Get A Move On

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Get A Move On" by Eddie Money from his 1980 album Playing For Keeps. This track, a low-charting single featuring John Nelson’s slide guitar, is a sun-streaked slice of power pop that captures Eddie’s early experimentation with a lighter, sing-along vibe. Critics have noted its compulsive, fun energy, even if it didn’t light up the charts like his bigger hits. Fun fact: this song also appeared on the soundtrack for the quirky 1979 sci-fi comedy Americathon, giving it a bit of cult film cred. Eddie himself was hard on this album, calling it a “bargain bin” effort, but fans on Amazon reviews disagree, praising it as a “great highway song” and a solid rocker that shows Eddie in peak form.

Another tidbit comes from Eddie’s own reflections on his music’s unexpected reach. In a 2014 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, he shared how his songs, including tracks like "Get A Move On," found a surprising fanbase in “gentlemen’s clubs,” where dancers loved the upbeat tempo. This led to a flood of social media messages from these fans when Twitter first blew up, though Eddie jokingly noted his wife, Laurie, quickly “shut that down.” The song’s raw, driving energy, paired with Nelson’s slick guitar work, makes it a perfect fit for those high-energy settings, proving Eddie’s music had a life beyond the radio.

Eddie Money, born Edward Joseph Mahoney on March 21, 1949, in New York City, didn’t start as a rock star. Coming from a family of Irish Catholic descent, with his father, grandfather, and brother all serving as NYPD officers, Eddie seemed destined for the same path. At 18, he even joined the force, but the uniform and short hair didn’t suit him. After two years, he quit, later saying, “I couldn’t see myself in a police uniform for 20 years of my life.” Music was his true calling, sparked by his teenage years singing on the streets and playing in rock bands to impress cheerleaders. In 1968, he made a bold move to Berkeley, California, the heart of the counterculture, where he adopted the stage name Eddie Money—a playful nod to his constant broke state while selling bell-bottoms to pay rent.

In Berkeley, Eddie honed his craft under vocal coach Judy Davis and became a staple in Bay Area nightclubs. His big break came when rock impresario Bill Graham caught his act and signed him to a deal with Columbia Records. His 1977 self-titled debut album, featuring hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On,” went double platinum, launching him into the rock scene. Eddie’s everyman charm and husky, passionate vocals made him a relatable figure, blending bar-band rock with pop sensibilities. Despite ups and downs, including a substance abuse struggle, he made a triumphant comeback in the late ‘80s with hits like “Take Me Home Tonight.”

You can keep up with Eddie Money’s legacy through his official website, though his official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts are managed posthumously by his team, sharing tributes and updates like the 2024 release of his final song, “Stay with Me.” Fans gather on sites like the Eddie Money Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can connect over memories and rare tracks. Another fan hub, r/ClassicRock on Reddit, often buzzes with posts about Eddie’s underrated gems, with one fan calling him “the sexiest ugly guy in rock music.” So, crank up “Get A Move On” and join the Zoo Crew in celebrating the Money Man’s enduring vibe!