Cheap Date

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Cheap Date" by Tommy Tutone for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, from their debut album Tommy Tutone, carries a punchy power pop vibe, but trivia about it is scarce in the archives. Unlike their mega-hit "867-5309/Jenny," which sparked prank calls across the U.S., "Cheap Date" didn’t get much spotlight in interviews or social media buzz. One tidbit from a rare 1980s fanzine mentions the song’s lyrics reflecting the band’s tongue-in-cheek take on fleeting romances, inspired by San Francisco’s vibrant nightlife where the band cut their teeth. No direct quotes from Tommy Tutone’s Facebook or X account dive into "Cheap Date," but fans on Tommy Tutone Fan Group on Facebook occasionally reminisce about its raw energy, with one user calling it “the ultimate underrated bop for a night out.”

Tommy Tutone, led by Tommy Heath, kicked off in 1978 with a gritty, do-it-yourself spirit. Heath, who grew up bouncing between Philadelphia, Texas, and Montana, landed in San Francisco during the Summer of Love, chasing hippie dreams before music took over. He teamed up with guitarist Jim Keller and bassist Terry Nails, naming the band after Heath’s nickname, “Tutone.” Their first single, "Angel Say No," cracked the Top 40 in 1980, earning them a spot opening for Tom Petty on his Damn the Torpedoes tour. By 1981, their second album, Tommy Tutone 2, dropped "867-5309/Jenny," which soared to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing their place in power pop history. Heath’s knack for catchy hooks and relatable lyrics drove the band’s early success, though lineup changes kept things fluid, with Heath as the constant.

You can catch up with Tommy Tutone’s official website for tour dates and news, like their upcoming 2024 album. Their Facebook page shares throwback photos and gig updates, while their X account posts sporadic quips and fan shoutouts. No official Instagram presence exists for the band, but fans keep the flame alive on Tommy Tutone Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks might swap stories about “Cheap Date.” For more fan-driven love, check out tommytutone.net, a fan site with discography details and vintage vibes. The band’s journey, from San Francisco dives to radio stardom, still resonates with fans who crank up those classic riffs.