No Control

The Zoo Crew is spinning "No Control" by Eddie Money from his 1982 album of the same name, a track that captures the raw energy of his rock 'n' roll spirit. One fascinating piece of trivia about the song comes from a fan’s memory shared on Reddit, where a user recalled how their college roommate played the album relentlessly, with "No Control" blaring from the turntable for a solid month. The song’s infectious vibe even inspired the fan to humorously tweak the lyrics of another track from the album, "Shakin'," showing how Money’s music sparked playful engagement among listeners. Additionally, Eddie Money’s official X account posted in 2018 to celebrate the album’s 36th anniversary, noting, “Time flies, but at least the songs never get old!” This reflects the enduring love for "No Control" among Zoo Freaks and beyond.

Another layer to the song’s story is tied to Eddie Money’s personal struggles during the album’s creation. As shared in a 2017 Ultimate Classic Rock article, Money nearly lost his life to a drug overdose in 1981, mistaking a synthetic barbiturate for cocaine. This harrowing experience, which left him with a permanent limp, fueled the thematic energy of the "No Control" album. Money himself described it as a cautionary tale, saying, “The No Control album is like, ‘you don’t want this to happen to you, look what happened to me.’” The title track, with its gritty defiance, mirrors his resilience, making it a powerful anthem for fans tuning into THE ZOO.

Eddie Money, born Edward Joseph Mahoney on March 21, 1949, in New York City, kicked off his career in an unexpected way. Growing up in a family of Irish Catholic descent, he initially followed his grandfather, father, and brother into the New York City Police Department, working as a trainee at 18. However, as noted in his Wikipedia bio, Money left the force in 1968, unable to reconcile the department’s strict rules—like keeping his hair short—with his passion for music. He moved to Berkeley, California, where he immersed himself in the counterculture scene, performing at local clubs. There, he studied with vocal coach Judy Davis and adopted the stage name Eddie Money, a playful nod to his perpetually broke state, as mentioned on his official website.

Money’s big break came when rock impresario Bill Graham discovered him, as detailed on Billboard. Graham became his mentor and manager, helping him secure a deal with Columbia Records. His 1977 debut album, featuring hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On,” went double platinum, cementing his place in rock. His connection to the Bay Area, especially through Graham, made him a local legend, with fans noting on Reddit that he often played Native American casinos in the region due to early support from those venues. This grassroots loyalty resonates with the Zoo Freaks vibe.

Fans can dive deeper into Eddie Money’s world through his official website, which chronicles his career and legacy. His Facebook page remains active, sharing updates like the 2024 release of his final recording, “Stay with Me,” as announced by his wife Laurie. On Instagram, fans can find nostalgic posts, though the account is less active since his passing in 2019. The X account offers a glimpse into his humor and fan engagement, with posts like the "No Control" anniversary tweet. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect, fan communities thrive on platforms like Eddie Money Fan Page on Facebook, where devotees share memories and celebrate his music. While no dedicated fan websites stand out, the ClassicRock subreddit frequently buzzes with Eddie Money love, perfect for any hippie DJ or fan spinning his records.