brought fame to Scotland's Proclaimers, was a real life friend of the giant of -not Scottish but fellow Gaelics- Irish folk / punk-folk Shane McGowan. Just a random piece of trivia, thought I'd threw it in.
I can't actually remember exactly when I first heard this song, but I've never seen Benny & Joon so I must've heard it on the radio and fell head over heels in love with this song. Of course they never told you who sang the song back then, so it was years before I learned it was The Proclaimers. The internet was a twinkle in someone's eye back then. 😉 Thank you for covering this song. It's been years since I've heard it and now I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. ☺
I was a high school kid on Australia and we thought the thick Scottish accents were hilarious, but damn that song was catchy!
Thanks Prof for featuring the song.
We couldn't escape it here in Australia! It seemed to be on the radio so often. I have to admit I did get sick of it, but it is lovely to hear it again.
Hilarious?
@ We were teenagers and the accents were so strong it they sounded like a self-parody. Bear in mind that at that age, most of us lacked the maturity to see the authenticity of the Proclaimers. But at the time it did sound funny.
Great episode Prof! Definitely was moved to tears on this one. We are so fortunate to get to experience the plethora of wonderful content you serve up with such zeal and passion!!! You are AWESOME Adam, I hope you live forever!❤❤❤
My sister in law walked down the aisle to this song...... it was great!
Very cool!
I love these guys. Still love 500 miles. Saw a live show on tv a few years back and couldn’t shut it off. Just the 2 of them with an acoustic guitar. Very talented
I've loved this song ever since I heard it in the 90s.
Also, it's cool to see Billy Joel's album "Turnstiles" in the background.
One of my faves!
I love The Proclaimers! I loved them on the first go-around and bought the album on the second go-around. I finally saw the movie on TV, a couple of years ago. I enjoy your channel, and I would love to learn about The House Martins.❤❤❤My favorite song to sing along is In a Big Country, and I have to throw in You’re so Vain. Thanks Professor!
man i loved the movie benny and joon they used this song in such a great movie
It's a great movie. Another Johnny Depp classic.
That's what brought it back!
What a great song to cover. This hit big in Scotland when it came out and still resonates today. On the subject of The Beautiful South, Woman In the Wall is a brilliant beautiful dark song.
The late George Donaldson of Celtic Thunder did a version of "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)." I think it was around 2008 or 2009. That was the first time I heard that song, and I fell in love with it. I didn't know until years later, that The Proclaimers were the original artists of that song.
Thank you for explaining “Havering”. It’s my wife’s and my song. Just never knew what that word meant.
Great episode, as usual!!
Havering, is also the name of one of the boroughs of modern greater London.
Dinny be shy just ask a Scot 😀👍🏼
I just realized what it is about you. You’re our Casey Kasem.
Yes, you are so right - I really love this channel and learning more about the songs and bands - cheers !
Our Professor is a throwback to the 1970’s and 80’s when radio stations featured live human DJ’s that would frequently talk about a song before playing it.
Keep Your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars.
so glad you told this story. I listened to an alternative rock radio station here in Baltimore so I had heard it on its first outing. when it became a huge hit, I remember thinking, “holy cow, this must be the slowest climbing hit of all time!” I had no idea it was the result of being featured in a movie!
The Housemartins were my absolute favourite band in the 80s, The proclaimers were also high up there. I'd LOVE to have a full vid on the Housemartins, Paul and even the Beautiful South.
They're the best! will do!
@@ProfessorofRock Thank you!! As for the Proclaimers, it was their rendition of King of The Road that actually got me hooked on them, the b-side of that single "Lulu selling tea" is still in my head at least weekly. I had never heard the song King of the Road prior and it was several years after that I actually heard the original. Their song Sean just hits so hard. Thanks for the vid bud.
We had a rec center in my hometown where all the New Wave/Alternative kids would go on weekend nights and the DJ wanted to play "Happy Hour" by The Housemartins but lamented that it was too short of a song in that he only selected records at least 3 minutes long. He did a mashup of "Happy Hour" and "Panic" by The Smiths which somehow went together better than could have been imagined.
I forgot about the Housemartins.
@@dustybrandyes when friend was a club dj new wave night martins was one smiths panic clubgoers chanted hang the dj wed laugh he was much beloved clubgoers gave him gifts everyone tired of how soon is now so he played panic queen is dead barbarism begins at home by coincidence i heard housemartins sunday on local radio
My former sister in law brought the album to my attention back in '88 and as a mobile DJ I recognized the appeal of this song for events like Weddings. Always a great tune to play and if you don't know that album it pairs well with the follow-up single "I'm On My Way". Thanks for the story Professor.
My senior year of high school whenever I hear this song., puts a smile on my face. It brings back so many memories
COOL!
I’m Canadian and I remember the first time I heard that song the first time around. I heard it twice and went out and bought the cassette tape, I loved it so much.
When this first came out I was living in Edinburgh (I still do), and working in Glasgow. Even in Scotland it was regarded as odd, but it's one of those songs you hear and think weird, the second time "it's that weird song again" then you find yourself humming it and looking forward to hearing it again, by the fifth your belting it out at the top of your lungs, no matter whoever else is around
At 7:44 the hill in the background is Arthur's seat in Edinburgh (pronounced Ed-in-bruh of you're posh or Em-bruh if you're in a hurry), I can see it from my house or anywhere else in the city for that matter. From it's top you can also see Fife and Leith (pronounced Leeth), sometimes there's even sunshine on it. Inverness is pronounced - or even "proclaimed" In-ver-ness
Thanks!
Ha! I was about to give a lesson on Embra!
Amfae Penicuik!
...but mo mention of Auchtermuchty.
@@Strength-in-Union Ha, yes! they could have fitted it in, that would have confused the Americans ;-)
@@davidbarrass 😆 You have a good weekend David!
And you, PoR - keep up the great work 👍🏻
Hey, thanks for covering the story of this song. When it came out in 88, I absolutely hated it. But for two weeks I was doing inventory by myself with only a radio for company, and 500 Miles was on a heavy, HEAVY rotation. Once an hour practically it came on, and by the end of the first week I would go from groaning when the intro came on, to starting to bop around as soon as it started. It has been one of my favorites since. I especially love the video David Tennant and Dr Who crew did to it.
I’ve never heard anyone butcher the name ‘Inverness’ before and, though Americans always get Edinburgh wrong, that must be the WORST attempt I’ve ever heard!
Good job 🤣
I tuned out after the 25th KREG
Thank you Professor! Have a great weekend! ✌🏼😊
Sometimes, music is just...fun. that's what truly makes this song great. It's fun.
I remember asking my son about a song that I had heard about a man who had walked 500 miles, he said, oh, I think you mean this one we watched Benny and Joon together and that song blew me away, it was perfect for the movie, I bought a copy of it and listened to it every day for months, their accents definitely add something to the song. It is a terrific love song, imagine someone who loves you enough to walk 500 miles to see you and then 500 more only to collapse from exhaustion when he reaches you. The only other love story to top that is Jacob’s love for Rachel in the Bible, he worked as a slave to her father Laban for 14, was tricked into marrying her sister but he went through that and more to marry his true love. Both of these stories ( song and Jacob) are testaments to true love. Thanks Adam, enjoy your weekend and do something fun.
Quarters in the jukebox at the arcade though? Transcendental. 😂
Ha!
Great band, great songs. My favourite is Sunshine on Leith. Listen to Hibernian FC fans singing it. Magnificent, and I'm a Hearts fan, their Edinburgh city rivals.
