Lay Down

The song "Lay Down" from Bad English's self-titled debut album, released in 1989, is a lesser-known track compared to the band's chart-topping hit "When I See You Smile." However, it carries the signature melodic hard rock sound that defined the supergroup's style. In a 1991 interview with Rolling Stone, lead singer John Waite described the recording sessions for the album as intense, with "Lay Down" being one of the tracks where the band experimented with a raw, emotional edge. Waite noted that the song's lyrics, co-written by Jonathan Cain and himself, were inspired by late-night jam sessions where the band channeled personal experiences of longing and vulnerability. The song's driving rhythm and layered guitars, courtesy of Neal Schon, showcase the band's chemistry, though it never received the radio play of their bigger singles.

Interestingly, "Lay Down" has a small but dedicated fanbase among Bad English enthusiasts. On a fan-run Facebook group dedicated to John Waite and Bad English, members have shared stories about how the song's introspective lyrics resonated during tough times. One fan posted in 2020 about hearing "Lay Down" live during the band's 1989 tour, recalling Waite's passionate delivery and Schon's extended guitar solo, which isn't as prominent in the studio version. While the band didn’t often discuss "Lay Down" in interviews, Ricky Phillips mentioned on his personal website that the debut album's recording process was a balancing act between pop sensibilities and their desire for a harder rock sound, with "Lay Down" leaning toward the latter.

Bad English was formed in 1987 as a supergroup, bringing together members with impressive rock pedigrees. Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon, fresh off their success with Journey, teamed up with John Waite, the former frontman of The Babys. Rounding out the lineup were bassist Ricky Phillips, also from The Babys, and drummer Deen Castronovo, who later joined Journey. The band's name came from a lighthearted moment, as recounted in a 1989 MTV interview: while playing pool, Waite missed a shot, and Cain jokingly commented on his "bad English" (referring to the spin on the cue ball), inspiring the band’s moniker. Their debut album, fueled by hits like "When I See You Smile" and "Price of Love," went platinum, but internal tensions over musical direction led to their breakup after their second album, Backlash, in 1991.

Though Bad English no longer exists as an active band, its members remain influential in rock music. John Waite continues to tour as a solo artist, and his official website, johnwaiteworldwide.com, provides updates on his performances. Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain are still active with Journey, and their work can be followed on Journey’s official site, journeyofficial.com. Fans can connect with John Waite on his Facebook and Instagram accounts, where he shares tour dates and reflections on his career. While Bad English doesn’t have an official X account, fans often discuss the band on the platform using hashtags like #BadEnglish or #JohnWaite. The John Waite and Bad English Fan Group on Facebook remains a vibrant community for Zoo Freaks and others to share memories, rare photos, and trivia about the band’s brief but impactful run.