Talk to Ya Later

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some wild trivia about "Talk to Ya Later" by The Tubes from their 1981 album The Completion Backward Principle. The song’s title came from a spontaneous moment in the studio when engineer Humberto Gatica brushed off the band’s questions with a casual “talk to ya later,” inspiring the hook. Producer David Foster, running out of time to complete the album, called in Toto’s Steve Lukather to lay down the iconic guitar riffs, and together with Foster, frontman Fee Waybill, and drummer Prairie Prince, they recorded the track in a single day. This high-energy rocker became a staple, often used as the band’s encore or show opener, with Waybill noting in a 2020 interview that it’s been their encore for over a decade. The song’s success was amplified by MTV, which launched in August 1981 and put the video in heavy rotation, driving record sales in places like Tulsa, Oklahoma, where radio wasn’t playing The Tubes, proving the network’s power to break bands.

The song’s creation ties into the album’s unique concept, inspired by a 1950s motivational speaker, Stanley Paterson, who taught salesmen to visualize success before making a pitch—a technique called the Completion Backward Principle. Waybill explained in a Songfacts interview that the song was written backward, starting with the title, mirroring the album’s theme. The track hit #6 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and bubbled under the Hot 100 at #101, backed by a video choreographed by Kenny Ortega and directed by Russell Mulcahy. Fans on Steve Hoffman Music Forums have geeked out over the song’s spoken intro, where Waybill narrates the album’s concept, urging listeners to play both sides in one sitting for the full experience.

The Tubes started in Phoenix, Arizona, in the late 1960s as two separate bands: one led by guitarist Bill Spooner, keyboardist Vince Welnick, and bassist Rick Anderson, called the Beans, and another featuring drummer Prairie Prince. After moving to San Francisco in 1972, they merged, adding guitarist Roger Steen, keyboardist Michael Cotten, and vocalist Fee Waybill, a former roadie. The Bay Area’s vibrant, post-Summer of Love scene fueled their desire to stand out in a crowded market. Waybill, a Scottsdale High grad, recalled in a 2016 interview how their conservative Arizona roots clashed with San Francisco’s wild energy, inspiring their theatrical, satirical style. Their early shows, blending quasi-pornography with sharp critiques of media and consumerism, earned them a cult following, especially with their 1975 debut hit “White Punks on Dope” from their self-titled album on A&M Records.

The band’s live performances were legendary, with Waybill adopting outrageous personas like the “crippled Nazi” Dr. Strangekiss or punk character Johnny Bugger. Despite critical acclaim, commercial success eluded them until signing with Capitol Records in 1980, leading to The Completion Backward Principle. Their mix of funk, soul, blues, and new wave, backed by Prince’s dynamic drumming and tight vocal harmonies, set them apart. Though they faced setbacks, including a temporary split in 1985 after internal tensions, The Tubes remain a beloved live act, with Waybill noting in 2000 that their shows still aim to entertain with ever-changing themes, from film noir to La Dolce Vita.

Stay connected with The Tubes on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Zoo Freaks can also join the The Tubes Fan Club on Facebook to share their love for the band. For more fan-driven content, check out The Tubes Project, a fan site dedicated to their legacy. Keep spinning those records, and talk to ya later!