I Won't Be Home Tonight

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as they spin I Won't Be Home Tonight by Tony Carey from his album Tony Carey! This track, released in 1982 on the Rocshire label, is a melodic rock gem that hit #8 on Billboard's Top Rock Tracks chart. The song’s catchy, rebellious energy made it a staple of early MTV, with a simple yet fun video that captured its uptempo spirit. Fans on Reddit have praised its timeless appeal, with one user calling it a “true must-have for any music lover” that “stands the test of time.” Interestingly, the album’s masters were seized by the IRS after Rocshire’s co-owners were jailed for embezzlement, making original pressings a rare find until Renaissance Records reissued it on limited-edition red vinyl in 2020, complete with lyric sheets and a Tony Carey trading card.

Another cool tidbit comes from fan reviews on Amazon, where one listener shared how the song’s infectious chorus hooked them back in ’82, leading them to hunt down the CD years later. The album itself blends hard rockers like the title track with AOR vibes in West Coast Summer Nights and heartfelt ballads like Carry My Love. Carey’s ability to shift gears musically shines through, a skill fans say faded in his later, more uniform work. The Zoo Crew knows this track’s perfect for those late-night drives, with its lyrics about breaking free and living on your own terms—pure hippie DJ energy for the Zoo Freaks!

Tony Carey kicked off his musical journey in Turlock, California, born on October 16, 1953. As a kid, he was already tinkering on his church’s piano and even got to play the pipe organ during off-hours. By seven, his family snagged a piano, and at eleven, he picked up his first acoustic guitar, forming a band that covered The Mamas and the Papas. His dad gifted him a Lowrey organ for his 14th birthday, sparking a rock band with neighborhood kids jamming to The Doors. Carey’s big break came in 1975 when he joined Rainbow, laying down keys for their iconic Rainbow Rising album. After two world tours, he left in 1977 to go solo, diving into a career that spanned his own albums, the sci-fi-themed Planet P Project, and producing for artists like Joe Cocker and John Mayall.

Stay connected with Tony Carey’s official website for the latest on his music and projects. You can also follow him on Facebook for updates and fan interactions. While Carey doesn’t have active Instagram or X accounts, fans keep the vibe alive elsewhere. Check out the fan-run Planet TC site for a deep dive into his solo and Planet P Project work, complete with album reviews and concert pics. Join the conversation on the Tony Carey Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and celebrate his melodic rock legacy with fellow enthusiasts.