Walking in L.A.

Alright, Zoo Freaks, it’s your hippie DJs from The Zoo Crew spinning the vinyl vibes at THE ZOO radio station, and we’re groovin’ to Walking in L.A. by Missing Persons from their iconic album Spring Session M! Let’s dive into some far-out trivia about this track. Did you know the song was penned by drummer Terry Bozzio, who got the idea from comedians joking about how nobody walks in Los Angeles? It’s a satirical jab at the car-crazy Hollywood culture, with lyrics like “Nobody walks in L.A.!” capturing that vibe. Released as a single in February 1983, it hit number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple for its cheeky commentary. Fun fact: the song’s video was a total MTV hit, showcasing Dale Bozzio’s wild, colorful style, which was like a neon explosion of punk and new wave. Terry once shared in an interview that the song’s inspiration came from observing the absurdity of L.A.’s obsession with status and cars, making it a love letter to the city’s quirks.

Here’s another cool tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: Walking in L.A. was recorded at Chateau Recorders in Los Angeles with producer Ken Scott, who’d worked with legends like David Bowie. The track’s pulsating synths and driving beat were perfect for the early ’80s new wave scene, and it’s often called the pivotal song on Spring Session M. Fans on the Missing Persons Fan Club Facebook group love sharing how this song defined their teenage years, with one fan posting about blasting it on their Walkman while—ironically—walking around L.A. in the ’80s! The song’s legacy lives on, with covers and nods in pop culture, and it’s still a go-to for anyone craving that retro new wave sound.

Now, let’s rewind and talk about how Missing Persons got their start. Formed in 1980 in Los Angeles, the band was a powerhouse of talent: vocalist Dale Bozzio, drummer Terry Bozzio, guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, bassist Patrick O’Hearn, and keyboardist Chuck Wild. The core trio—Dale, Terry, and Warren—met through their work with Frank Zappa, a musical genius who gave them a creative sandbox to experiment in. Dale, with her quirky voice and bold style, was a standout, having performed in Zappa’s Joe’s Garage (1979). Terry, already a respected drummer, and Warren, a Zappa collaborator, brought serious chops. They recorded their first 4-song EP, Missing Persons, in Zappa’s Utility Muffin Research Kitchen studio, funded by Warren’s dad. That EP, with hits like Mental Hopscotch, got them buzzing on local station KROQ-FM and led to a deal with Capitol Records in 1982. Their debut album, Spring Session M, went gold, blending synth-pop and rock with Dale’s unforgettable stage presence.

Want to keep up with Missing Persons? Check out their official website at missingpersonsmusic.com for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates, where Dale often shares throwback pics and new music teasers. They’re also on X, posting about gigs and fan love. For you die-hard Zoo Freaks, join the Missing Persons Fan Club on Facebook to connect with other fans swapping stories and rare vinyl finds. There’s also a fan-run site, bestmusic80.com, with a deep dive into their discography. Keep it locked here at THE ZOO, where we’re always spinning the tunes that make you move!