Those Shoes (Live 1980)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the slick grooves of Those Shoes (Live 1980) by the Eagles, recorded at the L.A. Forum from their tumultuous 1980 tour. This track, originally from their 1979 album The Long Run, is a gritty snapshot of the late '70s singles scene, with its biting lyrics and dueling talkbox guitars. Don Felder, the song’s composer, shared in a 2019 interview with Uncle Joe Benson on Ultimate Classic Rock that he drew inspiration from jazz legend Miles Davis and bandmate Joe Walsh’s talkbox work on Rocky Mountain Way. Felder wanted to craft a track where he and Walsh could trade talkbox lines like trumpets, creating a unique, soulful melody. The result? A dark, groovy tune that Glenn Frey and Don Henley immediately greenlit for the album. Fun fact: some fans on Songfacts claim Walsh’s talkbox at the song’s end says “butt out,” possibly a nod to the band’s internal feuds, though it’s unconfirmed. Others, like a commenter from Dallas, hear “burnout, burn out,” adding to the song’s cynical edge.

The lyrics, penned by Henley, were inspired by the trendy Charles Jourdan shoes with ankle straps that women wore in the late '70s, as Henley revealed in a 2003 chat with Cameron Crowe on The Uncool. Those shoes became a metaphor for women navigating independence and the predatory bar scene, blending empowerment with social commentary. The 1980 live version, captured during a tour marked by band tensions, amplifies the song’s raw energy, with Henley’s sarcastic vocals and Felder and Walsh’s shredding interplay stealing the show. Joe Walsh, in a 1981 BBC interview, credited the talkbox concept to Nashville pedal steel player Bill West, who gifted him a prototype. This track’s vibe perfectly suits the Zoo Crew’s hippie spirit—gritty, free, and a little rebellious.

The Eagles kicked off their journey in 1971 in Los Angeles, born from the city’s vibrant music scene. Founding members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner all crossed paths as backup players for Linda Ronstadt, gigging together on her 1971 tour, per their bio on eagles.com. Frey, a Detroit native who’d been hustling with bands like Longbranch Pennywhistle, and Henley, a Texas drummer from Shiloh, clicked in L.A.’s creative hub. Leadon, a vet of the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Meisner, formerly of Poco, rounded out the lineup. Signed to Asylum Records by David Geffen, they recorded their self-titled debut in 1972 with producer Glyn Johns, who shaped their signature country-rock sound. Their early days were scrappy—Frey and Henley even shared a $60-a-month apartment, learning songwriting from neighbor Jackson Browne, as Frey recalled in a 2003 Crowe interview.

By 1974, Don Felder joined, followed by Joe Walsh in 1975 and Timothy B. Schmit in 1977, transforming the Eagles into arena rock titans. Their meticulous studio work and relentless touring led to over 200 million records sold worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands ever, according to eagles.com. Despite breakups and tensions, like the infamous 1980 “Long Night at Wrong Beach” where Frey and Felder nearly brawled, they’ve remained a cultural force. Stay connected with the band on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for tour updates and archival gems. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like the r/EaglesBand Reddit for lively discussions or check out Eagles Online Central for rare photos and trivia. Keep rocking those vibes, Zoo Crew!