In The Air Tonight

By John|2013-06-03T22:23:04-05:00April 14th, 2011|Aggressive, Music, Talk to Me Johnnie|10 Comments

I always get asked what is up with Phil Collin’s song, “In The Air Tonight” and the NFL. I have no idea who or why the stadiums started playing this song, but once they do the mood of the game, team and crowd changes, instantly.

If you grew up in the 80’s and you weren’t a Miami Vice fan, it was probably because your mom thought it was too violent and didn’t let you watch. My Mom never had problems with my watching violence and I loved Miami Vice. When you 7 years old, what could be cooler than Ferraris, South Beach and guns? The two main cars, Ferrari Daytona and Testarossa, are still about two of the most rad cars ever produced.

The song was the opening theme music for the show, but it has taken on new life in many other venues over the years. Recently, in the Hang Over, with Mike Tyson doing a sing-a-long.

I can remember countless NFL night games right before kick off where this song would play. The energy would rise and the players would react and shit would get serious.

Such a simple, powerful song. It continues to elicit the same response from people today as it did almost 30 years ago.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkADj0TPrJA[/youtube]

About the Author: John

John Welbourn is CEO of Power Athlete and host of Power Athlete Radio. He is a 9 year starter and veteran of the NFL. John was drafted with the 97th pick in 1999 NFL Draft and went on to be a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2003, appearing in 3 NFC Championship games, and for starter for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2004-2007. In 2008, he played with the New England Patriots until an injury ended his season early with him retiring in 2009. Over the course of his career, John has started over 100 games and has 10 play-off appearances. He was a four year lettermen while playing football at the University of California at Berkeley. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Rhetoric in 1998. John has worked with the MLB, NFL, NHL, Olympic athletes and Military. He travels the world lecturing on performance and nutrition and records his podcast, Power Athlete Radio, every week with over 800 episodes spanning 13 years. You can catch up with John as his personal blog, Talk To Me Johnnie, on social media @johnwelbourn or at Power Athlete Radio.

10 Comments

zach even - esh April 14, 2011 at 11:16 am - Reply

John, dude, when I was a young kid…. maybe before a teenager, I recall a movie on HBO or Cinemax, a Football movie where the guy was in the NFL…. lots of cursing & F Bombs…. I recall them playing this song, “In the air” ……

That movie was probably something I saw around age 12 or so, the late 1980s!!!

I wonder if it came from this movie?

Wish I could remember!
Daz April 14, 2011 at 5:17 pm - Reply

Definitely gets you pumped to perform.
Especially this clip;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy52yueBX_s
CrossFitFootballl.com – Daily WOD April 14, 2011 at 11:20 pm - Reply

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Uncle Rico April 15, 2011 at 1:28 am - Reply

Nonpoint does a great version of “In the Air Tonight”. It’s not the original, but for a gym playlist and to get motivated, it’s a great tribute. It’s always on my playlist.
rob is April 15, 2011 at 5:35 am - Reply

I have a inconsolable, irreconcilable irrational hatred for everything Phil Collins represents in music– except for this song. I remember my freshman year of college hanging out drinking beers in my girlfriend’s dorm room listening to this song and being pretty blown away when the drums came in.

Being a ‘to the bone’ alt-punk-rock-pop-sucks this is the first time I’ve admitted so much in public.

Here comes the rooster— now that’s music.

the gorilla video is too funny.
Tim D April 15, 2011 at 8:50 am - Reply

Do you like Phil Collins? I’ve been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn’t understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins’ presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group’s undisputed masterpiece. It’s an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Christy, take off your robe. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. Sabrina, remove your dress. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Sabrina, why don’t you, uh, dance a little. Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I’ve heard in rock. Christy, get down on your knees so Sabrina can see your asshole. Phil Collins’ solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds. Sabrina, don’t just stare at it, eat it. But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist. This is Sussudio, a great, great song, a personal favorite.
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Dana C April 15, 2011 at 11:12 am - Reply

Tim D. That was brilliant
Mike Halbfish April 15, 2011 at 5:57 pm - Reply

John, I thought it was cool then, and now I’m all grwon up and I still think it cool
McQ April 17, 2011 at 6:17 pm - Reply

I love American Psycho.
04.15.11 « CFFB Digest July 13, 2011 at 9:41 am - Reply

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