How "On The Dark Side" became a surprise hit

Рет қаралды 109,829

Жыл бұрын

Without the music, the 1983 cult classic film “Eddie & The Cruisers” just wouldn’t be the same. And without the film, the real-life bar band band who wrote many of the songs for its multi-platinum soundtrack wouldn’t have recorded the Top Ten single from it, “On The Dark Side.” Get into the story of how John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown band got the gig of a lifetime in this episode of the Behind The Song podcast.
Music Producer: Christian Lane
Video Director: Eva Empleo
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About Janda:
Behind The Song podcast host and creator Janda Lane is a radio DJ at WDRV-FM in Chicago, the city she calls home with her husband and podcast partner, Christian Lane, and their two cats, Ollie and Liam.
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Пікірлер: 286

@dathorndike4908 Жыл бұрын

I actually really liked Eddie & The Cruisers 2. The music is just as good as the first, and the movie completes the whole Eddie story in a very satisfying way.

@endtimer2005 Жыл бұрын

Wholeheartedly agree! Both movies were great as well as the music! Second part was kickass and Pare carried the role beautifully both scripts excellent!! I remember watching these repeatedly and now it’s time to see em again!

@kenneighbors4973 Жыл бұрын

And you KNOW Sal wanted to kick his ass when he walked out of the tide without his mustache disguise on the beach

@joegibson4946 Жыл бұрын

I'm another fan of both movies and have the sound tracks to both.

@joelbeck6600 Жыл бұрын

Ditto !

@MrKeithkerr Жыл бұрын

which song is like On The Dark Side again?

@cozmicpfunk Жыл бұрын

Eddie and the Cruisers was an amazing fictional Biopic film. The music really made that show. Michael Parre had a kind of a come back with "Streets of Fire" with Diane Lane which also had an amazing soundtrack. Great episode, thank you so much

@bandit7519 Жыл бұрын

Streets of fire good movie

@redrider0151 Жыл бұрын

Killer soundtrack on Streets of Fire....ton of talented musicians!

@bandit7519 Жыл бұрын

@@redrider0151 yeah movie and sound track is awesome and got to love Diane lane in it got to love cherry valance and yes I know it’s not her name in streets of fire but to me Diane lane will always be cherry valance if I ever hooked up with her I would ask if I could call her cherry and make her dye her hair red but that’s just me lol

@DeadShred9 Жыл бұрын

I hate Springsteen and didn't see this Movie until several Decades later . Streets Of Fire is a better movie with a better Soundtrack ! My opinion of course NOT trying to change minds ..

@bandit7519 Жыл бұрын

@@DeadShred9 Hey don t talk about the boss like that lol I think both movies was good and had good soundtrack but I really got to ask what does Springsteen have to do with anything or with these movies

@heinleinreader Жыл бұрын

Pare was actually lip synching, but he did a fantastic job of it in both films. I remember Pare as one of the students in Greatest American Hero.

@dougford5259 Жыл бұрын

I was a 13 year old kid in 1983. My older brother hooked me up with the music from the movie long before I saw the movie. I have been a fan ever since. Both movie's music rings in my head. Love it and John Cafferty. This from an Iowa kid turned fat old Iowegian farmer. Let that intro start and I am cranking the volume up.

@jackhaugh Жыл бұрын

I actually saw this band at my college in the early 90s, and they completely ROCKED!!!

@annmarieknapp2480 Жыл бұрын

I'm so jealous. That's awesome!

@taniacionci4735 9 ай бұрын

I wish I was you

@allamerican82nd57 4 ай бұрын

I saw them during the same time period. They played at my college, IUP. Which is Indiana University of Pennsylvania. They rocked the house that night. I never forgot that experience.

@ww7883 Жыл бұрын

Big nod to the skill of blending art and reality with this one. Thank you to those who put this movie together, otherwise, I might have never gotten the balls to play music in front of people. This movie was in regular rotation on HBO in '84. I watched the movie, picked up the phone, and called a drummer. An hour later, he showed up. He carried my guitar, and I rolled my Fender Super Reverb to his house, which was about a mile away. Big moment in a fledgling musician's life. Great memories.

