Talk to Ya Later

"Talk to Ya Later" by The Tubes is a track that captures the band’s quirky energy and became a defining moment for their career, largely due to its role in music video history. In an interview with Songfacts, lead singer Fee Waybill explained that the song is about a guy who picks up a talkative girl during a wild night out, only to find himself desperate to escape her endless chatter. The song’s humorous narrative, paired with its catchy rock vibe, made it a perfect fit for the emerging MTV scene. Notably, it was one of the first videos played in heavy rotation when MTV launched on August 1, 1981. Its popularity on the network led to a surprising sales surge in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where MTV was available via cable, despite minimal radio play elsewhere. This phenomenon helped convince record labels of MTV’s power to drive record sales, cementing the song’s place in music marketing history.

The song’s creation was a collaborative effort under pressure. Written as the final track for the 1981 album The Completion Backward Principle, it was crafted to be an upbeat rock anthem for radio. Producer David Foster brought in Toto’s Steve Lukather, a session musician known for his work on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” to lay down the iconic guitar riffs. The album’s concept, inspired by a 1950s motivational speaker’s sales technique of visualizing success, influenced the song’s playful, tongue-in-cheek tone. The Tubes’ elaborate live performances, known for costumes and theatrical elements, translated well into the music video, which featured their signature over-the-top style. Fans on The Tubes Project Facebook group often share memories of the band’s wild stage antics during this era, with some recalling how the “Talk to Ya Later” video introduced them to the band’s unique blend of satire and rock.

The Tubes formed in San Francisco in 1972, evolving from two Phoenix-based bands, The Beans and The Red, White and Blues Band, who merged after moving to California. The group, led by Fee Waybill and including Roger Steen, Prairie Prince, and others, quickly gained a cult following with their provocative live shows. These performances, blending music with theater, dance, and multimedia, were unlike anything else in the rock scene. Their self-titled debut album in 1975, produced by Al Kooper, included the cult hit “White Punks on Dope,” which showcased their satirical edge. Despite critical acclaim, commercial success was elusive until their 1981 Capitol Records deal, which yielded “Talk to Ya Later” and their first Top 40 hit, “Don’t Want to Wait Anymore.” The band’s persistence through years of elaborate, costly tours and label changes reflects their commitment to their art, as detailed in their bio on their official website.

The band’s early days were marked by a DIY ethos and a willingness to push boundaries. They honed their craft in San Francisco’s underground scene, playing alongside acts like The Cockettes, a psychedelic drag troupe that influenced their theatrical flair. Their shows, often featuring Waybill in outrageous personas like the drug-addled “Quay Lewd,” drew attention for their shock value and creativity. This reputation led to a deal with A&M Records, though their focus on live spectacle initially outshone their album sales. Over the decades, The Tubes have maintained a loyal fanbase, with groups like The Tubes Fans on Facebook actively discussing their discography and sharing rare concert footage. The band continues to tour, blending classic hits with their signature humor, as seen in recent posts on their Instagram.

For more on The Tubes, visit their official website or follow them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can connect through dedicated communities like The Tubes Project and The Tubes Fans on Facebook, or explore fan sites such as The Tubes Fan Club, which offers updates and merchandise. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive, celebrating the band’s legacy and the enduring appeal of tracks like “Talk to Ya Later.”