Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Partytown by Glenn Frey from his debut solo album No Fun Aloud! This high-energy track, released in 1982, is a rebellious anthem about ditching the daily grind for a nonstop party. Co-written with Jack Tempchin, Partytown captures the carefree, hedonistic vibe of the early '80s. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a Consequence.net article where Frey’s playful banter with the crowd during live performances is highlighted, including a cheeky moment where he responds to a fan’s shout about drugs with, “You got any?” This sassy exchange, followed by a blazing sax solo, made the song a standout at his concerts. Fans on Reddit’s 80s music community also share how Partytown was a Friday afternoon staple on classic rock radio, signaling the start of the weekend with its Chuck Berry-inspired guitar riffs.
Another tidbit about Partytown comes from its cultural impact, as noted on OldTimeMusic.com. The song became a fan favorite for its infectious energy, often sparking singalongs and dance-offs at Frey’s shows. Though no official music video exists, live recordings on YouTube showcase its rowdy spirit, with Frey commanding the stage like the mayor of Partytown. A blogger on Notes from the Ironbound recalls hearing the song at the end of a grueling workweek, describing it as a “deliverance” that paired perfectly with payday and summer weekends. The track’s unapologetic “take this job and shove it” attitude resonates with anyone craving escape, making it a timeless banger for Zoo Freaks ready to party down.
Glenn Frey kicked off his musical journey in Detroit, Michigan, born on November 6, 1948. Inspired by The Beatles’ 1964 performance, he picked up the guitar and dove into the local music scene as a teen. By 1966, he joined The Four of Us, a band led by Gary Burrows, where he honed his harmony skills. Frey’s big break came in 1967 when he formed The Mushrooms, which caught the attention of Bob Seger. Seger produced their single “Such a Lovely Child” for Hideout Records and later invited Frey to play acoustic guitar and sing backup on his 1968 hit “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man.” At 19, Frey was already rubbing shoulders with rock royalty, though his mother nixed a chance to join Seger’s band due to his cannabis use with the rocker.
In 1968, Frey moved to Los Angeles, chasing a girlfriend and bigger dreams. There, he teamed up with JD Souther to form Longbranch Pennywhistle, releasing an album in 1969 on Amos Records. Living in the same apartment building as Jackson Browne, Frey soaked up songwriting tips while hearing Browne craft tunes downstairs. By 1970, Frey met Don Henley, and the two joined Linda Ronstadt’s backup band, alongside Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon. This gig laid the groundwork for the Eagles, which Frey co-founded in 1971. The band’s meteoric rise, fueled by hits like “Take It Easy” and “Hotel California,” made Frey a rock legend before he went solo with No Fun Aloud in 1982.
Zoo Freaks can connect with Glenn Frey’s legacy through his official website, GlennFreyOnline.com, which offers discography details, photos, and live recordings. While Frey’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts are no longer active due to his passing in 2016, fans keep his spirit alive on platforms like X, where tributes and discussions about his music thrive. For fan communities, check out the Glenn Frey Fans Facebook Group, where enthusiasts share memories, rare photos, and concert stories. Another gem is Eagles Online Central, a fan site with extensive Frey content, including solo work and Eagles archives. Join these spaces to keep the Partytown vibe rocking!
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