Steam was a short-lived studio project known almost entirely for one iconic track: “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.” Released in 1969, the song topped the charts and became a lasting anthem at sporting events and political rallies. But behind the hit was no real band—just a group of musicians led by songwriter and producer Paul Leka.
Steam’s story is a mix of luck, spontaneity, and pop music savvy. While their fame was brief, their lone hit left an imprint on pop culture that still resonates today.
| Artist Profile: Steam | |
|---|---|
| Artist Name | Steam |
| Origin | Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA |
| Genres | Pop, Rock, Bubblegum Pop |
| Years Active | 1969–1970 |
| Labels | Mercury Records |
| Notable Members | Paul Leka, Gary DeCarlo, Dale Frashuer |
| Notable Work | “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” (1969) |
Origins: From The Chateaus to Steam
Steam’s roots trace back to the early 1960s in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where high school friends Gary DeCarlo, Dale Frashuer, and Paul Leka performed in a doo-wop group known as The Chateaus (some sources refer to them as The Glenwoods). The group released a few singles under Coral and Warner Bros. Records but failed to find success and disbanded.
Despite going their separate ways, the three remained musically connected. Leka eventually made his way into the music industry as a producer and songwriter, working with acts like The Lemon Pipers (producing the psychedelic hit “Green Tambourine”) and The Left Banke.
The Accidental Hit: “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”
By 1969, Leka was producing tracks for Gary DeCarlo, who had signed with Mercury Records. DeCarlo recorded four solo tracks that Mercury wanted to release as A-sides. This led to the need for B-side fillers.
Leka, DeCarlo, and Frashuer revisited an old track from their Chateaus days titled “Kiss Him Goodbye.” It had never been formally recorded, so the trio revamped it in the studio. Leka came up with the now-famous “na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye” chant on the spot. The catchy hook transformed the song from filler to feature.
Mercury Records executives overheard the track and insisted it be released as an A-side single. The trio was reluctant and didn’t want their real names associated with what they considered a throwaway track. They released it under the name Steam, a fictional band.
Chart Success and Sudden Fame
Released in late 1969, “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” quickly climbed the charts. It hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December, holding the spot for two weeks. It also reached #9 in the UK and found success in Canada and other markets.
The song’s blend of bubblegum pop and catchy repetition made it an instant favorite. However, with no real band to promote the hit, Leka had to form one quickly. A touring version of Steam was assembled, featuring:
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Bill Steer – lead vocals
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Jay Babina and Tom Zuke – guitars
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Mike Daniels – bass
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Hank Schorz – keyboards
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Ray Correia – drums
This group toured throughout 1970 to capitalize on the song’s success, appearing on TV and playing live shows.
The Album and Follow-Up Releases
Steam released a self-titled debut album in 1970, featuring their hit along with other original tracks. However, none of the follow-up singles matched the impact of “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.” Songs like “I’ve Gotta Make You Love Me” and “I’ve Cried a Million Tears” failed to chart significantly.
Without sustained commercial success or a true band identity, Steam faded from the spotlight quickly. The group disbanded by the early 1970s, and the project was never revived in its original studio form.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Though Steam is often labeled a “one-hit wonder,” the success of their single far outlived the group itself. “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” became a staple at sporting events, where crowds chant the chorus to mock defeated opponents. It’s also been used in political rallies, commercials, and films.
The single has sold over 6 million copies worldwide and continues to generate royalties. In 1983, a dance remix by The Nylons reintroduced the track to a new generation. In 1997, Bananarama recorded their own version.
In 2002, the song was added to the RIAA Songs of the Century list. Its presence in popular culture remains strong, more than five decades after its release.
What Happened to the Original Members?
Paul Leka
Leka continued his successful career as a songwriter and producer. He worked with artists like REO Speedwagon, Harry Chapin, and Gloria Gaynor. He passed away in 2011 from lung cancer at age 68.
Gary DeCarlo
For years, DeCarlo distanced himself from the song due to creative frustrations and lack of recognition. In the 2010s, he began performing again, embracing the song’s legacy. He died in 2017 after battling cancer.
Dale Frashuer
Frashuer remained out of the public eye. Little is publicly known about his later life or passing.
Conclusion
Steam’s moment in the spotlight was brief but unforgettable. With no formal band and a track initially meant as filler, they created a song that became a cultural phenomenon. “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” remains one of the most recognized pop songs of the 20th century, firmly securing Steam’s place in music history—even if only for one hit.