Hands Tied

The song "Hands Tied" by Scandal from their debut album Warrior carries intriguing trivia that highlights its place in rock history. According to the album credits, drummer Andy Newmark is listed as playing on "Hands Tied," but drum enthusiasts have long speculated that he actually performed on the following track, "Less Than Half." This theory stems from the complex rhythm patterns in "Less Than Half," which mirror Newmark’s signature style, sparking debates among fans and collectors. Additionally, the Warrior album, including "Hands Tied," was engineered and mixed by a team of notable figures like John Agnello and William Wittman, contributing to its polished yet raw 1980s rock sound. The album’s vinyl release also hides a quirky detail: the LP dead-wax etching reads “A Disgusting Pile of Guts” on the A-side and “I Like That About Myself” on the B-side, a playful nod that reflects the band’s rebellious spirit. While specific interviews or social media posts about "Hands Tied" from the band are scarce, Patty Smyth has shared in past interviews that the Warrior era was a time of intense creative energy, with the band channeling personal and emotional struggles into their music, which likely influenced the song’s evocative lyrics.

Scandal formed in New York City in 1981, led by the dynamic vocalist Patty Smyth and guitarist Zack Smith. The band’s origin story is rooted in the gritty, vibrant NYC music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Smyth, who had been performing in small clubs, connected with Smith, whose songwriting and guitar riffs gave the band its edge. Joined by bassist Ivan Elias, drummer Frankie LaRocka, and keyboardist Benjy King, Scandal quickly gained traction with their blend of rock, pop, and new wave. Their big break came when Columbia Records signed them, leading to the release of their self-titled EP in 1982, which included early hits like “Goodbye to You.” The success of the EP paved the way for Warrior in 1984, with “The Warrior” becoming a chart-topping anthem. Smyth’s powerful vocals and the band’s knack for catchy hooks made them standouts, though they faced challenges navigating the male-dominated rock industry. Despite disbanding in the mid-1980s, Scandal reunited periodically, with Smyth remaining a central figure in the band’s legacy.

Fans of Scandal can connect with the band through their official channels. The band’s website, scandalband.com, offers updates on music, tour dates, and merchandise. Their Facebook page is active with posts about recent performances and nostalgic throwbacks to the Warrior era. On Instagram, Scandal shares behind-the-scenes photos and concert clips, engaging directly with their audience. The band’s X account provides real-time updates and interactions with fans, often retweeting fan posts. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities thrive online, including the Scandal Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts discuss the band’s music, share rare photos, and organize meetups at concerts. While no major independent fan websites dominate, smaller fan pages and forums can be found through searches on platforms like Reddit or via links shared in these fan groups.