This week 30 years ago, the German group Alphaville climbed atop the Swedish singles chart with ‘Forever Young.’ Although it was released in September 1984, it didn’t chart here until November. Moving 18-10-1, it quickly moved to the top dethroning Limahl’s ‘Never Ending Story’ two-week run. While Europeans regard this as one of the biggest Alphaville hits of all time, it never made the US Top 40 despite being released there on three separate occasions.
The song has been played on several TV shows such as One Tree Hill, 30 Rock, Queer As Folk and was used in commercials for Scandinavian banks SEB across the Nordics and Baltics.
Alphaville – Forever Young
In an odd move, Alphaville re-released the track in 2001 for fans. Submitting money for postage, they could receive the CD via mail for free. A remix of the track was also issued in 2006.
Alphaville – Forever Young 2001
Alphaville – Forever Young (2006 Remix)
Finally, the Australian group Youth Group made a cover of the track in 2006 for The O.C. This was a result of having appeared with the song ‘Shadowland’ in a previous episode, they were simply asked to record this version. It was also used in the promos in native Australia, subsequently sending it to the top of the national singles chart.
Melissa & Ryan in The O.C. – The Youth Group Cover
