MTV was big before BET was invented. Most Black Americans from that era have their favorite "New Wave" bands as being able to watch music was then new and exciting. I currently run R&B clubs in Texas and all of my DJs who are over 50 know these songs. Before the club opens we play 'name that tune' and associated artist. The younger DJs/ bartenders/waitresses/door staff know these songs from the video game "Grand Theft Auto"..
MTV was big before BET was invented. Most Black Americans from that era have their favorite "New Wave" bands as being able to watch music was then new and exciting. I currently run R&B clubs in Texas and all of my DJs who are over 50 know these songs. Before the club opens we play 'name that tune' and associated artist. The younger DJs/ bartenders/waitresses/door staff know these songs from the video game "Grand Theft Auto"..
@@joylitz2477 So am I. I've got a lot 2 thank them 4. And Queen Joanne Catherall ❤️ epy 4 the best night ever of my life. The Human League sweet ❤️ s ie Queens Joanne Catherall ❤️ and Susan Sulley ❤️ r very very good self t0 singers. And I am a self t0 sound affect impressionist 4 I can copy the sounds of Cosham and Bedhampton level crossing with the 2 gates coming down, a drum kit,2 class 205s 🚆 s passing each other at speed. Among others.
'Dare' is not only the greatest electronic album ever, but also one of the greatest British albums of all time. It's truly a masterpiece and every song on it still sounds terrific. If Don't you want me? was released for the first time now, it would go straight to Number One.
Join the club m8. I have been lucky enough to have met up with the Human League face to face to talk to. And 5 times in Joanne Catheralls case. I will always love the Human League. And Joanne Catherall epy.
Phil you are talented. And you don’t realise the impact you have had on so many peoples lives. You certainly impacted my life in a very positive way. You have been the soundtrack to my life x
I'm American, and I got them right away! Bought the cassette and played it so much I replaced it 3 times! I'm still hooked, plus, Phil is the best looking guy, hair or not, and seems like such a nice, genuine guy! Love them!
Hiya I have a lot to thank Joanne Catherall ♥️ my favourite Human League member and my hero 4. 4 ever making a dream of mine 2 come true for me to meet up with the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s and king Philip Oakey 2. And in Queens Joanne Catheralls ♥️ case 4 the best night of my life so far. If not ever.
1 man in my ❤️. Should definitely of been a number 1 hit single 4 the best 1980s pop band still going strong ather 35 years or so. IE the Human League. Beautifully sang by Queen Susan Sulley ❤️
As a Samoan kid growing up in New Zealand,breakdancing & collecting records,I bought every one of your albums...you just knew good music..color didn't mean shit...still doesn't...I wasn't "im into this genre or hate that genre"...I was a music lover with individual taste of great songs/bands/artists...loved the 80s as much as any decade...holds great memories & timeless tracks...word up!
Hey...I'm American and I freaking LOVE you guys! Human League was awesome! I'm still listening to your music and reliving my youth every time I hear your songs! ☺
U should definitely download and listen to the Human League's Octerpuss single ie 1 man in my ♥️. I love the Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall ♥️ and Susan Sulley ♥️ and king Philip Oakey 2 4ever. And Queen Joanne Catherall ♥️ epy 4 the best night of my Life ever.
I love human league. Top 5 of my childhood. Listened to my cassettes everyday.. got me through some seriously tough times.. Human..... Still have a poster hanging on the wall 30 yrs later 💞🎶
That's nothing m8. I've got a signed photo of my favourite Human League member IE Joanne Catherall ♥️. Which I've had since 1984. Which says 2 Paul best wishes Joanne xx on it. And m8. I even think that Joanne Catherall ♥️ has some magic powers inside her ♥️ 2 wards me. Because when I got 2chat Joanne Catherall ♥️ up and give Joanne Catherall ♥️ lots of love letters. And all starting with 2 Queen Joanne Catherall Sweet ♥️ on them ather Chess Peace's and the fact that I love the Human League and Joanne Catherall ♥️ epy 4 the best night of my life so far. I will be seeing the Human League play live 4 the 17 and 18th time in Brighton and Bournemouth next month. And hopefully I will get back stage and chat with Joanne Catherall and Susan Sulley ♥️ and Phillip Oakey 2. And do my 🥁 kit sound affect impression 2my music on my iPod and ask them what they thought of it. I will always love the Human League song 1man in my ♥️.
Had the privilege to see The Human League three times in concert - Crawley, Brighton Dome and Bournemouth. I cancelled a holiday in Spain to see them at Crawley, and I don't regret it to this day !! Always came away with a sore throat due to singing to the songs. Fantastic band. Thank you to The Human League for giving me years of musical pleasure 👍
I'm American and loved The Human League - At 13 years old I couldn't afford to buy whole albums but 'Don't You Want Me' was one of the first 45s that I ever bought. Being so young I was, of course, very impressionable and the way Philip Oakey dressed had a huge influence on my concept of fashion and style -- really for the rest of my life when I think about it. Not in a static unchanging way, of course, but the way one's style evolves is derivative of what came before. It is difficult for me to conceptualize how my personal style and what I gravitated to would have been different had I not spent hours looking at pictures of him at that time because it was so foundational for me. If you ever happen to read this, Philip, thank you!
I've been a huge fan since I was a child in the 80s. The sound, the make up, the whole look. Absolutely timeless. Thank you for such a rather special sound. I play you to this day xx
Yeah, that statement about never breaking America surprised me too. Everyone I knew loved HL. There was such a renaissance during that period I guess the stats don't show a financial "success" for such a large country. The HL left their mark on us.
