Forget Me Not

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the nostalgic track "Forget Me Not" by Bad English from their self-titled debut album, firing up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This hard-hitting song, often overshadowed by the band’s chart-topping ballad "When I See You Smile," was a favorite among reviewers. David Spodek from RPM magazine called it the best cut on the album, praising its "hard driving rock and roll and power chords" that appealed to AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) fans. Rock Hard magazine went further, declaring the entire album, with "Forget Me Not" as a standout, the "best AOR album of the past six months." The song’s raw energy and melodic hooks showcased the band’s ability to balance their pop sensibilities with a tougher edge, a dynamic that defined their sound but also hinted at the creative tensions that later split the group.

Digging into the song’s context, "Forget Me Not" wasn’t a major chart hit like its counterparts, but it resonated with fans who craved the band’s harder side. In interviews, bassist Ricky Phillips and guitarist Neal Schon expressed frustration with the pop-heavy direction pushed by producers and label expectations, longing for a grittier sound that tracks like "Forget Me Not" embodied. Phillips later wrote on his website that the band had already begun to fracture during the mixing of their second album, partly due to these stylistic disagreements. Meanwhile, singer John Waite, in post-band interviews, admitted he loved performing for massive stadium crowds but felt uneasy with the polished, corporate rock image Bad English projected, which may have influenced the raw emotion in songs like "Forget Me Not." Fans on Bad English fan groups on Facebook often share stories of how this track’s driving rhythm and heartfelt lyrics connected with them during the late ’80s rock scene.

Bad English formed in 1987 as a supergroup with roots in two influential bands: Journey and The Babys. Keyboardist Jonathan Cain and guitarist Neal Schon, fresh off Journey’s massive success, teamed up with John Waite and Ricky Phillips, both former members of The Babys, a British-American rock band known for hits like "Isn’t It Time." Drummer Deen Castronovo, who’d later rejoin Journey, rounded out the lineup. The band’s name came from a lighthearted moment during a pool game when Waite missed a shot, and Cain jokingly remarked on his "bad English" (referring to the cue ball spin), a quip that stuck. Their debut album, released in 1989 via Epic Records, capitalized on the era’s appetite for polished hard rock, with "Forget Me Not" showcasing their chemistry and individual talents.

The band’s origin story is a tale of seasoned musicians chasing a second wave of success. Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon, already rock royalty from Journey’s string of ’80s hits, wanted to explore a new project after Journey disbanded. John Waite, who’d carved out a solo career with the 1984 hit "Missing You," brought his distinctive voice and songwriting chops from his Babys days. Ricky Phillips, a respected session bassist, had played alongside Waite in The Babys and added a steady groove, while Deen Castronovo’s powerhouse drumming gave the band its arena-ready punch. Their combined experience and hunger for a fresh start fueled the creation of Bad English, though internal clashes over musical direction led to their breakup after just two albums.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Bad English doesn’t have an active official website, but you can explore the band members’ current projects through their individual sites: John Waite’s official website, Neal Schon’s official website, Jonathan Cain’s official website, Ricky Phillips’ official website, and Deen Castronovo’s official website. The band’s legacy lives on through social media, with fan-driven pages like the Bad English Official Facebook and Bad English fan groups on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, rare photos, and concert stories. On Instagram, fans post under hashtags like #BadEnglishBand, though the band itself doesn’t maintain an official account. Similarly, X has fan posts and tributes under the band’s name, but no official band presence exists. For more fan content, check out sites like Rock Archive for photos and bios or join discussions on Reddit’s hair metal communities, where Bad English often gets shout-outs.