Steal Away

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy Zoo Crew spinning the vinyl and diving into the vibes of Steal Away by Tommy Tutone from their 1981 album Tommy Tutone 2. This track, a lesser-known gem compared to their monster hit 867-5309/Jenny, carries a restless, road-weary energy with lyrics like “In a diner on the edge of town / Watchin’ the rain come down.” It’s got that early ‘80s power pop sheen, perfect for cruising with the windows down. One cool tidbit from the web is that fans on platforms like YouTube have called it a standout on the album, with one Australian listener raving, “super song, my favourite on the Lp,” noting how much their country dug Tommy Tutone back in the day. The song’s moody vibe and storytelling paint a picture of a drifter dodging trouble, maybe even fame, with lines about being talked about on the radio.

While Steal Away didn’t chart like 867-5309/Jenny, it’s got a cult following. A blogger at The Trusty Steed compared Tommy Tutone’s sound to a “second-rate Jackson Browne,” pointing out the album’s lack of catchy hooks but still vibing with its raw, unpolished charm. The song’s narrative feels personal, almost like lead singer Tommy Heath was channeling his own wanderlust. In a 2003 Orlando Weekly interview, Heath’s dry humor shone through when he talked about his life post-Tommy Tutone 2, hinting at a grounded, no-nonsense approach to fame. He mentioned working on new music and blending old and new in live shows, suggesting tracks like Steal Away still hold a special place in their setlists.

Now, let’s rewind to how Tommy Tutone got rolling. Frontman Tommy Heath, born in 1947 in California, was a free spirit who caught the hippie wave, moving to San Francisco during the Summer of Love in the late ‘60s. Before music took over, he was chasing that counterculture dream, bouncing from Philadelphia to Texas to Montana. In 1978, he teamed up with guitarist Jim Keller and bassist Terry Nails in San Francisco to form Tommy Tutone, named after Heath’s nickname. Their first single, Angel Say No, dropped in 1980 and grazed the Top 40, landing them a spot opening for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The release of Tommy Tutone 2 in 1981, with Steal Away and the iconic 867-5309/Jenny, catapulted them to fame, though Heath’s the only original member still touring under the band’s name today.

Want to keep up with Tommy Tutone? Check out their official site at tutone.com for tour dates and news, like their upcoming 2025 Totally 80s Tour. They’re also on Facebook, where they’ve got over 3,400 followers, and you can find fan chatter on platforms like X, though they don’t have an official X or Instagram account. For fan communities, there’s no specific Facebook group dedicated to Tommy Tutone, but sites like Last.fm and Discogs are buzzing with fans trading vinyl and sharing love for tracks like Steal Away. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep the Tommy Tutone vibes flowing!