How a Hockey Injury Inspired Foreigner’s Iconic Hit, “Double Vision”
From the Vocal Booth to the Billboard Charts: The Unexpected story Behind a Rock Anthem
One evening in a New York City recording studio, inspiration struck not from musical chords, but from the ice rink. As the band Foreigner worked on what they knew would be another hit, the final piece of the puzzle came to Lou Gramm, the band’s vocalist, while watching a New York Rangers game [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Vision_(Foreigner_album))].
The hit That Almost Wasn’t: Gramm’s Creative Block
Gramm faced a frustrating creative block while trying to complete the lyrics for what would become “Double Vision.” He struggled to find the right words to encapsulate the song’s verses. The breakthrough came unexpectedly during a Rangers game watched from his isolated vocal booth.
Puck to Pen: A Ranger’s injury Sparks Lyrical Genius
While watching the game, Gramm witnessed Rangers goaltender john Davidson get hit. The announcer reported that Davidson was experiencing “double vision.” This phrase instantly resonated with Gramm. He grabbed his pen and paper, and the chorus poured out of him.
Fill my eyes with that double vision,
No disguise for that double vision,
Ooh, when it gets through to me,
it’s always new to me,
My double vision gets the best of me
“Double Vision” Achieves Chart-Topping Success
Released in June 1978, the album “Double Vision” peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard charts and became Foreigner’s best-selling record, selling over 7 million copies.The title track, “Double Vision,” followed in September and reached No. 2, becoming their highest-charting single at the time [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Vision_(Foreigner_album))]. all thanks to a serendipitous moment involving a hockey game.
The Mystery of the Game: Which Injury Truly Inspired the Song?
Details surrounding the exact game and injury remain somewhat hazy. While Gramm remembers the Rangers playing the Philadelphia Flyers and Davidson leaving the game, records indicate discrepancies. Guitarist Mick Jones recalls it being a Rangers playoff game. To this day, the specific game remains unknown, adding an intriguing layer to the song’s origin story .
Davidson’s Storied Career Beyond the Hit
John Davidson played for the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers. He transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a Hall of Fame commentator. He also served as president for multiple NHL franchises.
A Song That Endures
Nearly 50 years after its release,”Double Vision” remains a classic rock staple.It has been streamed millions of times. The song is proof that inspiration can strike from anywhere, even a hockey rink.
Here are two PAA related questions based on the text provided:
How a Hockey Injury Inspired Foreigner’s Iconic Hit, “Double Vision”
From the Vocal Booth to the Billboard Charts: The Unexpected story Behind a Rock Anthem
One evening in a New York City recording studio, inspiration struck not from musical chords, but from the ice rink. As the band Foreigner worked on what they knew would be another hit, the final piece of the puzzle came to Lou Gramm, the band’s vocalist, while watching a New york rangers game [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Vision_(Foreigner_album))].
The hit That Almost Wasn’t: Gramm’s Creative Block
Gramm faced a frustrating creative block while trying to complete the lyrics for what would become ”Double Vision.” He struggled to find the right words to encapsulate the song’s verses. The breakthrough came unexpectedly during a Rangers game watched from his isolated vocal booth.
Puck to Pen: A Ranger’s injury Sparks Lyrical genius
While watching the game, Gramm witnessed Rangers goaltender John Davidson get hit. The announcer reported that davidson was experiencing “double vision.” This phrase instantly resonated with Gramm. He grabbed his pen and paper, and the chorus poured out of him.
Fill my eyes with that double vision,
No disguise for that double vision,
Ooh, when it gets thru to me,
it’s always new to me,
My double vision gets the best of me
“Double Vision” Achieves Chart-Topping Success
Released in June 1978, the album ”Double Vision” peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard charts and became Foreigner’s best-selling record, selling over 7 million copies. The title track, ”Double Vision,” followed in September and reached No. 2, becoming their highest-charting single at the time [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Vision_(Foreigner_album))]. all thanks to a serendipitous moment involving a hockey game.
The Mystery of the Game: Which Injury Truly Inspired the Song?
Details surrounding the exact game and injury remain somewhat hazy. While Gramm remembers the Rangers playing the Philadelphia Flyers and Davidson leaving the game, records indicate discrepancies. Guitarist Mick Jones recalls it being a Rangers playoff game.To this day, the specific game remains unknown, adding an intriguing layer to the song’s origin story.
Davidson’s Storied Career Beyond the Hit
John Davidson played for the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers. He transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a Hall of Fame commentator. He also served as president for multiple NHL franchises.
A Song That Endures
Nearly 50 years after its release,”double Vision” remains a classic rock staple.It has been streamed millions of times. The song is proof that inspiration can strike from anywhere, even a hockey rink.
Q&A: Delving Deeper into “Double Vision”
Q: What exactly happened during the hockey game that inspired “Double Vision”?
A: During a New York Rangers game, goaltender John Davidson was injured, and the announcer mentioned he was experiencing “double vision.” This phrase resonated with Foreigner’s vocalist,Lou Gramm,who was struggling to write the song’s lyrics.Gramm, inspired, promptly started writing the chorus.
Q: Why is the exact game and injury date unclear?
A: There are conflicting recollections. Lou Gramm remembers the rangers playing the philadelphia Flyers, while guitarist mick Jones believes it was a playoff game. Historical records don’t definitively pinpoint the exact date, creating a bit of a mystery around the song’s origin.
Q: How successful was the “Double Vision” album and single?
A: The “Double Vision” album was a massive success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard charts and selling over 7 million copies. The title track itself peaked at No. 2, becoming Foreigner’s highest-charting single at the time.
Q: What happened to John Davidson after his hockey career?
A: John Davidson had a successful career after hockey, transitioning into sports broadcasting and becoming a Hall of Fame commentator. He also held executive positions, including serving as president for multiple NHL franchises.
Q: What can the song “Double Vision” teach us?
A: “Double Vision” proves that inspiration can come from unexpected places. Keep your eyes and ears open; you never know when a chance encounter or phrase will spark something creative.
The story of “Double Vision” highlights the unpredictable nature of creativity. It’s a reminder that genius can strike anywhere, even on the ice. Go listen to the song again; you might hear it in a whole new light!
