POP/ROCK - Oct. 26, 1987

And while you’re reminiscing, consider this: ‘60s bubble-gummer Tommy James (long absent from the Shondells) said recently he stands to earn six-figure royalties from Billy Idol’s version of “Mony Mony,” James’ 1968 hit, now No. 4 on Billboard magazine’s pop charts. On top of that, James’ 1966 hit, “Hanky Panky,” was the rallying cry of the Minnesota Twins in the World Series, as fans sang “My Baby Waves a Homer Hanky.” At No. 3 on the pop charts is Tiffany’s cover of James’ “I Think We’re Alone Now.” No royalties on that, however; James didn’t write it, he just performed it. Over the years, the singer-songwriter told USA Today that he’s made more than $1 million from remakes of his songs.