FIRST PERSON | Immediately upon learning of the death of rocker Jani Lane, former lead singer of the rock band Warrant, memories of my childhood came rushing back.
I was 11 years old when Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich was released in 1989. It was a time when I was just starting to discover music on my own, with obvious influence from my friends. Bands such as Guns & Roses, Poison, Def Leppard, and Warrant were what were coming out of our tape decks.
While the song “Cherry Pie” is the catchy pop tune most find themselves humming along when they think of Jani Lane and Warrant, the song “Heaven” is one that will always stick in my mind. Every time I hear it I am brought back to a time that is both bitter and sweet.
You see, at age 11 I was the awkward chubby kid. I had friends, but I was just starting to really notice girls for the first time. There was one in particular; her name was Amy Remali. Amy was that girl every boy liked. We were friends like every school-age child is with one another, but it felt like she noticed every other boy in that “special” way except for me. It was heartbreaking for my young self. The heartbreak would continue for a couple more years until I was able to naturally move on.
At that young age, music was a way to identify with the feelings I was having but could not quite understand. I may not have been able to fully understand some of the undertones in the lyrics but could relate in my own innocent way. “Heaven” was special to me because it gave me hope. It was a wish that one day she would like me back. Unfortunately she never did, but we remain friends to this day.
I talked with Amy this morning, asking her if she had any reaction to the news of Lane’s passing. She responded:
“Funny you should ask because I was just getting all nostalgic thinking about how we are at the age when we gen-Xers are watching our childhood favorites getting old, dying off, etc. It’s sad that he was so young and obviously had some demons that he could not control. Their songs will always and forever remind me of my young, carefree days and I can thank them for that.”
She is absolutely right. Lane’s music when heard will always take me back to a time when my biggest worry in life was whether or not a girl would like me. Times are quite different now trying to find balance between work, family, and taking care of responsibilities. The latest Top 10 hit doesn’t quite have the power to take me back like the music and artists of my childhood. For that I thank you, Jani Lane, and may you forever rest in peace.
Sources:
Los Angeles Times- Jani Lane, of Warrant, dies; ‘hair metal’ generation recalls icon
Warrant Rocks
Interview: Amy Remali