Change (Live 1988 / Wildcard Remaster)

The song "Change" by John Waite, featured in its live 1988 Wildcard Remaster version from the album "John Waite No Brakes Tour LD," holds a special place in his discography. Originally released on his 1982 debut solo album Ignition, "Change" was penned by Holly Knight and first recorded by her band Spider in 1981. Waite was drawn to the song’s message about staying true to oneself, as Knight explained it was inspired by watching musicians let fame alter their core identity. Despite its initial lack of chart success, the track became a staple on AOR radio stations and a popular MTV video during the channel’s early years. Waite has noted the video, directed by Kort Falkenberg III, was groundbreaking for its time, shot in Los Angeles with actress Tina Gullickson, who later joined Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. The video’s narrative, depicting a woman caught in a cycle of bad decisions, resonated with the song’s themes, and its heavy rotation on MTV—up to 10 spins a day—helped cement its cult status.

In a 2013 Songfacts interview, Waite shared that "Change" was a pivotal moment in his solo career, though he felt Chrysalis Records failed to promote it adequately, leading him to switch to EMI for his next album. The song’s inclusion on the 1985 Vision Quest soundtrack, alongside hits like Madonna’s "Crazy for You," gave it a second life, reaching #54 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon reissue. Waite’s frustration with the music industry’s commercial pressures is evident in his reflections, as he aimed to preserve authenticity in his work. Fans on social media, like a 2023 post by Jake Rudh on X, celebrate Waite’s voice and "Change" as part of his enduring legacy, highlighting its raw energy in live performances like the 1988 recording.

John Waite, born on July 4, 1952, in Lancaster, Lancashire, England, began his musical journey shaped by diverse influences. Growing up in a working-class family, he was exposed to American country and western music through his aunt’s 45s, sparking an early love for artists like Hank Williams and Marty Robbins. As a teenager, the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix further fueled his passion, leading him to pursue music over a potential career in painting, which he studied at Lancaster Art College. Waite’s first break came as a bassist in local bands, but a false accusation of jewel robbery pushed him to leave Lancaster for London, where he joined the jazz-rock group England. His big break arrived in the mid-1970s as the lead singer and bassist for The Babys, a British rock band that scored hits like "Isn’t It Time" and "Everytime I Think of You," both peaking at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

After The Babys disbanded in 1980, following a knee injury Waite sustained when an overzealous fan pulled him off stage, he launched his solo career in New York City. The release of Ignition in 1982, featuring "Change," marked his transition to a solo artist, followed by the massively successful No Brakes in 1984, which included the #1 hit "Missing You." Waite’s career also saw him front the supergroup Bad English in 1988, alongside former Babys and Journey members, producing hits like "When I See You Smile." His commitment to authenticity and songwriting, often scribbling lyrics on scraps of paper, has sustained a career spanning over four decades, as detailed on his official website, johnwaiteworldwide.com.

Fans can connect with Waite through his official Facebook page, which boasts over 66,000 followers, and his Instagram, where he shares tour updates and personal insights. On X, Waite engages with fans and posts about upcoming shows, like his 2025 "I Want My 80s" tour with Rick Springfield. Dedicated fan communities include the John Waite Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share concert experiences and memorabilia. Another fan site, Last.fm, offers a detailed biography and community discussions, reflecting Waite’s lasting impact on rock music.