@@salskars6637 I was the same, always love THL music but I was an oddball in my music tastes (still am really). But even now, lot's of folks that didn't necessarily like New Wave music back then do appreciate THL. I guess we should have bought more of their albums back then, lol.
@@Jazzman-bj9fq - So true. Over the years I've "discovered" even more from that era that appeared to slip through the cracks. There were so many great bands under the radar it took me years. I'm sure there is still more gold to mine.
Phil - you’re absolutely wrong about the band not being popular in America. I grew up in Houston Texas and HL was very much a part of the soundtrack of our lives. Your music was fresh, mysterious, uplifting and inspiring. Thank you so much for all that you have done!
Queen Joanne Catherall ♥️ is my favourite Human League member and my hero 4 ever making a dream of mine 2 come true for me to meet up with the Human League. And 4 the best night of my Life ever. And I even think that Joanne Catherall ♥️ my hero has got some magic powers inside her ♥️ 2 wards me. And now Joanne Catherall ♥️ is a mum. And good on u Queen Joanne Catherall Sweet ♥️. XX XX
@@arricammarques1955 And both of the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall ♥️ and Susan Sulley ♥️ and king Philip Oakey 2. Put the Portsmouth Police officers 2 Shane. I will always love the Human League
And 2gether with king Philip Oakey 2. R much better than anything that Simon Carol can come out with. And now Joanne Catherall ♥️ my hero 4 ever is a mum. And good on Queen Joanne Catherall ♥️ my hero 4 ever. I say
I like that a good chunk of this documentary is covering the amazing Human League music videos and Electric Dreams directed by Steve Barron. Barron directed some of the most legendary music videos - Michael Jackson - Billie Jean, Aha - Take On Me, Dire Straits - Money For Nothing, just to name a few. If that wasn't enough, for kids of my generation, he also directed the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Steve Barron is not a household name but he definitely deserves more recognition.
He was interviewed extensively in the 1987 “video jukebox” presented by John peel and John Walters so that piece gives very good insights. Not sure if it’s on YT but you could probably find it somewhere- it was originally broadcast as a standalone 3hr doc but in 1987 BbC 2 put it on at the evening of the Uk general election which I watched. As the constituency results came in, they were projected onto the screen while the video jukebox doc played in the background. I used to have it on VHS but alas it disappeared ! In fact I think it’s linked here(I’ve not tested the links) czcams.com/video/l5B3NMOtB2s/video.html
Im amazed at how many great records they made, really strong songs, lovely to see Phil again, he appears to be so laid back that the music industry has not ruined his life like a lot of artists
Así es...sobretodo que dice sinceramente de donde el grupo Human League obtuvo su influencia más notoria, en el EDM (NRG & Synhtpop) 1977 de Moroder, la cual es una línea de electrónica diferente a la de Kraftwerk y su Düsseldorf Krautrock que desarrollaban hasta 1977.
My best friend and I went to a "80's Revival " concert in the early 90's . Human League was sandwiched between Howard Jones and Boy George. It was like 3 in the afternoon at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee Wisconsin. We drove an hour from a more rural town. We Loved Human League! When Joanne had her turn at the Mic, we stood up and screamed at the Top of our lungs...Go Joanne!!!!!!! She heard us and appreciated our aknowledgement!!! She waved and smiled and almost interrupted her "Working as a waitress" lyrics!! We felt she needed more recognition lol. One of my favorite memories. She gave us a shout out, and seemed surprised that these kids from rural Wisconsin could possibly even be so aware of who she was!!
I'm American & I understand you. Always have, since the early 80's. "Human" has always been my favorite track too, something warm & sentimental about it.
Watched them live tonight in Brisbane Australia, their music bought back many memories of my teenage years growing up in the UK. Amazing group , and sound no different to how they did 40 plus years ago .
Human League and Soft Cell literally tore up the charts in 1981/82...They cut across many lines of music and songs like "Don't you Want me" and "tainted Love" have become iconic today. Compared to....21 Pilots and other craphole bands in this day and age. The closest group to human league today would probably be the Naked and Famous.
This song came out when I was 20 years old. Human was a huge hit on the R&B Charts back when it came out. I lived in Washington D.C. at the time. My friends and I were young black men and we were like this song was a killer. So yes it was huge in the black communities. We didn't care who sang the song, it was great. 👍🏾 When MTV and Video Soul used to play videos I would just let me VCR record while I was out of the house. I watched the recorded video and Human was on it. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 It is still in my music rotation weekly and I'm 57 years old. Extended Acapella version, Extended instrumental, and Extended vocal. 💪🏾
Thank you for posting this,,,,I was an American in England from 1980-82,,,,I went to England a fan of the classic rock bands and artists,,,,in England the "New Romantics" were starting to come on the scene,,,like Human League,,,,,Top Of The Pops was an enigma to me and seeing these groups made most of us ask, "WTF??" It was a while before any of us could admit we liked any of it,,,I remember seeing Ultravox do their "Vienna" video,,,and we'd seen nothing like it,,,,and then the whole video thing came on big time. Adam Ant,,,, Duran Duran,,, all of that. Seeing Depeche Mode before they hit it in America was cool,,,,ultimately I, like my friends, embraced all of it,,,I loved the 80's. America loves you, Phil!
I have been lucky enough to have met the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall ♥️ my hero 4 the best night of my Life ever Queen Susan, Sulley ♥️ and king Philip Oakey 2 ather a Ace Human League gig that I have got to see.
