Greg Kihn on ‘Jeopardy,’ ’80s Rock and Life on the Road

Few artists balanced sharp songwriting, rock-and-roll energy and genuine humor as naturally as Greg Kihn. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kihn and the Greg Kihn Band became staples of FM radio and early MTV thanks to infectious hits like Jeopardy and The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em). This week on the Stuck in the ’80s Podcast, Greg joins Steve Spears and Sean Daly for a lively conversation packed with stories, laughs and reflections on the golden age of rock radio.

During the interview, Greg revisits the creation of his biggest songs and discusses how the rise of MTV transformed the music industry during the early 1980s. Spearsy, Sean and Greg reflect on the strange experience of suddenly seeing rock musicians become visual pop-culture personalities in addition to radio stars, forever changing how audiences connected with music.

The conversation also dives into the nonstop touring culture of the 1980s, when bands spent months on the road traveling city to city during the peak era of arena rock and FM-radio dominance. Greg shares stories about performing live during one of the most exciting periods in rock history while joking with Spearsy and Sean about the chaos, excess and unpredictability of life as a touring musician.

Along the way, the gang revisits the emotional connection Gen X fans still have with Greg’s music — songs tied to summer nights, cassette tapes, first loves and endless hours spent listening to rock radio before streaming changed everything. Like many great Stuck in the ’80s interviews, the conversation feels less like a formal interview and more like hanging out with one of the artists who helped soundtrack an entire generation.

If you love classic rock, MTV nostalgia, FM-radio memories and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most entertaining musicians of the 1980s, this episode belongs in your playlist.

The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.

And don’t forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade’s biggest artists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.