My memories about this song 🎵 ❤️ (was kinda Dailey routine),it was was across [between]back and forth through school 🏫 (I was either in 2nd or 3rd grade class at the time), I heard of the movie 🎬 Benny and Joon,but knew nothing about it being in the soundtrack... also sometimes I get the song 🎵 messed up with another (from the 1970's)called Little Willie (it's probably the [acoustics]guitar riffs or something that didn't seem dated),also when you said covers, all I can think of is the [late]George Duncan(of the group)Celtic Thunder... thank you for sharing this Nostalgia.
I heard the song and album in 89, working in a remote location. A co-worker had brought it and played it. I loved it right away and from then I purchased all their next albums until recently. Loved their stuff until recently, they've changed. Thanks for covering 'em Prof. 🤘😎🙏✌
never heard of them,but thanks P.O.R. for putting CCR Green River Album in the background.Pick up a flat rock and skip it across Green River.there's a bathroom on the right
because every time you go away you take a piece of meat with you.
I remember this song being on a commercial. Never heard of the movie 🍿🎥 I remember the actress being in a movie called SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL!! Still a interesting story! Thanks Adam! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼
The Proclaimers being called weird isn't a bad thing - it worked out okay for Al Yankovic.
Right? Better weird than boring.
Devo also comes to mind. 😁
For sure!
Right!
Yes it did!
A song of pure happiness! And the beat!!! A friend nearly stomped thru the floorboards of my car from listening to this tune over and over! We were hoarse af from shouting the lyrics at the top of our lungs for many happy miles.
I still bang the wheel as hard as I can when it comes on the radio or siriusxm.
Bang Your Drum is my other go-to song. Uplifting to the moon and stars and back again.
The Beautiful South had some cool, college radio songs: Old Red Eyes is Back and A Little Time being two that are still in heavy rotation on my iPhone.
same they have reissues now i saw in uncut
What, no "Don't Marry Her"?
We used to have our own refrain for the song "36D" years ago. Nothing better than a bunch of guys singing in unison: "54J, so what, J, so what....ohhh is that all that you got".
This song, more than any other, is the one tune that people worldwide identify with Scotland. More so than Flower of Scotland... Auld Lang Syne.. Caledonia., Wild Mountain Thyme... What a special thing that is; it's basically our national anthem :))
Good morning Adam and music lovers. Everyone have a nice weekend filled with good tunes.
Good morning and bad weather so music will be part of the weekend, but usually a daily thing. Rock on!
Good morning. You have a great weekend, too!
Cool!
@@Whisper_292Thanks. I'll do my best.
Havering = bullshitting. Great video. The Proclaimers are a fantastic band. Nowadays singing in Scottish accents is quite common but Craig & Charlie pioneered it.
More like Procrastinating
@@moonkeele Naw, it is the following: To talk in a foolish or trivial manner, speak nonsense, to babble, gossip.
@@moonkeeleTo “haver” is to talk nonsense. There is also a noun, which is only a plural, “havers” - usually used as a retort to someone who is talking rubbish/bullshitting, as in “Ach, havers!”
We loved this song in Australia in ‘88 🎉
They really are true to themselves, and their fans. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
always liked this tune, when they get to the part where they sing Da lat da (Da lat da), da lat da (Da lat da), we changed the words to "I want a hotdog" seemed to fit and made the song fun, especially when your drunk!
We did that too! Oh man! Funny!
😂😂😂 I sang that in my head. It's funny. Love it!
I never heard that before, but I'm sure I will from now on! LOL 🤣
That's amazing! And it fits the meter just fine.
It sounds like "balalaikas" to me - whatever balalaikas are. 😅😅😅😅
Good Sir, your channel is a gift to me, best thing I’ve found on UA-cam, yes, I’m a boomer, (my high school had a smoking area). I’m compelled to post this today as I’m third generation Canadian, me wee Gran came over from Bonnie Scotland. Many thanks for your offerings Sir, much respect.
Good morning, Professor and friends! I'd go 500 miles to get a lesson from the Professor.
