I Ran (So Far Away)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning a classic for you—I Ran (So Far Away) by A Flock of Seagulls from their self-titled debut album! Let’s dive into some cosmic trivia about this new wave banger. Frontman Mike Score spilled the beans in a VH1 interview for 100 Greatest Songs of the ‘80s, saying he’s got a love-hate vibe with this track. He plays it live because fans go wild, but its mega-fame sometimes overshadows their other work. The song’s quirky title came from two wild inspirations: Score caught a band at Liverpool’s Eric’s Club playing a tune called I Ran, and the name stuck in his head. Then, at Zoo Records, he saw a poster of a couple fleeing a flying saucer, sparking those spacey lyrics about alien abductions and unrequited love. Recorded at London’s Battery Studios with producer Mike Howlett, the track’s low-budget video, costing just £5,000, became an MTV staple in 1982, with its foil-covered set and visible camera reflections giving it a quirky charm. Fun fact: the video nods to Brian Eno and Robert Fripp’s (No Pussyfooting) album cover, a vibe later echoed by The Strokes. Posts on X from fans like @JakeRudh and @soundstoryuk celebrate its March 1982 release, cementing its status as an ‘80s anthem.

Now, let’s rewind to how A Flock of Seagulls took flight. Formed in Liverpool in 1979, the band was sparked by brothers Mike Score on vocals and keyboards and Ali Score on drums, joined by bassist Frank Maudsley and guitarist Paul Reynolds. Mike, a former hairdresser, brought his styling chops to create the band’s iconic, gravity-defying hairdos, which became as famous as their synth-pop sound. In a 2017 Worcester Magazine interview, Mike shared how the band’s name was born at a Stranglers concert. The singer shouted “a flock of seagulls” during Toiler on the Sea, and, standing front row, Mike and crew took it as a sign. Originally called Level 7, they ditched the name when Level 42 emerged, and the quirky new moniker drew instant attention. They honed their sound in local clubs, landing a deal with Jive Records. Their 1981 single Talking, produced by Bill Nelson, got some UK buzz, but 1982’s Telecommunication and the Modern Love is Automatic EP broke them in U.S. clubs. Their debut album, with I Ran, soared to No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard 200, riding the Second British Invasion wave.

Want to keep up with these new wave legends? Check out their official website at aflockofseagulls.org for tour dates and merch. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Zoo Freaks can also join fan communities like the A Flock of Seagulls Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees share memories and rare pics. For more fan vibes, swing by Rate Your Music, where the flock’s discography gets love from diehards. Keep it groovy, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep running with A Flock of Seagulls!