Don't mess with Doctor Dream - Thompson Twins - 80sneverend

The end of an era

Thompson Twins – Don’t Mess with Doctor Dream

#quotefromthe80s
Blue marble dreams
Like you always knew you would
Roll over me
Don't mess with Doctor Dream
#ThompsonTwins #DontMessWithDoctorDream

August 1985 marked the beginning of a new era, particularly for European pop music and beyond, as it was the start of the second half of the ’80s. On July 13, the world saw the largest musical event of the 80s, the Live Aid concert, held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia. Numerous top artists performed to support fundraising initiatives led by Bob Geldof, Lionel Richie, and Quincy Jones. In truth, Live Aid marked a turning point: many artists were giving their last great performances before gradually fading, while others emerged to dominate the late ’80s.

English and American music blended well, often expanding artists’ reach to new markets. Among the English artists who had performed in Philadelphia there were also Thompson Twins, who had successfully established their presence in the European scene in the early ’80s with hits like Love on Your Side and the 1984 album Into the Gap, which featured popular tracks such as Hold Me Now, Doctor! Doctor! and You Take Me Up.

Following the release of their captivating single Lay Your Hands on Me, Thompson Twins began producing their fifth album in 1985. This new project saw the collaboration of the famous producer Nile Rodgers, a pivotal figure in the American pop and funk scene, known for his work with Chic and notable productions for Madonna, including the renowned remix of Holiday.

With preparations nearly complete, the launch of Here’s To Future Days was set for September. As customary, a single was released to boost album sales, and Thompson Twins selected the captivating Don’t Mess With Doctor Dream. The track showcased a departure from the band’s typical sound, incorporating samples of their own voices in several parts and featuring electric guitars more prominently than ever before. In essence, Nile Rodgers’ signature funk influence was guiding Thompson Twins into a refreshing new chapter in their career.

The song’s lyrics caution young people to avoid drugs, embodied by the character of Doctor Dream. We don’t see him, but we hear remarks like “He’s not one for sympathy” and “He will bring you to your knees”. The video also displays messages such as “Numbs your mind”, “Takes control of you” and “you think it can’t happen to you”.

The video, by the way, is also quite psychedelic. Directed by the great Godley and Creme with the Irish director Meiert Avis (who had shot many videos of U2 including New Year’s Day and The Unforgettable Fire), the features dreamy and delirious images of Thompson Twins, often in unusual shades and overlaid with text. At the end there is an abrupt return to reality when the band members attend a funeral, highlighting the deadly consequences of drug use.

At this point in their career, Thompson Twins were truly at their zenith: they had performed at Live Aid singing Revolution by The Beatles together with Madonna, Nile Rodgers and Stevie Stevens, Billy Idol’s guitarist protagonist of many unforgettable solos such as in White Wedding or Rebel Yell. While Tom Bailey’s performance was somewhat unrefined, the atmosphere of the event accounted for any emotional intensity and spontaneity, particularly as Tom was still recuperating from a nervous breakdown.

Moreover, the three guys were prepared to release a new album anticipated to be their best, and in retrospect, it indeed was and perhaps my favorite of Thompson Twins’. However, despite the high expectations, Thompson Twins didn’t dominate the latter part of the 80s as predicted.

In a few months, drummer Joe Leeway will decide to part ways with the group. Tom and Alannah, now partners in real life, will attempt to sustain the band’s career, but tragedy will intervene. On the same day, Alannah will lose both her mother and her unborn child, leading her into profound depression. This devastating event forced Thompson Twins to take a hiatus from the music scene for a couple of years and altered them irrevocably. Upon their return in 1987, they had changed significantly, and the era was no longer the same, preventing them from recapturing the international success of hits like Don’t Mess With Doctor Dream. Nevertheless, they still remain one of the most beloved groups among 80s teenagers.

Thompson Twins on Wikipedia

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