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I was all ready to write the John Ritter
tribute this morning when I heard that another 80’s icon died. This was the
great Robert Palmer. Robert Palmer shot to fame in 1985 when he joined
Duran Duran’s John and Andy Taylor to form Power Station. The group spawned
such hits as “Some Like It Hot”, “Get It On (Bang a Gong)” and
“Communication”. A dispute with the band, however, caused Palmer to go solo
in 1986. On May 3rd, 1986 “Addicted to Love” hit #1 making Robert Palmer a
superstar. He followed it up by the song “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On”
which hit #2 in the US. The following year, “Simply Irresistible” became
another masterpiece.
Robert Palmers videos became a staple on
MTV during the 80’s. Robert Palmer always sported the GQ look by wearing
expensive suites way before the “Queer Eye” guys. The main appeal of his
videos, however, was that he would always have a bunch of hot women dancing
and playing instruments behind him. The women were all dressed the same and
wore heavy makeup with their hair pulled back so that they all looked
identical. This was always very hot. If dating twins is every man’s
fantasy, imagine dating sextuplets or more. The Robert Palmer girls made
him into an 80’s icon as they often backed him up in videos and television
performances. Which of us didn’t lock our bedroom doors when these Robert
Palmer girls came on? The style of having a group of identical looking
girls was later copied by Hugh Hefner with his stable of blondes.
Palmer even had the honor of having his “Addicted to Love” song parodied by
Weird Al with the potato tribute song “Addicted to Spuds”. Weird Al hit the
nail on the head with that song because who doesn’t love potato chips or
fries? When Weird Al parodies you, you know you have finally made it.
Palmer passed away today, September 26th of a heart attack. Just like John
Ritter, he was also only 54. He will also be deeply missed. Thanks for the
years of great music.
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