Hiya m8 I've got a lot to thank Joanne Catherall ♥️ my favourite Human League member and my hero 4. Ever making a dream of mine 2 come true for me to meet up with the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall ♥️ and Susan Sulley ♥️ and king Philip Oakey 2 ather a Ace Human League gig that I had gone to c. 4 so kindly sending me a Ace signed photo of my favourite Human League Sweet ♥️ IE Queen Joanne Catherall ♥️. Which means so much to me. And 4 being so understanding to the way that I am. And 4 the best night of my Life ever. And Queen Joanne Catherall Sweet ♥️ l will be broken ♥️ed and very sad. When u3 ✨ call it a day and stop making great music.
Hiya m8. I'm 50 now. And I have been 2c the Human League play live 18 times in total now. I have got a signed photo of Joanne Catherall ♥️ my favourite Human League member and my hero 4 ever making a dream of mine 2 come true for me to meet up with the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s and Phillip Oakey 2. And 4 the best night of my Life ever. Even if the free taxi home from Brighton 2 Portsmouth where I live in and play Chess 4 on the night in question wasn't planned. I think that the Human League R much better than anything. That Simon Carol can come out with. I will always love the Human League. And Joanne Catherall epy.
I had the "Reproduction" cassette. I still love their version of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling". One of my friends hated the electronics. While another hated the vocals.
It was a great time to grow up in the late seventies just when people like Gary human,tubway army,ultravox with john foxx And the Human league were beginning to create modern electronic music...Numan was very much inspired by 'ultravox' Who used guitars but later on you saw many of them come away from using guitars and just using synths..Also Suicide with alan vega and martin rev must also be mentioned because they were also part of the electro new wave scene Along with Kraftwork,Classix nouveaux With 'robots dance' was also a very innovative modern music piece...Many people do not realize that a club scene was created in the late seventies which played music like,Bowie,bolan,roxy music...Steve strange And rusty egon had started up a club called 'The Blitz'...Where Tik And Tok began to create modern robotic dance forms long before break dancing took this form of dance....What came out of the seventies was a whole new form of Electonic music using synth sounds and the early drum machines which became the foundation for later Dance/rave music...The Human league were one of the main innovators of modern dance electronic music alog with Suicide which later influenced new forms of Electronic music calle techno and rave....Rave parties originated from disco and the club scene...Dj's were part of the gig performance era before they became the main characters of the modern dance rave scene...Live bands were out and the DJ was in...Bowie sand the song 'I am the Dj i am what i play'...It was very vibrant in those days everything was new and it was exciting....I am glad i grew up in the seventies to witness it all...It was a great era in london then being on the club circuit.
Phil you are just so gorgeous. You were in the eighties and you are even more so now. Love you for the person you are, the voice you have and your incredibly beautiful, warm kind eyes. You are beautiful inside and out. You are my favourite person of all time. You made my teen years so special in the eighties.
HOW refreshing to hear an established artist openly admitting their failures and limitations.He comes across as being very........HUMAN!.Fav single for me is "The Lebanon" but it MUST be the 12" version, especially the extended intro part.The guitar work is reminiscent in parts to "Public Image" by Public Image Ltd, perhaps not surprising with Jo Callis' background.Would have loved him to have detailed the, apparently NIGHTMARE conditions surrounding the follow up to "Dare", "HYSTERIA". So many changes to the producer, so many aurguments.Would love to know what Branson and Virgin thaught when they first heard it and WHY Virgin gave them so much time to themselves.....the result was almost inevitable!.
Join the club m8. And I have been lucky enough to have met the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall ♥️ and Susan Sulley and Phillip Oakey 2. And m8 I even got a signed photo of Joanne Catherall ♥️. and a photo of Joanne Catherall ♥️ on my smartphone. And m8. U should definitely download and listen to the Human League song 1man in my ♥️. I really think that 1man in my ♥️. Should of been a number 1 4the Human League.
A lot of Americans love The Human League. It's just that they're not as popular here as they are in the UK. The top music genres in the U.S. are hip-hop and country, not synthpop (unfortunately).
Me Too George Robinson The Human League Was The Hottest Band In America You And Me Should Know We Live Here Sir I Wished Londoners Or Anyone Else Would Get Thier Reseach Correct Before The Blow Thier Mouths Up Being Quote So Called Informative?.
Thank you for sharing this delightful documentary of a gorgeous new wave band that everybody wanted to be with and of course fell in love with, as well.
I have just stumbled upon this., I am from Sheffield and HL were such a influence on me. So much so., I had an eye infection for at least a year with that long fringe hair cut!! ha ha Phil comes across as a great guy you would want to have a beer with... I would have liked to hear more of the early days., I loved Get Carter/I am the law
In my opinion, the best and most important british electronic act of the first half of the '80s, until Depeche Mode evolved and nearly conquered the world in 1986-1993
Phil, all the American continent love you! I listen to your songs since I was a kid and they remind me of such good things...of my beloved mother. I love you❤❤❤
I remember playing the "Dare" album in my art class in 1982 and everyone saying "What is this?? It's awesome!!" because they'd never heard anything like it. It was so innovative and new. Especially "Love Action" because of all the cool sounds in it. I loved when they released "Love And Dancing" with the remixes and being able to hear all those synthesizers in all their glory! I wish they would have included a remix of "Darkness" though.
Phil O. I brought your Human League records and I'm in the US lol true story. The 80's are gone but I still listen to the music from that era and always will.
My all-time favourite band. I love the fact that Empire State Human still sounds like it was made way in the future. AND IT MADE THE CHART! What happened to our charts?!
He is m8. And so r the Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall and Susan Sulley. I will always love the Human League. And Joanne Catherall ♥️ epy.