@ednaatluxton4918 Жыл бұрын

Both Eddie and the Cruisers parts are still my favourite movies. I had them on vhs. I had the soundtracks on cassettes and cds. To this day I still bring them up in Facebook comments. I loved Michael Pare and he did get more acting parts just not as big. Sad because he was great. John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band were awesome. Don't forget "Streets of Fire"

@michellespencer8838 Жыл бұрын

Eddie and the cruisers both beloved movies ❤❤❤❤

@Orcinus1967 Жыл бұрын

Nothin's gonna save you from a love that's blind. Truer words were never spoken.

@michaelrobertfitts7133 Жыл бұрын

I loved both of the movies, because it’s about the Music as Eddie says…

@davidcreager1945 Жыл бұрын

I loved this movie ! & The sequel . Loved the back story ! Thank you !

@michaeldrysch5177 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for revealing the back story to this awesome tune and for the history on "Eddie and The Cruisers" which I found fascinating!

@chemmii Жыл бұрын

Both films were great, all the music was great and Cafferty had eddies voice down pat.! I have both movies and I still watch them at least v once a year.!!

@michaelmurphy3362 Жыл бұрын

Where can I find this movie please help me find

@ponyboytom4185 Жыл бұрын

Me too!

@tomlee7966 9 ай бұрын

i like the fact that Jc voice sounded like it would have come from Parre's voice

@lindawheeler3242 Жыл бұрын

I have watched eddie and the cruisers 2 at least 100 times, probably more.

@mikeb359 2 ай бұрын

Me too! As well as Streets of Fire - The Outsiders and The Warriors. Movies were great then.

@victorsvideos27 Жыл бұрын

Both movies were awesome, so were the sound tracks! Ride on Eddie!!!

@missjoshemmett Жыл бұрын

Been a fav of mine since it came out! I have it on DVD. And I adored On the Dark Side. I'm 77 and still watch and listen to Eddie and John.

@allamerican82nd57 4 ай бұрын

They played at my college, IUP, in 91. They totally rocked the house that night! Will never forget it.

@SELMERPA 3 ай бұрын

WOW!!!!! Its 2024 and I'm just now seeing this clip. Janda Lane was "right on" in her analysis of life for Rock 'n Roll entertainers. I've been at it since the 60's and am still trying to find the right key....no pun intended. I saw John Cafferty and his band perform live in Pittsburgh many years ago. At that time I didn't know about Bruce and his band. Back then I was a hard core soul and R&B player that was beginning to dig Jazz. I still do. I remember meeting some of the Beaver Brown band members and how cool they were talking to their fans. Thanks Mrs. Lane for posting your clip. Very cool of you!

@kellycranford3592 Жыл бұрын

I love this movie! It was done so well that it actually made me really wonder if they were an actual band!!

@lovebuzz1979 Жыл бұрын

Oh thank you for this!! This song is one of my favorites 💞😎

@arthurchadwell9267 Жыл бұрын

I remember seeing this on VHS back about 1986. First time I saw Ellen Barkin - what a fox! 😊 It was a great film. Very wistful and nostalgic; the beginning of the 80s Stand By Me nostalgia wave.

@mikeb359 2 ай бұрын

She was a hottie,she sure removed her clothes in most of her movies.

@michaelknightaz Жыл бұрын

I personally Loved Eddie and The Cruisers II . The music was fantastic in both movies, but I enjoyed the feel of being in the presence of Parre's character, Eddie Wilson. In the first movie it was more of a look at Parre's character which I didn't enjoy fully. I enjoyed the Cruisers and the scenes where they were creating tunes and then singing them. However I felt I wanted more.. and along came Eddie and The Cruisers II. 😎👍 I enjoyed Parre's acting as well as the rest of the actor's in the second movie. I love watching the DVD frequently.

@dhealer1 Жыл бұрын

I took my sister to see it when it was released originally in the theater. We both loved it greatly. I bought soundtrack and played it all the time. Its a great classic.

@100chuckjones 3 ай бұрын

Exactly like you explained it. It hit HBO when I was 15 years old, it became a hug hit with the younger generation. I think it should be noted, you did a really good job on this. You have a great voice for radio.

@behindthesongpodcast 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

@ritchhine6255 Жыл бұрын

Saw John Cafferty & BB Band @ Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe about a year ago and they rocked the house. I used to travel quite a bit for my job and stay in a lot of hotels. I had to do an account in the area of south Jersey where the film supposedly takes place and located the hotel that "Wendell Newton" ODs in. I requested that exact room and the manager asked what was so special about it. I tried to explain that it was featured in a movie that he never heard of, of course. But, at least I got to stay in the room that Wendell Newton died in.

