Rock And Roll The Place

The Zoo Crew is spinning Eddie Money’s “Rock And Roll The Place” from his 1978 album Life For The Taking, a track that captures the raw energy of his live performances. While specific interviews or social media posts about this song are scarce, its inclusion on the album reflects Money’s relentless touring schedule at the time. According to Wikipedia, much of Life For The Taking was written in hotel rooms and worked up during sound checks, suggesting “Rock And Roll The Place” was likely crafted amidst the chaos of the road. The song’s lyrics, with lines like “Everybody rock and roll the place” and “I sit at home all day watching the TV / Waiting for your people so anxiously,” evoke a restless urge to break free and connect with the audience, a theme Money embodied as a working-class rocker. Its upbeat tempo and call to action made it a natural fit for the Zoo Freaks, who thrive on high-energy anthems.

Another tidbit about “Rock And Roll The Place” comes from its place in Money’s discography. The song appeared on the 2007 compilation album Let’s Rock and Roll the Place, highlighting its enduring appeal as a live staple. Fans on Reddit have praised Money’s early work, including tracks from Life For The Taking, for its raw edge, with one user noting that his first two albums had a grittier sound compared to his later, more polished hits. This suggests “Rock And Roll The Place” resonated with audiences who appreciated Money’s unpolished, heart-on-sleeve style. The song’s lack of commercial single status didn’t diminish its role in Money’s live sets, where he was known for delivering electrifying performances, as recalled by a fan on Reddit who saw him outshine the Rolling Stones in 1978.

Eddie Money, born Edward Joseph Mahoney on March 21, 1949, in Manhattan, New York, came from a family of Irish Catholic descent with deep roots in law enforcement. According to his Wikipedia bio, Money initially followed in his father’s footsteps, training at the New York City Police Academy in the late 1960s. However, his passion for music, inspired by rock icons like David Bowie and Van Morrison, led him to abandon the police path. He moved to Berkeley, California, in 1968, where he adopted the stage name Eddie Money—a playful nod to his constant financial struggles. There, he honed his craft in Bay Area nightclubs, catching the eye of legendary promoter Bill Graham, who became his mentor and manager, as noted on Eddie Money’s official website. Graham’s guidance and a deal with Columbia Records launched Money’s debut album in 1977, which went double platinum with hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On.”

Money’s rise wasn’t without challenges. His early bandmates fired him for his police background, and his father disapproved of his music career, tearing down Jimi Hendrix posters, as mentioned in his Wikipedia entry. Yet, Money’s persistence and study with vocal coach Judy Davis in Berkeley shaped his distinctive, soulful voice. His blue-collar ethos and relatable persona endeared him to fans, selling over 28 million records, as stated on his website. His later career included TV appearances on shows like The King of Queens and a reality series, Real Money, showcasing his family life and battle with cancer until his passing in 2019.

Fans can connect with Eddie Money’s legacy through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, though posts have slowed since his death. His daughter, Jesse Money, continues his musical tradition, often sharing tributes on her Instagram. Fan communities thrive on platforms like the Eddie Money Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can share memories and discuss favorites like “Rock And Roll The Place.” Another fan site, Future Rock Legends, advocates for Money’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, celebrating his enduring impact.