Two Tickets to Paradise

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Two Tickets to Paradise" by Eddie Money, from his 1977 self-titled debut album, Eddie Money, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, a staple of classic rock radio, has a fascinating backstory. In an interview with the Post Gazette, Eddie revealed that the song was inspired by a college romance with a sorority girl whose mother disapproved of him, pushing her toward wealthier suitors. He wrote it about escaping with her on a bus ride to the California redwoods, a place he visited while dealing with a minor legal issue in Arcadia, California. Eddie described "paradise" as a state of mind, not just a destination, saying it could be anywhere from Hawaii to a personal haven. Interestingly, he was told the song wasn’t commercial enough for AM radio, yet it hit #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978, becoming his signature tune.

Another tidbit about "Two Tickets to Paradise" is its two distinct versions: the album cut, which runs 3:58 with a definitive snare and bass drum ending, and the 3:07 single mix, featuring a fade-out with an organ chord and slightly altered lyrics. The single swaps the repeated chorus line for "Baby, it'll be so nice, for I've got two tickets to paradise," and includes different lead guitar parts. The song’s cultural impact is undeniable—it’s been featured in films like Jennifer’s Body (2009) and TV shows like The Simpsons (1994), where Homer Simpson belts out a snippet. It even appeared in a 2012 GEICO commercial, with Eddie himself playing a travel agency owner. In 2018, Eddie brought the song to life in a jukebox musical, Two Tickets to Paradise, performed in Rochester, New York, showcasing his life and career with hopes of hitting Broadway.

Eddie Money, born Edward Joseph Mahoney on March 21, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, didn’t start as a rocker. Coming from a family of Irish Catholic police officers, he followed in their footsteps, serving two years as a New York City police officer. But the job felt too rigid, and his heart was in music. As he told Rolling Stone in 1978, the shift in public perception of police ("cops became pigs") broke his heart, pushing him to pursue his passion. He moved to Berkeley, California, in 1968, immersing himself in the San Francisco club scene. There, he caught the eye of legendary promoter Bill Graham, who became his manager and secured a deal with Columbia Records. Just six credits shy of graduating from UC Berkeley, Eddie dropped out to focus on music, releasing his debut album in 1977, which went double platinum, driven by hits like "Baby Hold On" and "Two Tickets to Paradise."

Fans can connect with Eddie Money’s legacy through his official website, where you’ll find his discography and tour history. His Facebook page keeps the community alive with tributes and updates, while Instagram shares nostalgic photos and videos. On X, posts from fans and the official account celebrate his music, like a March 2025 post from JustRockContent highlighting a 1987 live performance of "Two Tickets to Paradise." For deeper fan engagement, check out the Eddie Money Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant group where Zoo Freaks can share stories and memories. Though Eddie passed away in 2019, these platforms keep his spirit rocking for fans everywhere.