@joefaraone977 Жыл бұрын

When I first saw the movie on HBO in 1984, I thought I was watching a commercial.... Little did I realize I was watching a movie with music that would become the soundtrack of my life.

@sherricaldreon1461 Жыл бұрын

So loved this movie!!! Great soundtrack too!!!

@racky9935 Жыл бұрын

This is a trip. Came up on my youtube autoplay. In 1988 my dad, bro & i were camping in an old gold miners town in Australia. There was a 2nd hand clothing shop there that had old vinyl records, my bro was ecstatic because he'd found Eddie & the cruisers record in mint condition. I'd never heard of them & wanted to listen but had to wait til our camping trip was over. When we finally got home, my bro retrieved the Vinyl record from the car, it was buckled /melted. We could still play it but it was warped. The temps the car had gotten to in the Australian outback had destroyed the record. My bro was gutted. Years later i saw the movie & finally got to hear the soundtrack. Loved it. ❤

@Nate-zy5ce Жыл бұрын

Great little video. Loved the movie. And truth, I loved the sequel just as much. The two go hand in hand. Thanks for making this. And loved Michael Pare in another 80's rock n roll movie, Streets of Fire.

@mikewood8561 Жыл бұрын

Loved both movies. I think I liked the second one the best. Love John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band too. Love his voice.

@JLReyes-le9nf 6 ай бұрын

Takes me back to my youngest years back in my cali.dayz I was a kid then but grew up with a family that had a great band & music changed my attitude 😎 & perspective way now I respect all musicians of all kinds rythem & rhymes 😮. Eddie & the cruisers movie pt 1&2 the Dark side every time I watch Eddie & the cruisers take me back to cali every time.to me never gets old.😮

@Rita.R Жыл бұрын

One of my family's all time favorite movies. Still have it❤

@alwaysdreaminelise4284 Жыл бұрын

I Remember this song! Loved the movie and the song!

@davidwalsh7128 Жыл бұрын

Nice. I was at The Bitter End Show (it had actually changed it's name to The Other End at that time and then changed back). went to support Beaver Brown in their first Manhattan gig. They were fired up and played a great show...

@ladysky2883 11 ай бұрын

I remember the first time I saw this film. I rented it from Blockbuster and my then boyfriend knew the story and I so into the movie I kept pumping him for information. He just kept saying watch the movie. I fell in love with the film. I watch it anytime I see it on. I already loved Michael Pare as he was one of the high school students in the TV show that was a hit called Greatest American Hero starring William Katt. Michael Pare then went on to do other Rock 'n Roll movies then caught another popular TV series as a detective. But nothing compares to Eddie and the Cruisers. In the early 80's in my area was a band called Eddie and the Tide which could have been that band as well. Loved their sound as well and they were awesome.

@chrisfezzler2878 Ай бұрын

Spent many summer nights in Asbury Park in the 80s at the Fastlane watching JC & BBB often. Boss jumped on stage occasionally. All before the movie. Memories.

@Bernz66 8 ай бұрын

My history teacher made me a cassette copy of the soundtrack for the first album….. so great full she did….. she knew what a music nerd I was. I went out and bought the Album after listening to the cassette copy I was given….

@courtneynelson8083 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for this... Eddie and the Cruiser soundtrack is played often in my house till this day

@behindthesongpodcast 11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed this episode!

@KathySmith-qs7mj Жыл бұрын

Loved Eddie and the crusiers both movies ❤

@kiadauwofem5737 Жыл бұрын

It's really good to see a video about Eddie and the Cruisers but more importantly about John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. I was lucky enough to see the Beaver Brown Band and I was there at "The Bitter End" the night you mentioned. Thanks for this 'blast from the past'

@HEADBANGERSBALLER Жыл бұрын

The scene on the rooftop in Jersey when they put On The Darkside together as rock song is my absolute favorite scene in movie history.

@tiffanytosh1569 Жыл бұрын

I saw this band at a festival in Jackson, Tn. They opened for Rick Springfield. It was an awesome concert!

@tony-ce7qp Жыл бұрын

we all needed this....such a great band!

