Bad Girls

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Bad Girls by Don Felder from his 1983 solo album Airborne! This track, a high-energy rock anthem, has some cool trivia behind it. The music video for Bad Girls features a cameo by Cheech Marin, adding a quirky vibe with his comedic flair. The video itself is a straightforward rocker, opening with a flying guitar landing in Felder’s hands, setting the stage for a performance-driven visual that captures the song’s rebellious spirit. Lyrically, it paints a vivid picture of a woman named Mary Lou, “struttin’ her stuff” and captivating everyone around her, with lines like “She’ll hold your love upstairs ‘til the sun comes up” that scream ‘80s rock bravado. Fans on YouTube have noted the song’s catchy hooks and Felder’s signature guitar licks, with some calling it a hidden gem from his post-Eagles career. The song hit #34 on the Mainstream Rock chart in 1983, a modest success but a testament to Felder’s ability to craft earworm melodies outside the Eagles’ shadow.

Another tidbit comes from the album’s production. Airborne was recorded in Felder’s home studio, a converted guesthouse, with a $300,000 budget—a big deal for a solo debut. He collaborated with heavy hitters like Dave Mason, Jimmy Pankow, and Lee Loughnane, blending rock, jazz, and blues influences. Bad Girls itself showcases Felder’s guitar prowess, with reviewers on Amazon praising its “instantly hummable” quality and comparing its grooves to a West Coast mix of War and Grand Funk Railroad. The song’s bluesy edge, especially in tracks like Asphalt Jungle from the same album, nods to Felder’s idol, B.B. King, whose influence shines through in his searing solos. While Bad Girls didn’t soar as high as his Eagles work, its raw energy and Felder’s gritty vocals—likened to Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott by some critics—make it a standout for Zoo Crew listeners who love that ‘80s rock swagger.

Now, let’s rewind to how Don Felder got his start. Born on September 21, 1947, in Gainesville, Florida, Felder grew up in a modest household, far from the glitz of rock stardom. His musical journey kicked off as a kid when he started playing guitar, inspired by the blues and rock ‘n’ roll sounds of the ‘50s and ‘60s. As a teenager, he jammed with future Allman Brothers Band members Duane and Gregg Allman, picking up slide guitar techniques from Duane during late-night hangouts in Daytona Beach. Felder’s early band, Flow, gave him a taste of the music scene, blending jazz and rock, which later influenced his work on Airborne. His big break came in 1974 when he joined the Eagles for their On the Border album, initially as a session musician before becoming a full member. His guitar work, especially on Hotel California, cemented his legacy, with that iconic solo earning him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Eagles in 1998.

Felder’s path wasn’t all smooth sailing. After leaving the Eagles in 2001, he poured his energy into solo projects like Airborne and later Road to Forever in 2012. His 2008 autobiography, Heaven & Hell: My Life in the Eagles, dives into the highs and lows of his career, from dirt-poor beginnings to rock excess, offering Zoo Freaks a raw look at his journey. Today, Felder keeps the music alive, with his upcoming album The Vault - Fifty Years of Music set for release in May 2025, as announced on his Facebook page, which boasts over 167,000 likes. You can catch his latest updates on Instagram and X, where he shares tour dates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

For Zoo Freaks who want to dive deeper, check out fan hubs like L&M’s Eagles Fastlane, a treasure trove of Felder’s discography and Eagles lore. While no specific Facebook groups for Felder fans popped up, the official Don Felder page is a lively spot where fans share love for tracks like Bad Girls and swap stories about his live shows. Whether you’re spinning this vinyl at THE ZOO or rocking out in your bell-bottoms, Felder’s gritty riffs and rock ‘n’ roll heart keep the hippie spirit alive for all you Zoo Freaks out there.