Favorite "Walk" Songs #7 - "Walking in L.A."
@teamfreak16 (43611)
Denver, Colorado
December 23, 2016 11:53am CST
We remain in California for #7 in my Favorite "Walk" Songs series (an idea I totally ripped off from @FourWalls.) The seventh slot belongs to "Walking in L.A." by Missing Persons.
Missing Persons formed in Los Angeles in 1980, after vocalist Dale Bozzio, drummer Terry Bozzio (yes, they were but no longer are married,) and guitarist Warren Cuccurullo met while working with Frank Zappa. Despite numerous personnel changes and a couple of hiatuses, the band is still at it, although Dale Bozzio is the only original member. Cuccurullo went on to become a member of Duran Duran, while Terry Bozzio, among other endeavors, runs a drum school in California. Among his students? Legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart, who, according to his book A Prize Every Time, shows up once in awhile to brush up.
"Walking in L.A." was one of several singles released from the band's 1982 Gold debut album, Spring Session M. Despite radio airplay and MTV exposure, the song performed poorly by mainstream standards. Billboard.com has it peaking at #70 on the Hot 100.
Which is a pity, because it's a great tune that certainly deserved better.
Title: Walking in L.A. (track 05) Artist: Missing Persons Album: Spring Session M Year: 1982 Label: Capitol Writer(s): Terry Bozzio Lyrics: Look ahead as we ...
7 people like this
6 responses
@FourWalls (86757)
• United States
23 Dec 16
When I went to L.A. on my way to Hawaii I sort of felt guilty by walking after I'd turned my car in to get it shipped. Because, as this song says, nobody walks in L.A. 
Love this song.
Love this song.3 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43611)
• Denver, Colorado
23 Dec 16
It certainly should have been a bigger hit. Maybe Dale's quirky vocals didn't register with the mainstream.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (86757)
• United States
23 Dec 16
@teamfreak16 -- probably not (the way she sang "walking in L.A.-ay!" like she had hiccups), but to me that's part of what made the song special.
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43611)
• Denver, Colorado
23 Dec 16
@FourWalls - I love her vocals. Kind of made the band stand out.
2 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
23 Dec 16
You're preaching to the choir! I am a huge Missing Persons fan. Love this song.
2 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
23 Dec 16
@teamfreak16 Dale was great and the reason why Missing Persons were distinct. They never made it big time and were a local popular band here in LA.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43611)
• Denver, Colorado
23 Dec 16
I love this entire album. Too bad the people who couldn't get past Dale's vocals didn't realize that Missing Persons was an incredibly talented band. Terry Bozzio is a great drummer, and I saw Warren in Duran Duran (played right before Bowie,) he's a really good guitarist.
2 people like this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
25 Dec 16
heh..i haven't heard that song in a long while.
they were a good band..but i know dale bozzio's squeaks annoyed some people.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43611)
• Denver, Colorado
25 Dec 16
I know. It's too bad people couldn't get past that and realized what a talented band they were.
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (52905)
• Mojave, California
24 Dec 16
That is always a fun song. Great choice
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43611)
• Denver, Colorado
24 Dec 16
Thanks. It was fun when I saw them do it live, too. Well, it was Dale Bozzio and touring musicians, but it was fun.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
26 Dec 16
What an interesting theme. I have to admit each time I read Walking songs I think "Walking After Midnight"
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43611)
• Denver, Colorado
26 Dec 16
I just used that one in a different series. Didn't want to use it again so soon.
