Walkin’ Shoes

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy Zoo Crew spinning some righteous tunes at THE ZOO radio station, and we’ve got a killer track lined up: “Walkin’ Shoes” by Tora Tora from their debut album Surprise Attack. This song’s got that gritty, bluesy swagger, and there’s some cool trivia behind it. Guitarist Keith Douglas once shared that the riff for “Walkin’ Shoes” came from his deep dive into Memphis blues, teaching himself those soulful licks that shaped the song’s driving groove. It was one of the last tracks written for the album, almost like a late-night jam that just clicked. The band wrote over 60 songs for Surprise Attack, and a demo of “Walkin’ Shoes” was later released in 2009 on their Bombs Away compilation, giving fans a peek at its raw, early vibe. The music video for “Walkin’ Shoes” was a big deal, too—it was one of the first from a Memphis band to hit heavy rotation on MTV, making Tora Tora local legends with a national spotlight.

Another tidbit comes from the song’s lyrical bite. Lead singer Anthony Corder, who penned the words with help from his buddy Thomas Howard, crafted “Walkin’ Shoes” as a sassy anthem about walking away from a no-good relationship. Lines like “I’m puttin’ on my walkin’ shoes, I tell ya baby, I’m not your fool” drip with attitude, and fans on the Tora Tora Fan Club Facebook group often rave about how the song’s energy still gets them pumped. The track peaked at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #25 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, proving its hook had serious legs. In a 1989 interview on Headbangers Ball, Corder and bassist Patrick Francis mentioned the song’s video shoot was a wild time, capturing that raw, rebellious spirit of the late ‘80s.

Now, let’s rewind and talk about how Tora Tora got their start. Formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1985, the band—Anthony Corder on vocals, Keith Douglas on guitar, Patrick Francis on bass, and John Patterson on drums—started as a local garage act with big dreams. Their name, a nod to Van Halen’s song “Tora! Tora!” from Women and Children First, also plays on the Japanese word for “tiger,” giving it a fierce edge. They got their first break after winning a Battle of the Bands contest, earning studio time at Memphis’ Ardent Studios. That session birthed their independent EP To Rock to Roll in 1987, with tracks like “Phantom Rider” and “Love’s a Bitch” getting heavy spins on local station Rock 98. A&M Records caught wind of the buzz and signed them, leading to Surprise Attack in 1989, which hit #47 on the Billboard 200.

Tora Tora’s early days were all about grinding it out in the Memphis scene, blending Led Zeppelin-inspired metal with Beale Street blues. Their big moment came when “Dancing With a Gypsy” landed on the Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure soundtrack, cementing their place in ‘80s rock lore. Despite label struggles and the rise of grunge sidelining their third album Revolution Day until 2011, the band never lost their fire. They reunited in 2008 for a sold-out 20th-anniversary show at Newby’s in Memphis and have kept rocking, dropping Bastards of Beale in 2019 with Frontiers Music. Fans can catch up with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

For those craving more Tora Tora vibes, check out fan-driven spaces like the Tora Tora Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and share love for tracks like “Walkin’ Shoes.” There’s also a dedicated fan site, Sleaze Roxx, packed with band history and discography details. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep the Tora Tora party roaring!