Remember (Walking in the Sand)

Alright, Zoo Freaks, it’s the Zoo Crew spinning those sweet vinyl vibes at THE ZOO radio station, and we’re groovin’ to Remember (Walking in the Sand) by Aerosmith from their 1979 album Night in the Ruts. This track’s got some wild stories behind it. Did you know it’s a cover of a 1964 hit by the Shangri-Las, a ‘60s girl group? Aerosmith turned this doo-wop classic into a gritty, arena-rock ballad, and here’s the kicker: Mary Weiss, the Shangri-Las’ lead singer, dropped by the studio to lay down uncredited backup vocals. That’s right, the original voice blended with Steven Tyler’s wail for a true rock ‘n’ roll time warp. The song only hit number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it’s a fan favorite, with its nostalgic lyrics about lost love vibing perfectly with Aerosmith’s raw energy.

Now, let’s talk about the chaos that went into making this tune. Night in the Ruts was a rough ride for Aerosmith. Joe Perry, their lead guitarist, bailed halfway through recording due to band drama—think backstage fights and even a glass of milk getting tossed in a feud involving Perry’s wife and bassist Tom Hamilton’s wife. With Perry gone, guitarist Brad Whitford and longtime collaborator Richie Supa stepped in, and the band later hired Jimmy Crespo to finish the guitar parts. Steven Tyler was struggling too, battling writer’s block and drug issues, which delayed the album. Originally slated for a June release under the title Off Your Rocker, it didn’t drop until November 1979. Despite the mess, the band poured their heart into tracks like this one, making it a gritty snapshot of their turbulent ‘70s peak.

Let’s rewind to how Aerosmith got their start. Formed in Boston in 1970, the band came together when Steven Tyler, then fronting a band called Chain Reaction, crossed paths with Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton, who were jamming in a group called the Jam Band. They hooked up with drummer Joey Kramer and guitarist Ray Tabano, and Aerosmith was born. By 1971, Brad Whitford replaced Tabano, locking in the classic lineup. Their big break came in 1972 when they scored a $125,000 deal with Columbia Records after a killer gig at Max’s Kansas City in New York, where they paid their own way onto the bill—a bold move no other band had pulled at the venue. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1973, with Dream On charting modestly, but it was their relentless touring and albums like Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976) that made them legends, blending bluesy hard rock with a swagger that earned them nicknames like “the Bad Boys from Boston” and “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Aerosmith on their official website, where you’ll find tour news, merch, and more. They’re also on Facebook, Instagram, and X, sharing throwbacks and updates—though they recently announced they’re retiring from touring, so catch those posts while they’re hot. For the real fan vibe, check out Aero Force One, their official fan club, which has been rocking since the ‘70s with exclusive merch and premium concert perks. You can also join the Aerosmith Fans group on Facebook, where diehards swap stories, rare pics, and love for the band. Keep it locked here at THE ZOO for more rockin’ tunes and tales!