Greg Kihn, a name synonymous with 80s rock radio, is more than just a musician; he’s a multifaceted artist who has conquered the realms of music, literature, and broadcasting. While his career boasts numerous highlights, including the chart-topping hit “Jeopardy,” it was “The Breakup Song” that first catapulted The Greg Kihn Band into mainstream success in 1981. This iconic track, born from personal heartbreak and a night fueled by sake, remains a beloved anthem for anyone navigating the turbulent waters of love and loss.
The Genesis of a Hit: Real-Life Breakup Fuels “The Breakup Song”
Before “The Breakup Song” became a radio staple, Greg Kihn had been honing his musical craft for years, signed to Beserkley Records and releasing albums since the early 70s. He had moderate hits, building a steady fanbase, but mainstream breakthrough eluded him. That all changed with a sudden, life-altering event: a breakup. As Kihn recounts, the inspiration for “The Breakup Song” was brutally direct. Returning home from a gig, he found his belongings unceremoniously piled on his lawn, a stark announcement of his first wife ending their relationship.
Seeking solace and escape from the shock, Kihn and his bass player, Steve Wright, found themselves in a Japanese restaurant, drowning their sorrows in hot sake. Amidst the commiseration, an elderly Japanese bartender repeatedly uttered the phrase, “They don’t write ’em like that anymore.” This seemingly simple statement sparked an idea. In a moment of raw emotion and creative inspiration, “The Breakup Song” was conceived. Kihn estimates the song was written in a mere fifteen minutes, highlighting a crucial element in songwriting: authenticity. The lyrics and melody poured out of him because they were rooted in his immediate, painful reality. As Kihn himself states, “When things are real, they’re always better than when they’re fiction.” This raw honesty resonated with listeners, making “The Breakup Song” instantly relatable and undeniably catchy.
“The Breakup Song” and the Rise of The Greg Kihn Band
Released in 1981, “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em Like That)” became The Greg Kihn Band’s first major hit, climbing into the Billboard Top 20. The song’s infectious energy, driven by a driving beat and Kihn’s signature vocals, was perfectly timed for the burgeoning MTV era. The success of “The Breakup Song” transformed the band’s career, opening doors to larger audiences and solidifying their place in the 80s music landscape. It proved that audiences connected deeply with music born from genuine experience and emotion, even when packaged in an upbeat, rock and roll format.
Prior to “The Breakup Song,” The Greg Kihn Band was known within music circles, particularly around the San Francisco Bay Area scene and through their association with Beserkley Records, a pioneering independent label. Beserkley fostered a creative environment where artists like Greg Kihn and Jonathan Richman could experiment and develop their sound. This independent spirit and artistic freedom were crucial in shaping The Greg Kihn Band’s unique identity, which blended classic rock and roll with a contemporary edge. The label’s DIY ethos, where the band was involved in everything from shrink-wrapping records to distribution, instilled a grounded approach to the music industry that remained with Kihn throughout his career.
Beyond “The Breakup Song”: A Diverse Career
While “The Breakup Song” remains a signature track, Greg Kihn’s artistic journey extends far beyond this single hit. He followed up its success with “Jeopardy” in 1983, an even bigger hit that reached #2 on the pop charts and further cemented his status as a prominent figure in 80s music. However, Kihn’s creativity wasn’t confined to music. He ventured into writing, penning four novels and a collection of short stories, showcasing his diverse talents and creative drive.
Adding another dimension to his career, Greg Kihn transitioned into radio broadcasting, hosting the morning show on San Francisco’s classic rock station KFOX for an impressive 13 years. This move was a natural progression for Kihn, who, as he explains, had become comfortable behind the microphone through years of interviews as a musician. His radio career allowed him to share his passion for music, play the songs of his contemporaries like Eddie Money and Huey Lewis, and connect with audiences in a different way. The experience also highlighted the symbiotic relationship between his roles as a musician and broadcaster; as he jokingly noted, he was getting paid in multiple ways whenever his own songs were played on his show.
The Legacy of “The Breakup Song” and The Greg Kihn Band
“The Breakup Song” endures as a testament to the power of raw emotion translated into music. It’s a song that captured a universal experience with honesty and a memorable hook. The Greg Kihn Band, fronted by Kihn’s charismatic stage presence and musical talent, built upon the success of this hit to create a lasting body of work. Even with his ventures into writing and radio, music remains at the core of Greg Kihn’s artistic identity. His continued performance schedule and the release of comprehensive collections like “Kihnplete” demonstrate his enduring commitment to his musical legacy. And with his son Ry Kihn now playing lead guitar in the band, and a playful aspiration for a three-generation Greg Kihn Band in the future, the Kihn musical story continues to evolve, all starting from the heartfelt origins of “The Breakup Song.”
