In 1981 Ad van den Berg worked with vocalist Jos Veldhuizen, bassist Peter Van Eyk, and drummer Bico De Gooijer in a band called Teaser. He auditioned for Thin Lizzy, without success. With a new line-up (Bert Heerink (vocals), Ad Van Den Berg (guitar), Dick Kemper (bass), and Jos Zoomer on drums), Teaser recorded a demo that fell into the hands of pop-journalist Kees Baars. Baars offered to manage the group, and contracted the band at Atlantic Records in the U.S..
Their debut-album was recorded at former Led Zeppelin's guitarist Jimmy Page's studio, and in 1983 their first single, Burning Heart, reached #5 in the US charts. Vandenberg toured the US as opening act for Ozzy Osbourne and KISS, and toured independently in Japan in 1984. Different Worlds, from their second album also did fairly well in the charts, but did not equal the success of Burning Heart.
The band's third album was recorded in the Netherlands, produced by Jaap Eggermont, manager of the Golden Earring. The album flopped, and not long after the band parted ways with lead-singer Bert Heerink. Demos with new lead singer Peter Struyk were not well received by Atlantic.
Around that time, Ad van den Berg (who often uses an Anglicized version of his Dutch name: Adrian Vandenberg) played as a guest-soloist on the Whitesnake album, and in 1987 Whitesnake vocalist David Coverdale asked him to join the band permanently. With the band Vandenberg amounting to nothing, the guitarist accepted the invitation.
The other members also started or joined other projects: Jos Zoomer and Peter Struyk joined Avalon, and Dick Kemper started a new band, No Exqze.
In 2004 there was a reunion session of Vandenberg, and they released a double-CD, "The Definitive Vandenberg", a compilation of the band's best songs and featuring a newly-recorded version of "Burning Heart". In January, 2005 the band released a DVD with footage of a 1984 Tokyo concert.
Welcome to the Club
Vandenberg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's just fine, there's no need to cry, now's your chance to sing your song
You've got your break now, you can do what you want
Don't hesitate now, you're on your own now, no obligations
Chorus:
Welcome to the club - you're so cool when you're out of love
Welcome to the club - you're very cool when you're out of love
It's so common, must be in the air, no one goes steady anymore
Alright with me, hunting season's here
There's so much prey there, my gun is loaded and now I'm ready
(chorus)
Yeah yeah
(Solo)
Welcome to the club - you're so cool when you're out of love (repeats 3x)
Welcome to the club!
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The lyrics of Vandenberg's "Welcome to the Club" express a sense of liberation and encouragement for the recently heartbroken. The opening lines reveal that it's okay to move on from a broken relationship, and that it's not necessary to shed tears over it. In fact, the listener is urged to embrace their newfound freedom and express themselves through song. The second verse suggests that being single is almost trendy, that no one seems to be in a committed relationship anymore. The singer goes on to express their own excitement about being single, using a hunting metaphor to describe their eagerness to pursue "prey."
The chorus "Welcome to the club - you're so cool when you're out of love" is a sentiment of solidarity with the newly single. It's inviting the listener to join a community of people who are also single and "cool," confident and independent. Overall, the song seems to encourage people not to feel down about being single, but instead embrace their new-found freedom and have fun with it.
Line by Line Meaning
It's alright when you've said goodbye, it's alright when it's all wrong
It's okay to move on from a failed relationship, and it's okay to accept when things don't go as planned.
It's just fine, there's no need to cry, now's your chance to sing your song
Don't dwell on the past - this is your opportunity to start fresh and be yourself again.
You've got your break now, you can do what you want
After a breakup, you have the freedom and independence to pursue your own interests and goals without any constraints.
Don't hesitate now, you're on your own now, no obligations
Take advantage of your newfound independence - you don't owe anyone anything and you're free to make your own decisions.
Welcome to the club - you're so cool when you're out of love
Congrats, you're now part of a group of people who are also single and free to live their lives without any romantic ties.
It's so common, must be in the air, no one goes steady anymore
Being single seems to be the norm these days, and it's becoming increasingly rare to see long-term committed relationships.
It seems right now, everyone breaks out, it's more fun to chaperone
People seem to prefer being single and playing the field over settling down, and casual dating and hookups are seen as more enjoyable.
Alright with me, hunting season's here
The artist is ready to pursue romantic interests and meet new people, now that they're free to do so.
There's so much prey there, my gun is loaded and now I'm ready
There are plenty of potential partners out there, and the artist is ready and armed with confidence to pursue them.
Yeah yeah
Simple affirmation or exclamation - expresses enthusiasm and agreement with the sentiment expressed in the lyrics.
Welcome to the club - you're so cool when you're out of love (repeats 3x)
Repeats the earlier sentiment that being single and independent is cool and desirable, and welcomes others to join in that lifestyle.
Welcome to the club!
A final expression of welcome to the single club, with an implied celebration of this lifestyle.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ADRIAAN VANDENBERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind