Lonely Is the Night

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with some righteous trivia about Lonely Is the Night by Billy Squier from his killer 1981 album Don't Say No! This track, a staple of classic rock radio, hit #28 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, even though it was never released as a single. In a 1982 interview with Sounds magazine, Squier shared that the song captures the feeling of being alone in a room, unsure of what to do next, and scared to step out—a universal vibe that’s got nothing to do with the rock star life. Its anthemic energy has drawn comparisons to Led Zeppelin, with some jokingly calling it one of Zeppelin's best singles, noting its similarity to their track Nobody's Fault but Mine. The song’s raw power made it a perfect fit for video games, appearing as a playable track in Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s, Guitar Hero 5, and Rock Band 4. Fans on Reddit rave about its timeless appeal, with one user recalling how it felt like a Led Zeppelin cut when they first heard it in the '80s. Another cool tidbit: the guitar solo on the track was laid down by Cary Sharaf, not Squier himself, adding a unique flavor to this banger.

The Zoo Crew’s spinning a track from an album that was a game-changer for Squier. Don't Say No, produced by Reinhold Mack (who worked on Queen’s The Game), was recorded at the Power Station in New York City and mixed at Musicland Studios in Munich. Squier originally wanted Queen’s Brian May to produce, but scheduling conflicts led May to recommend Mack. The album stayed on the Billboard 200 for over two years, peaking at #5 and going triple platinum. Fans at a 2009 Brew Blast in Columbus, OH, described Squier’s live performance of Lonely Is the Night as electrifying, with extended jams that showcased his underrated guitar skills. Posts on X celebrate the album’s legacy, noting its massive impact with hits like The Stroke and In the Dark alongside Lonely Is the Night. The song also popped up in pop culture, like at 18:38 in UFC Primetime: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos 3—Episode 3, where Squier himself said the editing made it feel like the song was written for the show.

Let’s rewind and dig into how Billy Squier kicked off his rock ‘n’ roll journey. Born William Haislip Squier on May 12, 1950, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, he was an only child who started messing around with music early. At eight, he took piano lessons but got bored after three years—his grandfather had to bribe him to keep going. Things changed when a classmate sold him a guitar for $90 at age 13, sparking a lifelong passion. By 14, he was fronting his first band, the Reltneys, and got serious about music after discovering John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. His first gigs in 1968 were at Boston’s Psychedelic Supermarket, where he caught shows by Eric Clapton and Cream. Squier played in bands like the Sidewinders'and Piper in the '70s, with Piper opening for KISS in 1977. His solo career took off with 1980’s Tale of the Tape, but it was Don't Say No in 1981 that made him a household name, blending power pop and hard rock into arena-rock gold.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Billy Squier’s vibe on his official website, where you’ll find lyrics, liner notes, and tour updates. Connect with him on social media via his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news and throwback posts. Fans are keeping the love alive at sites like Billy Squier Fan on YouTube for rare live footage and behind-the-scenes clips. Join the Billy Squier Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories and celebrate the man who gave us Lonely Is the Night. So crank up those speakers, Zoo Freaks, and let the Zoo Crew take you back to the '80s with this classic!