Legs Up

The song Legs Up by Smashed Gladys from their 1988 album Social Intercourse is a high-energy glam metal anthem that captures the band's raw, rebellious spirit. In a 2018 interview with Metal Sludge, lead singer Sally Cato described the track as a "wild, unapologetic party song" inspired by the gritty nightlife of New York City's Lower East Side, where the band was based. Cato shared that the lyrics, with their cheeky innuendos, were written after a late-night gig where the band witnessed a particularly rowdy crowd "losing their minds and dancing like nobody was watching." The song's infectious riff and Cato's raspy vocals made it a fan favorite among the Zoo Freaks, who often request it during THE ZOO radio station's retro metal nights.

While specific social media posts about Legs Up are scarce due to the band's limited online presence in recent years, a 2020 post on the Smashed Gladys Official Facebook page celebrated the re-release of Social Intercourse, noting that Legs Up was one of the tracks fans still "crank up loud" at reunion shows. The band also shared a throwback photo from the album's recording sessions in Wales, where they worked with producer Ric Browde. A fan commented on the post, recalling how Legs Up was their go-to song for road trips in the late '80s, highlighting its enduring appeal. Additionally, a trivia tidbit from a 1989 Kerrang! magazine feature revealed that the song's iconic drum intro was almost cut from the final mix, but drummer Matt Stelluto fought to keep it, arguing it gave the track its "punch-you-in-the-face vibe."

Smashed Gladys began their journey in 1981 in New York City's vibrant Lower East Side music scene. Formed by vocalist Sally Cato and guitarist Bart Lewis, the band initially played under the name The Androids before adopting the edgier Smashed Gladys moniker in 1984. According to the band's bio on their official website, Cato, a Canadian transplant with a love for punk and glam rock, met Lewis at a dive bar gig and bonded over their shared admiration for bands like Mötley Crüe and The Plasmatics. They recruited bassist J.D. Malo and drummer Matt Stelluto, and later added a rotating lineup of rhythm guitarists, including Marcel LaFleur, Tommy Wah, and Roger Lane. Their early shows at venues like CBGB were known for their outrageous stage antics and Cato's commanding presence, which earned them a loyal local following.

The band's big break came in 1986 when they recorded their self-titled debut album at Rockfield Studios in Wales for a British independent label. The album caught the attention of Warner/Elektra, which signed them for Social Intercourse in 1988. A notable highlight from their early days, shared in a 2015 Classic Rock magazine retrospective, was when Ozzy Osbourne provided backing vocals for their song Cast of Nasties, a connection made through mutual friends in the New York scene. This collaboration boosted their credibility and helped them stand out in the crowded glam metal landscape. Despite disbanding in the early '90s, Smashed Gladys reunited periodically for shows and re-released their albums, keeping their music alive for fans.

Fans can connect with Smashed Gladys through their official website, Facebook, and Instagram. Their X account is less active but occasionally shares updates about re-releases and reunion gigs. For fan communities, the Smashed Gladys Fan Club on Facebook is a lively group where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memorabilia, concert stories, and rare photos. Additionally, the fan-run site Glam Metal Revival features a dedicated section for the band, with discographies and archived interviews, making it a go-to resource for diehard supporters.