The Way It Is

The song "The Way It Is" by Tesla from their 1989 album The Great Radio Controversy is a standout track that showcases the band's knack for blending heartfelt lyrics with gritty hard rock. One piece of trivia about the song comes from its music video, which incorporated footage from a canned food drive the band organized during their tour to promote the album. Fans who contributed to the drive got free concert admission, a move that reflected Tesla’s blue-collar ethos and connection with their audience. This event was captured in the video, giving it a raw, community-driven vibe that resonated with fans. Additionally, in a review by Steve Huey for AllMusic, "The Way It Is" was praised alongside "Love Song" and "Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)" for its unpredictable melodies and riffs, setting it apart from the cookie-cutter glam metal of the era. The song peaked at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 13 on the Album Rock Tracks chart when released as a single in March 1990, cementing its place as a fan favorite.

Another interesting tidbit about "The Way It Is" ties to the album’s broader context. The title The Great Radio Controversy refers to the historical debate over who invented radio—Nikola Tesla, whom the band is named after, or Guglielmo Marconi, who often gets the credit. The album’s inner sleeve recounts this story, and the band’s choice to highlight this controversy reflects their admiration for Nikola Tesla’s underdog status. In a 2019 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, lead singer Jeff Keith shared that the band stuck to their guns with their songwriting approach, resisting pressure from Geffen Records to conform to a more commercial format. This defiance helped shape the authentic, rootsy sound of tracks like "The Way It Is," which leans into classic rock influences like Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy, as noted by critic Evelyn McDonnell in a 1989 SPIN review.

Tesla got their start in Sacramento, California, originally forming in 1984 as City Kidd. The band—consisting of lead vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarists Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Wheat, and drummer Robert Contreras (soon replaced by Troy Luccketta)—changed their name to Tesla during the recording of their debut album, Mechanical Resonance, in 1986. The name was suggested by their manager, inspired by the legendary inventor Nikola Tesla, whose innovative spirit the band admired. Their first album produced hits like "Modern Day Cowboy" and a cover of "Little Suzi," but it was their 1989 follow-up, The Great Radio Controversy, that propelled them to stardom with hits like "Love Song" and "The Way It Is." Early on, Tesla toured with major acts like David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, and Def Leppard, which led to them being labeled a glam metal band, a tag they resented. According to drummer Troy Luccketta in a later interview, the band has since embraced the label, but their bluesy, 1970s-inspired sound always set them apart. Bassist Brian Wheat has cited influences like Led Zeppelin, Queen, and the Beatles, which shaped their raw, unpolished style.

You can keep up with Tesla through their official website at teslatheband.com, where they share tour dates, merch, and news like their recent 2024 EP, All About Love. Their Facebook page is active with updates on performances and fan interactions, while their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses and throwback photos. On X, they engage with fans through posts about new releases and tour announcements. For fans looking to connect, the Tesla Band Wiki on Fandom is a great resource for detailed discographies and history. There’s also a vibrant Tesla Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memorabilia, discuss shows, and celebrate the band’s legacy.