Revisiting the hundreds of 80,s albums I bought The Human League albums stand up as good or better than most. Well ahead of their time and I hope they grow in stature in America over the years. Deserved more big albums here
Im sorry bro I was that 11 year old black kid in 79 who loved" Don't you want me baby" and "fascination" later!The Black Community Loved the Human League and "Human" was is still one of all time top songs that I can sing till this day lol.
One of the best sounding tracks produced in the 80's,the drum track is superb put on some good headphones and crank it up, forget Mp3 or Mp4 just like Tears for Fears best songs listen to the original CD track to get the full spectrum of sound, most of us only heard the super compressed FM version on the radio that sounds like it's under water compared to the original CD tracks.
He talks about breaking in the USA. I think 'Dare' was the first breakout in America. 'Fascination' was the second. I remember both of those releases doing really well in the states. Especially radio. But we will welcome you anytime you fell like coming over here.
I remember as a 6 or 7 year old kid in the US hearing Don't You Want Me on the radio and really liking it. They are at the top of my list of favorite synth bands of the 80s.
groovechaser if only they would do a new album I hear they are thinking about it so 2018 could see new human league material I for one would be extatic so let's see what happens fingers and toes crossed 😊
DARE album still sounds good today. 'don't you want me' wasn't even considered for a single release by the band which is why it's almost the last track on DARE. 'sound of the crowd' & ' love action' still sound awesome today. Not many 'sexy Susans' still out there in 2018 😃
Well I am an black American and I love Human League. My favorite song is Human. Love the song and love the band. Thanks.
Forget the introduction.....we are one remember?
Human League music are timeless, all race love them
@@ClaireDeLune12 I think its extremely valid, new wave isnt a huge part of black culture, Zenasworld is very unique
MTV was big before BET was invented. Most Black Americans from that era have their favorite "New Wave" bands as being able to watch music was then new and exciting.
I currently run R&B clubs in Texas and all of my DJs who are over 50 know these songs.
Before the club opens we play 'name that tune' and associated artist.
The younger DJs/ bartenders/waitresses/door staff know these songs from the video game "Grand Theft Auto"..
MTV was big before BET was invented. Most Black Americans from that era have their favorite "New Wave" bands as being able to watch music was then new and exciting.
I currently run R&B clubs in Texas and all of my DJs who are over 50 know these songs.
Before the club opens we play 'name that tune' and associated artist.
The younger DJs/ bartenders/waitresses/door staff know these songs from the video game "Grand Theft Auto"..
Phil you may never know how many Americans really love Human League, but we are here-still listening to your records 30+ years later!
Iconic band. Phil and the Ladies are so down to earth and approachable. Sheffields finest.
The Human League such an awesome band...who is still listening in 2019?
2020 for me lol
Jane Sweet 2020 corona virus lockdown
Same, 2020 here also. Awesome band
I am ...just started a week ago after listening to their electric dreams song haha such epic song in my opinion from the 80s
@@joylitz2477 So am I. I've got a lot 2 thank them 4. And Queen Joanne Catherall ❤️ epy 4 the best night ever of my life. The Human League sweet ❤️ s ie Queens Joanne Catherall ❤️ and Susan Sulley ❤️ r very very good self t0 singers. And I am a self t0 sound affect impressionist 4 I can copy the sounds of Cosham and Bedhampton level crossing with the 2 gates coming down, a drum kit,2 class 205s 🚆 s passing each other at speed. Among others.
'Dare' is not only the greatest electronic album ever, but also one of the greatest British albums of all time. It's truly a masterpiece and every song on it still sounds terrific. If Don't you want me? was released for the first time now, it would go straight to Number One.
2020..."I still love you." I'm still a fan. Still listening.
Phil is so humble. His voice carries the band.
I loved "Human" the first time I listened to it, in my teen days. I'm 49, and I'm still a Human League's fan.
Join the club m8. I have been lucky enough to have met up with the Human League face to face to talk to. And 5 times in Joanne Catheralls case. I will always love the Human League. And Joanne Catherall epy.
Jimmy jam and Terry Lewis produced practically the whole album. It was my favorite esp love is all that matters.
Me too jef68br! I bought Reproduction in 1980 and been a huge fan to this day.
Me too! I am 51.
me too, i loved it the first time.
Phil you are talented. And you don’t realise the impact you have had on so many peoples lives. You certainly impacted my life in a very positive way. You have been the soundtrack to my life x
Phil has certainly aged well. What a handsome man.
I'm American, and I got them right away! Bought the cassette and played it so much I replaced it 3 times! I'm still hooked, plus, Phil is the best looking guy, hair or not, and seems like such a nice, genuine guy! Love them!
brought us a lot of joy in the 80's, still googling 30 years later, obviously made an impact
Hiya I have a lot to thank Joanne Catherall ♥️ my favourite Human League member and my hero 4. 4 ever making a dream of mine 2 come true for me to meet up with the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s and king Philip Oakey 2. And in Queens Joanne Catheralls ♥️ case 4 the best night of my life so far. If not ever.
Sure did!!
I'm American and I loved The Human League during the 80's, all my friends too.
yes, but looks like you did not buy many records.
@@LitLitterbox Because of what Phil Oakey himself said on the video above? Don't play ignorant.
Well, I'm American as well. & It happens to knowing another americans. I started to wonder..
"Don't You Want Me", "Fascination", "The Mirror Man", "Electric Dreams" & "Human" bring back memories for me growing up in the 80's. Classics.
