Everybody Wants You

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins “Everybody Wants You” by Billy Squier from his 1982 album Emotions In Motion! This track stormed the charts, holding the #1 spot on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks for six weeks straight, longer than any other #1 in 1982. Its infectious riff and slick new wave production made it a staple on radio and MTV, where its music video stayed in heavy rotation. Fun fact: the song’s driving beat caught the ear of hip-hop artists, and it’s been sampled in tracks like Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” and Dizzee Rascal’s “Fix Up, Look Sharp,” showing its reach beyond rock. In a 2013 interview, Squier shared that the song’s lyrics critique the vanity of those chasing fame, with lines like “You never realize what you do to yourself” reflecting his observations of the music scene. Fans on Reddit still rave about its energy, with one user calling it “the definition of a song you have to turn up when it comes on the radio.”

Another cool tidbit comes from Squier’s live performances. At a 2012 New Orleans Jazzfest show with Li’l Band O’ Gold, he delivered a swampy version of “Everybody Wants You”, which a fan on BillySquierFan uploaded, noting its unique vibe. The song also popped up in pop culture, from the 1983 film Bad Boys, where Sean Penn’s character blasts it on his radio, to the wrestling ring, serving as the entrance theme for The Fabulous Ones in the Continental Wrestling Association from 1982 to 1985. Squier himself has performed it with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, with a version appearing on their 2006 live album, proving its enduring appeal. The track’s raw energy and funky guitar work, described by Billboard as “hard-rocking and funky,” make it a perfect fit for The Zoo’s vibe.

Billy Squier, born William Haislip Squier on May 12, 1950, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, kicked off his musical journey early. At nine, his grandfather taught him piano, sparking a love for music that deepened when he discovered Eric Clapton’s work with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in the late 1960s. By his teens, Squier was self-teaching guitar after buying a Danelectro for $95 from a neighbor. He honed his skills in Boston’s local scene, playing with bands like the Sidewinders and Piper, the latter opening for KISS in 1977. His solo career took off with 1980’s Tale of the Tape, but it was 1981’s Don’t Say No, produced with Reinhold Mack, that skyrocketed him to fame with hits like “The Stroke.” Squier’s blend of arena rock and power pop, inspired by Led Zeppelin, defined the early ‘80s sound, earning him a spot as a headliner by 1983.

Connect with Billy Squier and his music through his official website, where you can dive into lyrics, liner notes, and tour updates. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, though he’s noted in a 2013 interview that he prefers staying off social media to focus on real-world passions like volunteering with the Central Park Conservancy. His X account is active, sharing updates and fan interactions. Zoo Freaks can also join the Billy Squier Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories and celebrate his legacy. For more fan-driven content, check out RockyOut Fandom, a hub for Squier enthusiasts sharing trivia and memories.