She’s a Beauty

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "She’s a Beauty" by The Tubes from their 1983 album Outside Inside, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing. This song, the band’s biggest hit, climbed to number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and hit number one on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, fueled by a captivating music video that was a staple on early MTV. The song’s origins are as wild as a carnival ride: lead singer Fee Waybill drew inspiration from a frustrating encounter at a San Francisco red light district peep show, where a sign read, “Pay A Dollar, Talk to a Naked Girl.” Waybill, naively trying to recruit the woman as a dancer for the band, was met with her dismissive spiel, sparking the song’s lyrical theme of unattainable desire. Co-written with producer David Foster and Toto’s Steve Lukather, the track’s music was largely Foster’s brainchild, with Waybill noting Foster’s Canadian flair in the song’s title. Originally, the chorus was to include the line “You can talk to a naked girl,” but Foster nudged Waybill toward the tamer “pretty girl” to keep it radio-friendly.

The song’s iconic video, directed by Kenny Ortega (who also choreographed The Tubes’ live shows), amplifies its carnival barker vibe, with Waybill playing a slick-talking showman. A young boy, played by a 13-year-old Alexis Arquette in her first acting role, rides a surreal carnival ride filled with mermaids, trapeze artists, and prehistoric women, only to emerge as an old man, symbolizing the emotional and financial toll of chasing unattainable dreams. The video’s concept initially drew from the 1932 film Freaks but was toned down for MTV, though it still sneaked in cheeky imagery like a drum set with breast designs. Drummer Prairie Prince credited the song’s pop success to Foster’s hit-making ear, noting it marked a more commercial shift for the band, which had previously leaned into avant-garde theatrics. A Reddit post from 2024 by user solus-mort echoes the song’s real-life roots, recounting Waybill’s futile attempt to “rescue” the peep show worker, only to be ignored.

The Tubes began their wild ride in San Francisco in the early 1970s, born from the fusion of two Phoenix-based bands, The Beans and The Red, White and Blues Band. After relocating to the Bay Area, they embraced a theatrical, satirical style, blending rock with provocative performance art that skewered media, consumerism, and politics. Their 1975 debut album, featuring the cult hit “White Punks on Dope,” set the tone for their outrageous live shows, where band members donned costumes like leotards with painted-on anatomical features. Early gigs at venues like the Winterland Ballroom built their cult following, and their blend of music and theater made them a San Francisco staple. Despite critical acclaim, commercial success eluded them until signing with Capitol Records in 1981, where producer David Foster helped craft their more radio-friendly sound, culminating in “She’s a Beauty.” The band’s lineup, including Fee Waybill (vocals), Bill Spooner (guitar), Roger Steen (guitar), Prairie Prince (drums), Michael Cotten (keyboards), Vince Welnick (keyboards), and Rick Anderson (bass), became known for their musical chops and over-the-top stage antics.

Fans can stay connected with The Tubes through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours and throwback content from their storied career. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Tubes Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant hub where fans swap stories, rare photos, and concert memories. Another fan-driven site, The Tubes Project, offers a treasure trove of archival material, discographies, and fan-curated content celebrating the band’s legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, these platforms keep the spirit of The Tubes’ theatrical rock alive.