"do or die","The Sound Of The Crowd","love action ". An amazing band 👍
1 man in my ❤️. Should definitely of been a number 1 hit single 4 the best 1980s pop band still going strong ather 35 years or so. IE the Human League. Beautifully sang by Queen Susan Sulley ❤️
As a Samoan kid growing up in New Zealand,breakdancing & collecting records,I bought every one of your albums...you just knew good music..color didn't mean shit...still doesn't...I wasn't "im into this genre or hate that genre"...I was a music lover with individual taste of great songs/bands/artists...loved the 80s as much as any decade...holds great memories & timeless tracks...word up!
Universal Kaos : kia ora! ::: :
You da man!
Hey...I'm American and I freaking LOVE you guys! Human League was awesome! I'm still listening to your music and reliving my youth every time I hear your songs! ☺
I loved the Fascination video clip, very ahead of the time. The spot on the map is something you don't forget.
leokimvide
House was due for demolition, i read
they started google maps!!
Perhaps the best video in an artistic sense that had not fleshed itself out to that point
@@timokeefe9933 yes, you can go down a deep rabbit hole trying to find where that spot is now. GPS co-ordinates are on the web
I'm shocked to hear Phil didn't think they were good musicians.
They sure had me fooled! 'Human' is my favorite. Great song!
'Human' is also my favorite song, from The Human League
U should definitely download and listen to the Human League's Octerpuss single ie 1 man in my ♥️. I love the Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall ♥️ and Susan Sulley ♥️ and king Philip Oakey 2 4ever. And Queen Joanne Catherall ♥️ epy 4 the best night of my Life ever.
When you are at that age, at the right time and in the right place these songs and sounds stay with you and never grow old , long live the league
I love human league. Top 5 of my childhood. Listened to my cassettes everyday.. got me through some seriously tough times.. Human.....
Still have a poster hanging on the wall 30 yrs later 💞🎶
That's nothing m8. I've got a signed photo of my favourite Human League member IE Joanne Catherall ♥️. Which I've had since 1984. Which says 2 Paul best wishes Joanne xx on it. And m8. I even think that Joanne Catherall ♥️ has some magic powers inside her ♥️ 2 wards me. Because when I got 2chat Joanne Catherall ♥️ up and give Joanne Catherall ♥️ lots of love letters. And all starting with 2 Queen Joanne Catherall Sweet ♥️ on them ather Chess Peace's and the fact that I love the Human League and Joanne Catherall ♥️ epy 4 the best night of my life so far. I will be seeing the Human League play live 4 the 17 and 18th time in Brighton and Bournemouth next month. And hopefully I will get back stage and chat with Joanne Catherall and Susan Sulley ♥️ and Phillip Oakey 2. And do my 🥁 kit sound affect impression 2my music on my iPod and ask them what they thought of it. I will always love the Human League song 1man in my ♥️.
His voice live is still something. Four decades on, still the very best of 80’s music.
Heard or a few weeks ago, not,good.
Saw them live in 1987...they were awesome and it was a pleasant suprise to see an actual drummer touring with them.
Had the privilege to see The Human League three times in concert - Crawley, Brighton Dome and Bournemouth. I cancelled a holiday in Spain to see them at Crawley, and I don't regret it to this day !! Always came away with a sore throat due to singing to the songs. Fantastic band. Thank you to The Human League for giving me years of musical pleasure 👍
America DOES love the Human League! We would love to have them back.
"Human" was a great track. I remember loving it as a 10 yr old in 1986.
Because of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
They were also the reason that album sucked; stripped them of their own personality.
Wrong. The songs they initially had for the album sucked. Human saved the album.
That was the only listenable song on that album full of second-hand limp funk.
It also broke up the group.
I'm American and loved The Human League - At 13 years old I couldn't afford to buy whole albums but 'Don't You Want Me' was one of the first 45s that I ever bought. Being so young I was, of course, very impressionable and the way Philip Oakey dressed had a huge influence on my concept of fashion and style -- really for the rest of my life when I think about it. Not in a static unchanging way, of course, but the way one's style evolves is derivative of what came before. It is difficult for me to conceptualize how my personal style and what I gravitated to would have been different had I not spent hours looking at pictures of him at that time because it was so foundational for me. If you ever happen to read this, Philip, thank you!
I've been a huge fan since I was a child in the 80s. The sound, the make up, the whole look. Absolutely timeless. Thank you for such a rather special sound. I play you to this day xx
Are you kidding?? LOTS of us in America LOVED THL.
Absolutely true! :)
One of my all time favorite bands....
Yeah, that statement about never breaking America surprised me too. Everyone I knew loved HL.
There was such a renaissance during that period I guess the stats don't show a financial "success" for such a large country.
The HL left their mark on us.
@@salskars6637 I was the same, always love THL music but I was an oddball in my music tastes (still am really). But even now, lot's of folks that didn't necessarily like New Wave music back then do appreciate THL. I guess we should have bought more of their albums back then, lol.
@@Jazzman-bj9fq - So true. Over the years I've "discovered" even more from that era that appeared to slip through the cracks.
There were so many great bands under the radar it took me years. I'm sure there is still more gold to mine.
Phil - you’re absolutely wrong about the band not being popular in America. I grew up in Houston Texas and HL was very much a part of the soundtrack of our lives. Your music was fresh, mysterious, uplifting and inspiring. Thank you so much for all that you have done!
Phil, you are my hero, you aren't full of yourself and you look from the outside in, what a man ❤️
a northern monk !
Queen Joanne Catherall ♥️ is my favourite Human League member and my hero 4 ever making a dream of mine 2 come true for me to meet up with the Human League. And 4 the best night of my Life ever. And I even think that Joanne Catherall ♥️ my hero has got some magic powers inside her ♥️ 2 wards me. And now Joanne Catherall ♥️ is a mum. And good on u Queen Joanne Catherall Sweet ♥️. XX XX
@Maria Hilton Y don't u. Go 2 hell?
