Step into a time machine to the neon glow of the '80s with Autograph's signature hit!
The Song
"Turn Up the Radio" is the definitive anthem by American glam metal band Autograph, released as the lead single from their 1984 debut album, Sign In Please. The song is a quintessential example of mid-80s glam metal and arena rock, celebrated for its catchy keyboard riff, Steve Lynch's blazing guitar solo, and a driving rock and roll rhythm. Penned by all five band members—Steve Plunkett, Steve Isham, Randy Rand, Steve Lynch, and Keni Richards—the track was produced by Neil Kernon. Interestingly, RCA Records initially doubted its commercial value and did not want it on the album, but the band insisted on its inclusion.
Lyrically, "Turn Up the Radio" embodies pure rock 'n' roll escapism, serving as an exuberant celebration of music's power and living in the moment. Lead guitarist Steve Lynch noted that despite not being a personal favorite, he always appreciated its strong hook, commercial appeal, and "lyrics that were right for the times."
The Artist
Autograph was an American hard rock/glam metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1983. The classic lineup consisted of Steve Plunkett (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Steve Lynch (lead guitar), Randy Rand (bass, backing vocals), Steven Isham (keyboards, backing vocals), and Keni Richards (drums, percussion). Their big break came when drummer Keni Richards' friendship with David Lee Roth led to the then-unsigned band opening for Van Halen on 48 dates of their 1984 tour. This exposure ultimately helped them secure a record deal with RCA Records.
While "Turn Up the Radio" remains their most famous hit, Autograph released two more albums with RCA, That's the Stuff (1985) and Loud and Clear (1987), and toured with major acts like Kiss, Mötley Crüe, and Aerosmith. The band disbanded in 1989 due to declining album sales and lack of label support. They reunited in 2013 with new members and continue to perform and release music, maintaining their melodic glam metal sound.
Chart Performance
"Turn Up the Radio" was a significant commercial success for Autograph, becoming their only Top 40 hit. The single was released on December 22, 1984, and debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in late December 1984 at No. 89.
It steadily climbed the charts, peaking at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on March 16, 1985, and remaining in the Top 40 for several weeks. The song also reached number 17 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart on January 26, 1985. The unexpected success of the single propelled its parent album, Sign In Please, to certified gold status by the RIAA on April 1, 1985.
Cultural Impact
The music video for "Turn Up the Radio" played a crucial role in the song's popularity, receiving significant airplay during the early days of MTV. Its futuristic 1980s setting and engaging visuals helped solidify the band's image and the song's status as an '80s glam metal staple.
The song's enduring appeal is evident in its continued presence in pop culture. It was featured in a 1984 episode of Miami Vice titled "Little Prince" and later appeared on the soundtrack of the popular 2002 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, specifically on the fictional V-Rock radio station. More recently, it was prominently featured in the opening credits of the cult classic movie Hot Tub Time Machine and the 2021 video game Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. In 2009, VH1 ranked "Turn Up the Radio" at No. 93 on its list of "The 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs."
Fun Facts
- The record label, RCA, initially didn't want "Turn Up the Radio" on the Sign In Please album, believing it lacked commercial appeal. The band, however, "firmly insisted" on its inclusion.
- The music video features a notable instance of product placement: the band "signs in" to a futuristic venue using a PaperMate Sharpwriter mechanical pencil. This deal was orchestrated by the band's manager, who leveraged the band's name and album title to secure funding for the video.
- The video opens with the band walking into a theater hall through an automated door, where a RoboCop-like cyborg receptionist greets them with "sign in please," a direct reference to their debut album.
- Steve Lynch was awarded "Guitar Solo of the Year" by Guitar Player magazine in 1985 for his work on the track.
- A demo version of the song, originally titled "Turn Up the Tape Machine," had a slightly different chorus and is featured on the band's "odds and ends" collection, Missing Pieces.