Today’s video of the day is Bow Wow Wow – “Do You Wanna Hold Me?” released in 1983.
Bow Wow Wow’s energetic single “Do You Wanna Hold Me?” remains a standout track. It comes from their 1983 album When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going. This release marked a pivotal moment for the band, blending punk, pop, and tribal rhythms. The album was their second full-length effort and showcased the creative talents of Annabella Lwin, who wrote all the lyrics. The album features iconic photography by David Bailey and includes tributes to James Honeyman-Scott and John Belushi. When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going leaned into a more polished sound compared to earlier releases like See Jungle! See Jungle! Go Join Your Gang Yeah, City All Over! Go Ape Crazy!. However, it still carried the rebellious edge Bow Wow Wow fans loved.
“Do You Wanna Hold Me?” became the album’s lead single. While it only reached No. 47 in the UK charts, it fared better in the Netherlands, peaking at No. 3. In the U.S., MTV’s heavy rotation of the music video helped it gain attention. It climbed to No. 77 on the Billboard charts, making it a moderate hit. Despite the song’s success, tensions grew within the band. Exhaustion from a grueling U.S. tour caused internal struggles. Plans for a world tour were scrapped, and in September 1983, Annabella Lwin was unexpectedly fired. Her departure marked the end of Bow Wow Wow’s original lineup.
The video for “Do You Wanna Hold Me?” mirrored the song’s playful tone. Its vibrant visuals and quirky style captured the band’s spirit. The song itself reflects the band’s knack for mixing fun, upbeat melodies with deeper themes. Though When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going became their final album with Lwin, it remains a defining moment. It closed the chapter on a band that fused punk attitude with an experimental edge, leaving an enduring legacy in the new wave era.
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