This music will still be played well into the future. Timeless.
Phil easily won me over with his humble insights, God bless him I say
Bloody great retrospective. Reminded me at just how brilliant HL is. Time to revisit their catalogue....
The absolute legendary band of the '80s :)
Great Doco!!!!
Phil is a champion.... Some of the best most timeless tracks in history. Keep feeling fascination:)
Susan and Joanne are the New Wave Betty and Veronica. One flaxen, one raven, both beautiful.
I would say cute. I love the Human League. And Queen Joanne Catherall Sweet ♥️ u epy
Both age better than most expensive wines.
Kind of like Heart except of course they aged better than Heart lol
@@arricammarques1955 And both of the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall ♥️ and Susan Sulley ♥️ and king Philip Oakey 2. Put the Portsmouth Police officers 2 Shane. I will always love the Human League
And 2gether with king Philip Oakey 2. R much better than anything that Simon Carol can come out with. And now Joanne Catherall ♥️ my hero 4 ever is a mum. And good on Queen Joanne Catherall ♥️ my hero 4 ever. I say
I like that a good chunk of this documentary is covering the amazing Human League music videos and Electric Dreams directed by Steve Barron. Barron directed some of the most legendary music videos - Michael Jackson - Billie Jean, Aha - Take On Me, Dire Straits - Money For Nothing, just to name a few.
If that wasn't enough, for kids of my generation, he also directed the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Steve Barron is not a household name but he definitely deserves more recognition.
That's some interesting trivia.
He was interviewed extensively in the 1987 “video jukebox” presented by John peel and John Walters so that piece gives very good insights. Not sure if it’s on YT but you could probably find it somewhere- it was originally broadcast as a standalone 3hr doc but in 1987 BbC 2 put it on at the evening of the Uk general election which I watched. As the constituency results came in, they were projected onto the screen while the video jukebox doc played in the background. I used to have it on VHS but alas it disappeared !
In fact I think it’s linked here(I’ve not tested the links)
czcams.com/video/l5B3NMOtB2s/video.html
Miss the 80's New Romantic genre
Had a goth vibe to it. Cool times.
What's not to love about the Human League? Easily my fave Synth band and the pleasure they gave me back in the day is immeasurable.
I still think, after all these years, that "Don't You Want Me" is one of the greatest and most ground-breaking music videos of all time
Dont You Want Me, Influenciado en el NRG & Synhtpop del EDM (1977) de Giorgio⚡Moroder...
America DID too love you and STILL DOES!
yes! agreed!
AGREED
What a modest guy.
Im amazed at how many great records they made, really strong songs, lovely to see Phil again, he appears to be so laid back that the music industry has not ruined his life like a lot of artists
I've always found Phil to be such a humble and down to earth guy. He seems so open about how things were. So refreshing.
Así es...sobretodo que dice sinceramente de donde el grupo Human League obtuvo su influencia más notoria, en el EDM (NRG & Synhtpop) 1977 de Moroder, la cual es una línea de electrónica diferente a la de Kraftwerk y su Düsseldorf Krautrock que desarrollaban hasta 1977.
I loved the Human League as a child who grew up at the beginning of MTV they were all over the place and I loved everything that they put out
My best friend and I went to a "80's Revival " concert in the early 90's . Human League was sandwiched between Howard Jones and Boy George. It was like 3 in the afternoon at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee Wisconsin.
We drove an hour from a more rural town. We Loved Human League! When Joanne had her turn at the Mic, we stood up and screamed at the Top of our lungs...Go Joanne!!!!!!!
She heard us and appreciated our aknowledgement!!! She waved and smiled and almost interrupted her "Working as a waitress" lyrics!! We felt she needed more recognition lol. One of my favorite memories. She gave us a shout out, and seemed surprised that these kids from rural Wisconsin could possibly even be so aware of who she was!!
What a fun memory!
Love Phil he is such a wonderful guy. Lucky enough to have met him a few times.
I'm American & I understand you. Always have, since the early 80's. "Human" has always been my favorite track too, something warm & sentimental about it.
The track can make you to recollect your thoughts.
Watched them live tonight in Brisbane Australia, their music bought back many memories of my teenage years growing up in the UK.
Amazing group , and sound no different to how they did 40 plus years ago .
I just love him, so down to earth, I think he's a talented guy
Oh good grief I am an American and I have loved them since I first heard them in 5th grade (1982)!
Human League was not huge in America but they have a significant following.
My friend had their first album "Reproduction". I loved their version of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling".
oh wow..i was in kindergarten in 1982..lol!
Exellent Electro Band,..they revolutionized Pop back in the 80'es, Time flies and it's still awesome hit-songs...thanx guys !
Thank God for Cleveland college radio, who played this stuff way before MTV. That Human song, still gives me chills, 35 years later.
You don’t speak for all of America. You guys are a symbol of my childhood. Still a fan!!!
Human League and Soft Cell literally tore up the charts in 1981/82...They cut across many lines of music and songs like "Don't you Want me" and "tainted Love" have become iconic today. Compared to....21 Pilots and other craphole bands in this day and age. The closest group to human league today would probably be the Naked and Famous.
Phil, you come across as such a nice and humble guy. Makes one believe in humanity.
This song came out when I was 20 years old.
Human was a huge hit on the R&B Charts back when it came out. I lived in Washington D.C. at the time. My friends and I were young black men and we were like this song was a killer. So yes it was huge in the black communities.
We didn't care who sang the song, it was great. 👍🏾
When MTV and Video Soul used to play videos I would just let me VCR record while I was out of the house.