@WeldonGarrett Жыл бұрын

Eddie Lives was an awesome Movie. IF you ever been in a band, watching the struggles was very real. And then seeing the ending where he wins. What more could you ask out of a story like this. I guess you just dont know. How ever, I loved the first one, and the second one brought it all together. I am so glad they made the second one. I still watch either one when I can. I am never bored with the great performances and songs. What a wild ride any time you watch either one of them. Eddie Lives

@psycojuggalo1642 7 ай бұрын

I actually love both movies and how the second one closes the book the fiest left open

@braden7843 Жыл бұрын

Terrible Sequel? The sequal was incredible and both movies are iconic.

@marshachesbro5969 Жыл бұрын

Awesome music and movie.😊.

@larryb9363 7 ай бұрын

Great analysis by Janda Lane. She tells it all so accurately.

@justinkeller9187 Жыл бұрын

I had a manager that looked just like Sal Amato. Eddie and the cruisers is one of my favorites.

@williamirvine7071 11 ай бұрын

This film and its music has been a fav of mine since the 80s

@JimAllen-Persona Жыл бұрын

I look forward to your videos...another great job. "Words and Music"

@YoutubeUserNoName-z1o Жыл бұрын

I love JC & BBB as well as the Edie & The Cruisers films. Your video is very detailed which is nice. Thanks for posting this, I've subbed to you!

@behindthesongpodcast Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@ajfogertyfan8245 11 ай бұрын

Remember when John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band played URI frat parties and clubs down at Scarborough Beach in the early 70s. Hard to believe that was 50 years ago! Beaver Brown Band is playing at Misquamicut RI’s Tunes at Tunes on the Dunes at the Westerly Town Beach as I am typing this!

@rudyguzman7737 11 ай бұрын

Eddie and The Cruisers, I liked both movies and the music, I have them on DVD. I listen to the music of John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown band a lot and enjoy the sound. Hey, what's not to like, I used to play in a band in the late 70's and I can tell you, the music we played, well a combination of Mex-tex to Rock and Roll. Rock and Roll will always be here to stay. Long live the music of the beaver brown band.....

@jaykopecky120 11 ай бұрын

A buddy and I rented the movie in 1985 and the next time I went to Rolling Stone Records on Harlem & Irving Park Road I bought the sound track just so I could hear 'Season In Hell', which you only hear the intro to, in the movie. Money well spent!...Can you see the light, can you hear the sound, can you feel this whole world turning around?

@jimgeminelli6308 6 ай бұрын

I love everything Eddie & The Cruisers - both movies, the music, the story, omg, I am addicted!

@keithhensley7061 20 күн бұрын

Eddie And The Cruisers 2 is a good follow up imo.Really liked it and the soundtrack is another killer

@stevegardenhire5698 Жыл бұрын

Great soundtrack

@tonydumont 11 ай бұрын

LOVE this Janda, such a good retrospective on a classic tune and movie. You ROCK presenting it :)

@behindthesongpodcast 11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

@johnrodgers1968 8 ай бұрын

I like Eddie and the Cruisers I got that album every once in a while break it out and listen to it

@maryduarte3248 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your video about eddie and the cruisers

@commercialzone4141 9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this review. I love this film.

@behindthesongpodcast 8 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@D-Fens_1632 11 ай бұрын

Frank Ridgeway's solo performance on electric piano is still my favorite.

@lottie170 11 ай бұрын

Love both movies

@annmarieknapp2480 Жыл бұрын

That band rocked!!! Love them!!!!

@M_Ladd 11 ай бұрын

Great job! Thank you very much!

@behindthesongpodcast 11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@beaglesguy Жыл бұрын

❤❤ I love both of these movies and have watched them several times. ❤❤

@user-qg5wg9ut2o Жыл бұрын

This is 1 of my Favorite songs 🎵 ❤❤❤❤ I Love the movie 🎬 Great presentation ❤

@user-hl6xo6lt6m Жыл бұрын

Janda- Thank you for that cool incite. I can't tell you how surprised I was in 1994 when I caught up with John Caffery and the Beaver Brown Band at a very small club in Kirksville MO playing a gig. It was my first time to see them and I did not know the Michael Antunes was the real life sax player in JCBB. So when the lights came up on that small town show I truly had a surreal moment thinking I was seeing the ghost of the fictional Wendell Newton.....lol

@helenboyle8180 Ай бұрын

my favorite movies and one of my absolute favorite bands

@TheClodec 9 ай бұрын

I really wish there were a bonus disk on one of the CDs for these Instrumental songs. They are so beautiful throughout the film

@mattbrammeier8938 8 ай бұрын

I've always wanted to find the version of Tender Years when Eddie walks off the stage. Hardest hitting moment in both movies for me.

