The Outfield: John Spinks (guitar/vocals), Alan Jackman (drums), Tony Lewis (bass/lead vocals) – Photo Credit Columbia Records
I’m saddened this afternoon to have read about the passing of John Spinks, guitarist, songwriter and vocals for the iconic 80’s rock band The Outfield. It was 1985, and I was either 14 or 15 when I first heard the words to one of the most memorable songs that he wrote: “Josie’s on a vacation far away…“; I was hooked and it became one of the most recognizable hits of the 80’s. I’m sitting on our back porch, on the same street but 2 addresses down from where I lived when I first heard it, on probably a similar summer day…
The Outfield is one of the bands that left a lasting impression on me. Their songs are meaningful and fun to listen to. My oldest son is now how old I was when The Outfield came onto the scene. It’s almost 30 years later and he enjoys their music just as much as I do. I think that shows the timelessness of their music.
I wrote to their management via email a year or so ago hoping to get an interview with them for my new Internet radio show, but never got a response. It’s sad and unfortunate that I won’t get a chance to speak with one of the people that had an influence on me, to thank him for years of fantastic music and entertaining music videos. Below is the statement from The Outfield’s website announcing John’s death. He succumbed to cancer and was only 60 years old. Thanks for the music, John. We will miss you.