I watched the recorded video and Human was on it. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
It is still in my music rotation weekly and I'm 57 years old.
Extended Acapella version, Extended instrumental, and Extended vocal. 💪🏾
first 2 albums some of the best electronic music ever
Totally agree. Their first 2 albums are so incredibly unique and groundbreaking.
How you DARE to say that?
The future was interesting yes, i did't like the later pop tracks . Cabaret Voltaire was more my taste .
@@ntrsnofficial8328 - Cabaret Voltaire - a great band, and very different from THL.
Thank you for posting this,,,,I was an American in England from 1980-82,,,,I went to England a fan of the classic rock bands and artists,,,,in England the "New Romantics" were starting to come on the scene,,,like Human League,,,,,Top Of The Pops was an enigma to me and seeing these groups made most of us ask, "WTF??" It was a while before any of us could admit we liked any of it,,,I remember seeing Ultravox do their "Vienna" video,,,and we'd seen nothing like it,,,,and then the whole video thing came on big time. Adam Ant,,,, Duran Duran,,, all of that. Seeing Depeche Mode before they hit it in America was cool,,,,ultimately I, like my friends, embraced all of it,,,I loved the 80's. America loves you, Phil!
I’m 37. I loved this band, still do!
I’m 38 and they are one of my favourites
I have been lucky enough to have met the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall ♥️ my hero 4 the best night of my Life ever Queen Susan, Sulley ♥️ and king Philip Oakey 2 ather a Ace Human League gig that I have got to see.
Hiya m8 I've got a lot to thank Joanne Catherall ♥️ my favourite Human League member and my hero 4. Ever making a dream of mine 2 come true for me to meet up with the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall ♥️ and Susan Sulley ♥️ and king Philip Oakey 2 ather a Ace Human League gig that I had gone to c. 4 so kindly sending me a Ace signed photo of my favourite Human League Sweet ♥️ IE Queen Joanne Catherall ♥️. Which means so much to me. And 4 being so understanding to the way that I am. And 4 the best night of my Life ever. And Queen Joanne Catherall Sweet ♥️ l will be broken ♥️ed and very sad. When u3 ✨ call it a day and stop making great music.
I'm 18. I'm a old man, in a young man's body
Hiya m8. I'm 50 now. And I have been 2c the Human League play live 18 times in total now. I have got a signed photo of Joanne Catherall ♥️ my favourite Human League member and my hero 4 ever making a dream of mine 2 come true for me to meet up with the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s and Phillip Oakey 2. And 4 the best night of my Life ever. Even if the free taxi home from Brighton 2 Portsmouth where I live in and play Chess 4 on the night in question wasn't planned. I think that the Human League R much better than anything. That Simon Carol can come out with. I will always love the Human League. And Joanne Catherall epy.
Absolutely fantastic. Thanks for the upload. I've seen the band three times. They still sound just as great.
I had the "Reproduction" cassette. I still love their version of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling". One of my friends hated the electronics. While another hated the vocals.
I lived in Sheffield during the early eighties. Great city and great times indeed!
It was a great time to grow up in the late seventies just when people like Gary human,tubway army,ultravox with john foxx And the Human league were beginning to create modern electronic music...Numan was very much inspired by 'ultravox' Who used guitars but later on you saw many of them come away from using guitars and just using synths..Also Suicide with alan vega and martin rev must also be mentioned because they were also part of the electro new wave scene Along with Kraftwork,Classix nouveaux With 'robots dance' was also a very innovative modern music piece...Many people do not realize that a club scene was created in the late seventies which played music like,Bowie,bolan,roxy music...Steve strange And rusty egon had started up a club called 'The Blitz'...Where Tik And Tok began to create modern robotic dance forms long before break dancing took this form of dance....What came out of the seventies was a whole new form of Electonic music using synth sounds and the early drum machines which became the foundation for later Dance/rave music...The Human league were one of the main innovators of modern dance electronic music alog with Suicide which later influenced new forms of Electronic music calle techno and rave....Rave parties originated from disco and the club scene...Dj's were part of the gig performance era before they became the main characters of the modern dance rave scene...Live bands were out and the DJ was in...Bowie sand the song 'I am the Dj i am what i play'...It was very vibrant in those days everything was new and it was exciting....I am glad i grew up in the seventies to witness it all...It was a great era in london then being on the club circuit.
FLOCK OF SEAGULLS!!!
Phil you are just so gorgeous. You were in the eighties and you are even more so now. Love you for the person you are, the voice you have and your incredibly beautiful, warm kind eyes. You are beautiful inside and out. You are my favourite person of all time. You made my teen years so special in the eighties.
Damn, Phil Oakey is a super humble guy. Just makes you appreciate his music that much more!
I never realized before, what a cool guy Phil Oakey is.
One of the best group of my lifetime. Still love the songs
I like cats too Phil! And Human League. Whoa no one can do 80s like the 80s!
I have loved Human league from day one. Thank you for your music and I love you all ❤💫💜
HOW refreshing to hear an established artist openly admitting their failures and limitations.He comes across as being very........HUMAN!.Fav single for me is "The Lebanon" but it MUST be the 12" version, especially the extended intro part.The guitar work is reminiscent in parts to "Public Image" by Public Image Ltd, perhaps not surprising with Jo Callis' background.Would have loved him to have detailed the, apparently NIGHTMARE conditions surrounding the follow up to "Dare", "HYSTERIA". So many changes to the producer, so many aurguments.Would love to know what Branson and Virgin thaught when they first heard it and WHY Virgin gave them so much time to themselves.....the result was almost inevitable!.
