They began recording during the mid-80s, picking up the name 'Baseball Boys' as a reference from a gang of hooligans from the cult film 'The Warriors'. Changing things around to 'The Outfield', perhaps a hint of their later American success due to their affinity for U.S. culture, they released their first album, titled 'Play Deep', in 1985 through Columbia Records. Picking up critical acclaim for their melodic rock sound, the album reached #9 on the Billboard 200 list and ended up reaching triple platinum status in America. As remarked by an Allmusic reviewer, the band had a knack for making "a harmonious chorus that is overly smooth and rock savvy." Their single "Your Love" reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as #7 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, and it soon became their 'signature song. It has went on to be featured in a number of 80s-themed compilation albums, and over a thousand covers and remixes by other artists have been released physically and/or online. Other singles "Say It Isn't So" and "Everytime You Cry" also made it into the top 20 on Mainstream Rock chart.
Though possibly peaking too early, the band continued to record and tour through the 80s and then into the early 90s as the Anglo-American pop rock and power pop scenes evolved. While their second album, titled 'Bangin'', hit the top 20 on the Billboard 200 list had both singles hit the top 40 on the Mainstream Rock chart, the group began losing their popular audience by their third album, 'Voices of Babylon', came out in 1989. Though receiving critical acclaim, the rock mainstream seemed to have shifted considerably underneath them. Drummer Alan Jackman left, and, now as a duo, they recorded 'Diamond Days' in 1991. After the disappointing response to their 1992 album 'Rockeye', which represented a shift towards progressive rock and arena rock, the group essentially disbanded for much of the 90s.
They resumed touring in 1998, and thereafter the band released two live albums via their website. The group's comeback album, 'Any Time Now', was released by Sidewinder Records in March 2006 and constituted a comeback to their traditional pop rock sound. In mid-2009, the Outfield entered a London studio to begin recording their seventh studio album. Titled 'Replay', it saw a June 28, 2011 release, with the band's cult following enjoying deliberately retro sounding songs such as "California Sun". Their music popping up in various places (from Katy Perry recording a Outfield cover titled "Use Your Love" to the 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City' video game using their music), the guys had somewhat of a resurgence of interest at the tail end of their career. Although popular interest in the band waxed and waned since their 80s musical heyday, their group maintained a devoted fan base among followers of the power pop genre for many years.
Guitarist and songwriter John Spinks died in July 2014, succumbing to liver cancer after a long and tough battle. He was 60. The group released a statement saying: “We are relieved that his passing was peaceful and painless.” After taking a few years off from music, lead singer/bassist Tony Lewis released a solo album in 2018 but died on 19 October 2020 in his house near London.
The Main Attraction
The Outfield Lyrics
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It's not a show you'll see on Sundays
If you should blink just once or twice
You might need this piece of advice
You'll never get another chance
Don't take your eyes away for nothing
The main attraction's gonna start
This ain't no place to be weak hearted
So don't forget to turn the lights down
I thought I'd seen it all before
Something tells me don't be so sure
Anticipation on my mind
I can't imagine what she'll do this time
It seems more special than effect
And this show isn't even over yet
The main attraction's still to come
She's just a teaser when she's starting
The main attraction's on tonight
So don't forget turn out the light
I'd like to see if you're for real
So can't we make some kind of deal yeah
You say there's no such word as can't
Making you the girl that I'd want
Let's get this intro out of the way
It can wait until another day
The main attraction's coming up
And you ain't leaving 'till it's over
The main attraction's on tonight
So don't forget to turn the lights out
The main attraction's on tonight
So don't forget turn out the light
The Outfield’s hit song “The Main Attraction” tells the story of a man who invites a woman to a special show that’s not just for anyone to see. The lyrics express how important this event is and how he doesn't want her to miss a single moment of the show. The song is a perfect mix of rock and pop music, and it has a catchy chorus that’ll have you singing along in no time.
The song starts with an invitation to a very special event, and the listener can feel the sense of excitement in the lyrics. The man warns the woman not to blink or look away from the stage, because there's so much happening, and she might miss something important. The chorus emphasizes the importance of the show, and how it's not for the faint-hearted, as the main attraction is just about to start.
The second verse highlights the anticipation that the man is feeling, and how he's not sure what to expect from the main attraction. He emphasizes that this show is different and he's never seen anything like it before. The middle section of the song becomes a conversation between the two, with the man asking the woman if she wants to make a deal and stay until the end of the show. The final chorus stresses how significant the event is and how the lights need to be out for the audience to fully appreciate the show.
Overall, “The Main Attraction” is a song about the excitement and anticipation that comes with attending a special event that's never to be missed. The lyrics are insightful and captivating, making it the perfect song to jam out to.
Line by Line Meaning
I bet you'd like this seat tonight
I imagine you're excited to be sitting here
It's not a show you'll see on Sundays
This is not an ordinary performance
If you should blink just once or twice
Be careful not to miss anything
You might need this piece of advice
I have some wisdom to share
You'll never get another chance
This opportunity is unique
Don't take your eyes away for nothing
Stay focused or you'll regret it
The main attraction's gonna start
The reason we're here is about to begin
This ain't no place to be weak hearted
It takes courage to enjoy this experience
So don't forget to turn the lights down
Create a mood that complements the entertainment
I thought I'd seen it all before
I've witnessed plenty, but there's always more to discover
Something tells me don't be so sure
My instincts say there's more to come
Anticipation on my mind
I'm eagerly waiting for what's next
I can't imagine what she'll do this time
I'm excited to be surprised by her performance
It seems more special than effect
This isn't just a gimmick, it's something remarkable
And this show isn't even over yet
There's still more to come, the night is young
She's just a teaser when she's starting
Her initial act is only a preview of what's to come
I'd like to see if you're for real
I'm curious if you can handle this experience
So can't we make some kind of deal yeah
Can we come to an agreement to fully enjoy this together
You say there's no such word as can't
You're confident and determined to have a good time
Making you the girl that I'd want
Your optimism and enthusiasm make you attractive to me
Let's get this intro out of the way
We can deal with formalities later, let's enjoy the show first
It can wait until another day
There's always time for pleasantries, let's not miss out on the main event
And you ain't leaving 'till it's over
We're in this together until the end
So don't forget to turn the lights out
Let's make the most of the experience and set the mood for the finale
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Cochran
on Your Love
Winter of '84, 4 feet of snow drops on Harrisburg, PA the night the Romantics are to play the local club The Metro, Called to find out the band were there. Took the girlfriend to a venue of a dozen people and the band. They played that song at least 6 times, once me sing it on stage. Best concert I was ever at.