Goodbye to You

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Goodbye to You" by Scandal, from their 1982 self-titled album Scandal, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its infectious energy. This song, a defining hit for the band, owes much of its success to MTV, where its low-budget performance video gained heavy rotation. According to frontwoman Patty Smyth, the song didn’t get much radio play, but the video’s popularity on MTV, which was hungry for female-fronted rock bands like Scandal, Blondie, and The Pretenders, propelled it to prominence. The clip, featuring Smyth energetically performing in a red dress, became iconic, with one fan commenting on Songfacts that Smyth was “pretty cute, hopping around” in that outfit. Interestingly, tennis legend John McEnroe referenced the song during the 2024 French Open final, humorously noting, “If you’re going to quote great female rock stars from the ’80s, you can throw one down for my wife, Patty Smyth: ‘Goodbye to You,’” as Iga Swiatek dominated her opponent, likening the match to the song’s title.

Another tidbit about "Goodbye to You" comes from its chart performance. While it only peaked at #65 on Billboard’s Hot 100, it spent 11 weeks on the chart and reached an impressive #5 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The song’s raw, new-wave edge and Smyth’s powerful vocals captured the early ’80s rock spirit, making it a staple for fans. On social media, Scandal’s official accounts often share nostalgic posts about the song, with a 2009 YouTube upload of the music video garnering comments from fans reminiscing about the MTV era. Though specific interviews about the song’s creation are scarce, Smyth has mentioned in older interviews that the band’s early days were fueled by a gritty determination to stand out in New York’s competitive music scene, which likely shaped the song’s defiant, upbeat tone.

Scandal’s journey began in New York City in 1981, founded by guitarist Zack Smith. The original lineup included Smyth, bassist Ivan Elias, guitarist Keith Mack, keyboardist Benjy King, and drummer Frankie LaRocka, later replaced by Thommy Price. Patty Smyth, the band’s charismatic lead, was a key force from the start, her distinctive voice setting Scandal apart. The group quickly gained traction, with Jon Bon Jovi even briefly joining as a guitarist in 1983 before his own band took off. Scandal’s early success came from relentless gigging in NYC clubs, building a loyal fanbase before signing with Columbia Records. Their self-titled debut EP, which included "Goodbye to You," laid the groundwork for their 1984 album The Warrior, featuring the platinum hit of the same name. Despite internal struggles and record label issues, the band’s early MTV-fueled fame cemented their legacy in rock history.

Fans can stay connected with Scandal and Patty Smyth through their official website, where updates on music and tour dates are posted. Their Facebook page is active, sharing throwback photos and fan interactions, while their Instagram offers glimpses into Smyth’s current projects and nostalgic moments. On X, Smyth occasionally posts about her music and personal reflections. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities exist, though they’re less prominent today. The Patty Smyth and Scandal Fan Group on Facebook is a great spot for fans to share memories and discuss the band’s music. While independent fan sites have waned since the early 2000s, sites like Songfacts and fan-driven Reddit threads keep the conversation alive.