Step into a time machine and revisit the iconic 80s with The Outfield's compelling "Since You've Been Gone" video.
The Song
"Since You've Been Gone" is a pop rock and power pop anthem by the English band The Outfield. Released in May 1987, it served as the lead single from their sophomore album, Bangin'. The song, penned by John Spinks, captures the profound sense of loss and denial experienced after a breakup. The lyrics express a desperate hope for a lost love's return, with lines like "And I know it won't be long / And I know you're coming back" highlighting the singer's struggle to accept the reality of the separation.
The track was produced by William Wittman. Interestingly, "Since You've Been Gone" almost made it onto their debut album, Play Deep, as it was written during the filming of the "Your Love" video.
The Artist
The Outfield was an English pop rock trio that formed in 1984 in the East End of London. The band consisted of John Spinks (guitarist, keyboardist, and songwriter), Tony Lewis (vocalist and bassist), and Alan Jackman (drummer). Before signing with Columbia/CBS Records in 1984, they were known as the Baseball Boys and performed in and around England.
Despite their British origins, The Outfield found significant commercial success primarily in the United States, a somewhat unusual feat for a UK band at the time. They are perhaps best known for their signature hit "Your Love" from their debut album Play Deep. The band continued to record and tour through the late 80s and early 90s, with their sound often described as a blend of pop rock, power pop, and new wave, characterized by catchy hooks and electric guitar solos.
Chart Performance
"Since You've Been Gone" was a strong performer for The Outfield, particularly in the United States. The single reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also achieved notable success on the rock charts, climbing to number 11 on Billboard's Album Rock Tracks chart.
In Canada, the song also made an appearance on the charts, reaching position 54 on the RPM Top Singles chart. While their debut album Play Deep and its lead single "Your Love" saw massive success, "Since You've Been Gone" solidified The Outfield's presence on the airwaves and was the best-performing single from the Bangin' album.
Cultural Impact
While "Since You've Been Gone" might not be as universally recognized as "Your Love," it remains a beloved track among fans of 80s pop rock and is a testament to The Outfield's consistent sound during their prime. Its inclusion on their gold-certified album Bangin' ensured its place in the era's musical landscape.
The video's distinctive filming location also contributes to its lasting impression, subtly connecting it to other significant cultural productions of the time. The song itself, with its themes of longing and lost love, resonates with the classic power ballad sensibility prevalent in 80s rock.
Fun Facts
- The entire music video for "Since You've Been Gone" was filmed at the disused Beckton Gas Works outside of London.
- The dilapidated state of the buildings in the video was not solely for the shoot; the location had previously been used for filming scenes in Stanley Kubrick's 1987 film Full Metal Jacket, particularly the Huế sequence, weeks prior to The Outfield's video production.
- John Spinks, the band's guitarist and songwriter, wrote the song about a breakup.
- The B-side to the "Since You've Been Gone" single was a track titled "Better Than Nothing."
- The Outfield's original lineup of John Spinks, Tony Lewis, and Alan Jackman reunited in 2009 to record their first album together since Voices of Babylon (1989).