TGI Friday! Have a great day y'all!
Ha, have a wonderful day and be safe!
@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr- Thanks Anna; you too. I hope you heard Professor call you out in his live show last night?
Oh man, love the name drop of the film ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’. It’s a not so guilty pleasure of mine that most have never heard of.
If I recall correctly, Mike Myers (And Norm McDonald) played the Reid brothers in an SNL musical parody skit begging Michael Jordan not to quit basketball in 1993.
“I’ve seen you score 10,000 points and I wanna see you score 10,000 more”
I remember that!
@ Jeff Goldloom & Aerosmith episode i believe!
What a great commercial.
@ I taped a lot back then and would watch them all the time. The best that episode was David Spade at the video store and Goldbloom & Steven Tyler want to go to the adult section
Another great one Brother Profess 👍 I watched Fire Aid last night , they had Stevie Nicks dam for her age she is still beautiful and she didn't miss a single beat , She was once again A WHITE WINGED DOVE ❤💪🔥👍
(I'm Gonna Be) 500 Miles is a song that'll roll around in your head a long time after hearing it. Way too catchy!
“How I Met Your Mother” featured 500 Miles for 9 seasons. It’s streaming on Hulu. Hilarious TV show.
I'm always on the lookout for new music to add to my spotify list. This one isn't going to make it but I still enjoyed learning about them. It's become apparent that we have different tastes in music, but I like your honest opinions and enthusiasm and I consider myself a fan.
Such a fun song to play and sing on guitar... pure rhythmic hook with a freeing fun and silly chorus hook
Very true!
Yup!
It's so simple but the way it is played is the catch.
The accent is the wonderful touch of the song. I've heard Counrty dinners, Metal singers, and singers from other genres that I've had more difficulty understanding than The Proclaimers.
What an ear candy song, easily gets stuck in your head once you hear it. The song was produced by Pete Wingfield, who also produced Dexy's Midnight Runners UK #1 Smash "Geno" and played keyboards on the Hollies hit "Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress") and also played the Piano on the Beautiful South's song "Song for Whoever" He also performer in his own right back in the 70s (who looks like Bob Ross, but sounded like a black man when he sings) Does anybody here in the comment section remember his song “Eighteen with a Bullet” (A song about a hit record climbing up the charts, my favorite part in the song is "You'll Be My A-Side, I'll Be Your B-Side ha, ha) Funny enough, the song indeed went to #18 on the Hot 100 in November of ’75 (and this year, its celebrating its 50th anniversary) By the Way, "Bullet" Was Bob Marley's and Paul McCartney's favorite song
Yes, Pete Wingfield's "Eighteen With a Bullet" hit #18 with a bullet on the 11/22/75 Billboard Hot 100 chart...and then it peaked at #15. The Raspberries' song on the same subject, "Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)," peaked at #18.
Not ear candy , more like an ear worm.
I loved 500 miles! It's still a favorite today. I loved Benny and Joon too.
I was absent yesterday trying to do stuff before the storm blown in . Great choices for 65, but criminal you didn't include The Supremes for they had 4 number ones and I personally like them than the Beatles. Four Tops, Petula Clark, Jefferson Airplane and The Who are honorable mentions. It was a good year and yes love a episode on Sam Cooke who was a major influence on Steve Perry they shared the same birthday!
I love the Supremes too. I just didn't think that any of those songs were better than what I picked. To each their own.
@ProfessorofRock Maybe you should of made it a top 11!
@@AnnaTrail-xp8prOr a part two!
What an amazing story, thank you. It's mind-boggling to think we likely wouldn't know of the song had Mary Stewart Masterson not suggested it, clearly bottled lightning. And so true with record execs, I mean Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys clearly sings with a British accent. I'm a few years older than you professor and pretty much dropped out of the following pop music in 1992 so I didn't know the name of this band so thank you for covering them. I'm glad I know it now.