Rich Kid

The song "Rich Kid" from Billy Squier's debut solo album The Tale of the Tape, released in 1980, captures a raw, rebellious energy that reflects Squier's observations of privilege and societal divides. In a 2018 interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Squier shared that the song was inspired by his time in New York City, where he witnessed stark contrasts between the wealthy elite and struggling artists like himself. He described it as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the superficial allure of wealth, with lyrics like "The rich kids got the money / The rich kids play the stars" poking fun at the entitlement he saw. The track’s driving guitar riffs and catchy chorus made it a standout, though it didn’t chart as a single. On Reddit, fans have noted its proto-punk vibe, with one user calling it "a middle finger to the trust-fund crowd," highlighting its enduring appeal among Zoo Freaks who vibe with its anti-establishment edge.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s production. The Tale of the Tape was produced by Eddy Offord, known for his work with Yes, alongside Squier himself. In a post on X by radio host Eddie Trunk on May 16, 2020, he celebrated the album’s 40th anniversary, noting that while "Rich Kid" was overshadowed by tracks like "The Big Beat," its gritty attitude laid the groundwork for Squier’s later hits. The song also featured contributions from guitarist Bruce Kulick, who later joined KISS, adding a layer of rock pedigree. Fans on the Classic Rock Forum have praised the track’s raw energy, with one thread describing it as "the kind of song you’d hear blasting at a dive bar in ’80," perfectly suiting the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, nostalgic spin style.

Billy Squier’s journey to rock stardom began in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he was born on May 12, 1950. As detailed on his official website, billysquier.com, his musical spark ignited at age eight with classical piano lessons, though he grew bored and quit after three years, only continuing when his grandfather bribed him. By 1963, at age 13, Squier bought a Danelectro guitar for $90 from a neighbor, a pivotal moment that shifted his focus to rock. Inspired by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, he formed his first band, The Reltneys, at 14. After graduating from Wellesley High School in 1968, Squier briefly attended Berklee College of Music before diving into New York’s music scene. His early career included stints with bands like The Sidewinders and Piper, the latter opening for KISS in 1977, as noted in a bio on AllMusic. Piper’s lack of commercial success led Squier to go solo, signing with Capitol Records in 1979 and releasing The Tale of the Tape, which marked his arrival as a solo artist.

Squier’s social media presence is modest but active. His official Facebook page, with over 2,000 followers, shares updates on performances and reissues, like the 2023 remaster of The Tale of the Tape. He does not appear to maintain an active Instagram or X account, preferring to engage through his website and occasional posts via collaborators. Fans connect through communities like the Billy Squier Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks and others share memorabilia and discuss favorites like "Rich Kid." The fan site billysquier.net offers a deep dive into his discography and tour history, while the Classic Rock Forum hosts threads dedicated to Squier’s legacy, making it a go-to for devotees spinning his records at THE ZOO.