History of the song "Only The Lonely" (1982) - The Motels
In the 1970s The Motels were one of the most popular symbols of the new wave on the L.A. scene. And if at that time the band was always changing line-ups and making a name for themselves, in the early 80's the guys were already conquering the Top Charts in America and Australia!
Released in 1982, the gorgeous All Four One was the band's third album. The disc received much critical acclaim, thanks in large part to the hit song "Only The Lonely".
The song was written entirely by the vocalist Martha Davis. By the way: The Motels owe their fame to her, because the girl differed from a number of singers with her heartfelt performance and colourful image... But now it's not about her.
In an interview, Marta said the following about her creation:
"...This song just sort of came together! It's more about empty success... It was born in my head as we were going through the highs of travelling the world... And even driving around in limos, I was probably still as sad as I was before the fame... I was in a terrible relationship and I hadn't recovered from the death of my parents... I doubt anyone ever does. The contradiction of those two worlds is "Only the Lonely" lived... bittersweet"
A few years before the release of All Four One, The Motels - short on funds - shared studio space with the Go-Go's at The Masque, a bustling Los Angeles punk club.
In the book MTV Ruled the World, Davis recounts those days:
"We used to rehearse together in the same room under the Pussycat Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, at a place called The Mask. They rehearsed in one part of the room and we rehearsed in the other. We signed first, and they said, 'We're going to move our equipment to your side of the room...maybe we'll get lucky and sign on too!' That's what happened..."