@TheClodec 8 ай бұрын

@@mattbrammeier8938 With Joanne singing? Fully agree

@hollyprincipato3287 10 ай бұрын

I am going to have to find this movie. One of my favorites. Loved the soundtrack too

@wurlabyscott Жыл бұрын

I first saw Eddie and the Cruisers at a dollar theater somewhere around Azusa back in 84, bunch of us being poor college students, was the best buck we ever spent, we saw the movie about 10 times before they pulled it.

@arthurchadwell9267 Жыл бұрын

I always thought Springsteen was ripping these guys off.

@guitarbrad 2 ай бұрын

This film had a huge life on VHS back in the 80s. Parre was in "Streets of Fire" where Diane Lane had to do some lip syncing. Good music and acting in both movies.

@randomlyrancannabis7020 Жыл бұрын

I think the biggest musical hire for the movie was getting the actual sax player from JCBBB to play Wendell Newton. Its very hard to fake playing the sax, especially in that style.

@Maddoktor2 Жыл бұрын

Best review/synopsis of EATC! Ever! KUDOS!

@behindthesongpodcast Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@jc7052 Жыл бұрын

I still remember those beautiful eyes ,he was and still is gorgeous

@mikesiciliani4629 Жыл бұрын

So I was one of those kids that got to experience this great movie on HBO. I loved everything about it. And I still that love today and at least see this movie once a year. I do however disagree with the sequel being bad. The music and the storyline i thought were good. Now the acting in it from most of the characters were not on par for what it needed, but I still watch it to. I don't know this to be true but at the end of the sequel when the band plays in Canada, I am pretty sure that is Bon Jovi's stage and Skidrow's drums from when they toured together. Just my opinion, thanks for the behind the song and I'll check out more.

@robertaustin4452 10 ай бұрын

It is from the bon Jovi concert

@mikesiciliani4629 10 ай бұрын

@robertaustin4452 Do you by any chance have other info? Or is that your opinion also?

@davidwalsh7128 Жыл бұрын

JC & The Beaver Brown will release a fantastic new album this summer, first single Day In The Sun came out Memorial Day...

@AngelDivination Жыл бұрын

Always loved that song!

@jacksonlinda5919 11 ай бұрын

One of my favorite movies!

@gamergirl5317 3 ай бұрын

WHY is there no save to playlist button for this video

@margaretburnham5683 Жыл бұрын

I loved Eddie and the cruisers parts one and two

@karendegeyter2937 Жыл бұрын

Love that show sooooo much

@lawrencecolozzi4199 Жыл бұрын

The junkyard scene was filmed at a real junk yard in Atco New Jersey off of Jackson Rd. That road was closed for 2 weeks for a 10min film clip.

@randomlyrancannabis7020 Жыл бұрын

The monument to nothing?

@bozbad Жыл бұрын

Great movie and soundtrack.

@johnlarson4254 Жыл бұрын

You've got an awesome smile and overall excellent personality. Totally loved this video. Please do keep up the great work

@user-sm8pl1um8t 3 ай бұрын

Still watch it great movie

@paulburr5072 11 ай бұрын

One of my favorite movies and Eddie lives was awesome also

@taniacionci4735 9 ай бұрын

V in love with both movis still have the first on DVD, but love second season music, and that guy yum Hobart' Tasmanian

@stevelanemusic4463 Жыл бұрын

I have been looking for this movie for years. 😂

@travelingtoni6717 Жыл бұрын

I love them

@edwardgarcia614 2 ай бұрын

Eddie and the Cruisers I and II are great iconic music and how the music was created, in the movie. Being a singer song-writer. musician, recording artist, band member, I can relate with the band, performer scene dynamics. I watch my Cruisers CD's often. To cool, too fun. ;o)

@CharleyD99 11 ай бұрын

In that same vein, and about the same time, (1). Streets of Fire, good songs, and a dance scene by the French dancer/actress who did most of Jennifer Beals dancing in Flash Dance , and (2) the Warriors, all adrenaline, all cult, total guy flick.