Stuck in the Middle With You

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Stuck in the Middle With You" by Stealers Wheel, a song that’s been a favorite among Zoo Freaks since its release in 1972 on the band’s self-titled debut album. This catchy tune, written by Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan, became a defining hit, reaching No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its laid-back groove and memorable lyrics, like “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right,” made it an instant classic, but its cultural impact skyrocketed after being featured in Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 film Reservoir Dogs. The song’s use in the infamous torture scene, where Michael Madsen’s character dances to its upbeat rhythm, cemented its place in pop culture history, with fans on X still referencing the scene decades later.

One piece of trivia that stands out is the song’s unexpected revival through Reservoir Dogs. Originally a radio hit in 1973, performed on BBC’s Top of the Pops, it found new life when Tarantino chose it for his debut film. The juxtaposition of the song’s breezy vibe with the scene’s dark intensity sparked endless discussions among fans, with one X post noting how the movie made the song unforgettable for a new generation. Another tidbit comes from the song’s creation: Rafferty and Egan wrote it as a satirical nod to the music industry, poking fun at being stuck between difficult personalities—hence the “clowns” and “jokers.” The song’s lighthearted tone belies its critical edge, which resonates with the Zoo Crew’s hippie ethos of questioning the establishment.

Stealers Wheel, formed in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1972, was the brainchild of childhood friends Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan. Rafferty, born into a working-class family, grew up steeped in Irish and Scottish folk songs taught by his mother, which shaped his melodic sensibility. Influences from The Beatles and Bob Dylan further fueled his songwriting. Before Stealers Wheel, Rafferty was part of the folk-pop group The Humblebums with Billy Connolly, which disbanded in 1971. After a commercially unsuccessful solo album, Can I Have My Money Back?, Rafferty teamed up with Egan, a vocalist and keyboardist, to form Stealers Wheel. Their goal was to create a sound reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, blending folk-rock harmonies with a polished edge. Despite lineup changes and internal conflicts, their debut album, produced by legends Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, spawned “Stuck in the Middle With You,” a hit that defined their brief but impactful run.

The band’s journey wasn’t smooth, though. Rafferty left Stealers Wheel shortly after the debut album’s release, frustrated by management issues, only to return later. The constant lineup shifts, including members like Paul Pilnick and Luther Grosvenor, hindered their momentum, and they disbanded in 1975. Rafferty went on to solo success with hits like “Baker Street,” while Egan released solo albums like Out of Nowhere. Their troubled history is reflected in later songs, with both artists referencing Stealers Wheel’s challenges in their solo work. Fans on Facebook and X often celebrate Rafferty’s legacy, with posts marking his birth (April 16, 1947) and mourning his passing in 2011 and Egan’s in 2024.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, you can explore Stealers Wheel’s legacy through Gerry Rafferty’s official website, which details his career and discography. The Gerry Rafferty Artist Facebook page is active, sharing updates and tributes, especially after Egan’s passing, as noted in a heartfelt post. While Stealers Wheel doesn’t have an official Instagram, fans can follow Rafferty-related content on Instagram. On X, fans and music enthusiasts regularly share memories, like this post tying Rafferty to his later hit “Baker Street.” Fan communities thrive on platforms like Gerry Rafferty Fans Facebook Group, where devotees discuss his work, including Stealers Wheel’s contributions. Though no dedicated fan websites for Stealers Wheel are prominent today, sites like 97.1 The River offer detailed band histories for curious listeners.