This was a very enjoyable documentary on and about The Human League. I still own their music cds. This Documentary took me down memory lane. Thank you
Great pioneers in electronic!!new order,kraftwerk,unmatched even today's music can't duplicate it!!so glad I lived in this time
Absolutely LOVE Human League. My third all time band.
You were wrong about America in the documentary! I saw all and bought all and loved all of "The Human League"! And still do!
Join the club m8. And I have been lucky enough to have met the 2 Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall ♥️ and Susan Sulley and Phillip Oakey 2. And m8 I even got a signed photo of Joanne Catherall ♥️. and a photo of Joanne Catherall ♥️ on my smartphone. And m8. U should definitely download and listen to the Human League song 1man in my ♥️. I really think that 1man in my ♥️. Should of been a number 1 4the Human League.
A lot of Americans love The Human League. It's just that they're not as popular here as they are in the UK. The top music genres in the U.S. are hip-hop and country, not synthpop (unfortunately).
Love at first hear! I was eleven. Later, we got cable. They were all so hot, and talented. Right out of a magazine style.
They are way too modest.
Me too!!
Me Too George Robinson The Human League Was The Hottest Band In America You And Me Should Know We Live Here Sir I Wished Londoners Or Anyone Else Would Get Thier Reseach Correct Before The Blow Thier Mouths Up Being Quote So Called Informative?.
Thank you for sharing this delightful documentary of a gorgeous new wave band that everybody wanted to be with and of course fell in love with, as well.
I love them as much as i did in the 80's!!
I have just stumbled upon this., I am from Sheffield and HL were such a influence on me. So much so., I had an eye infection for at least a year with that long fringe hair cut!! ha ha
Phil comes across as a great guy you would want to have a beer with...
I would have liked to hear more of the early days., I loved Get Carter/I am the law
Thank you so much for this video, got to see the music video in HD. Stunning music video on "Human". Love that feel.
I think they were one of the most talented groups. I loved them right off. Human is still one of my favorite songs to listen to.
In my opinion, the best and most important british electronic act of the first half of the '80s, until Depeche Mode evolved and nearly conquered the world in 1986-1993
along with GN
And OMD.
I would say DM were golden between 1984-1997. Maybe toss in the blip of 2005 for Precious.
aah! lush! i love human league and i love documentaries about the human league. thanks for sharing x
Phil. What a down to earth genius. Ive always loved this band.
American's like me love Human League. WLIR forever
One of the precursors and fathers of the Synthpop. no doubt! Love it!
Phil, all the American continent love you! I listen to your songs since I was a kid and they remind me of such good things...of my beloved mother. I love you❤❤❤
I remember playing the "Dare" album in my art class in 1982 and everyone saying "What is this?? It's awesome!!" because they'd never heard anything like it. It was so innovative and new. Especially "Love Action" because of all the cool sounds in it. I loved when they released "Love And Dancing" with the remixes and being able to hear all those synthesizers in all their glory! I wish they would have included a remix of "Darkness" though.
Phil O. I brought your Human League records and I'm in the US lol true story. The 80's are gone but I still listen to the music from that era and always will.
Love the 80`s
I lived for "Love Is All That Matters"!! That song played on repeat constantly. ❤❤❤
My all-time favourite band. I love the fact that Empire State Human still sounds like it was made way in the future. AND IT MADE THE CHART! What happened to our charts?!
I'm from America and I bought your albums. the Human League is one of my favorite bands and Human is my favorite song by you guys.
This was enjoyable, they were a fun part of the 80's.
Phil appears to be a nice bloke
He is m8. And so r the Human League Sweet ♥️ s IE Queens Joanne Catherall and Susan Sulley. I will always love the Human League. And Joanne Catherall ♥️ epy.
He went through hell actually
Richard Hookway he does. What a cool guy. Very humble and down to earth.
@@kevcatnip7589 how so?
kidnapped by paedos ,,its mentioned in the interview
Revisiting the hundreds of 80,s albums I bought The Human League albums stand up as good or better than most. Well ahead of their time and I hope they grow in stature in America over the years. Deserved more big albums here
Im sorry bro I was that 11 year old black kid in 79 who loved" Don't you want me baby" and "fascination" later!The Black Community Loved the Human League and "Human" was is still one of all time top songs that I can sing till this day lol.
Great talent and a slice of time and music that is so missed in these days of awful top 40 hip-hop and edm! Bring back these new wave synth days!
80s...no decade like it. best music,best looking babes. whole Lotta positive energy and hope. the best decade all around. you just had to be there.
One of the best sounding tracks produced in the 80's,the drum track is superb put on some good headphones
and crank it up, forget Mp3 or Mp4 just like Tears for Fears best songs listen to the original CD track to get the full spectrum of sound, most of us only heard the super compressed FM version on the radio that sounds like it's under water compared to the original CD tracks.
He talks about breaking in the USA. I think 'Dare' was the first breakout in America. 'Fascination' was the second. I remember both of those releases doing really well in the states. Especially radio. But we will welcome you anytime you fell like coming over here.
I remember as a 6 or 7 year old kid in the US hearing Don't You Want Me on the radio and really liking it. They are at the top of my list of favorite synth bands of the 80s.
Definitely!
groovechaser if only they would do a new album I hear they are thinking about it so 2018 could see new human league material I for one would be extatic so let's see what happens fingers and toes crossed 😊
DARE album still sounds good today. 'don't you want me' wasn't even considered for a single release by the band which is why it's almost the last track on DARE. 'sound of the crowd' & ' love action' still sound awesome today. Not many 'sexy Susans' still out there in 2018 😃