Walking in L.A.

"Walking in L.A." is a song by American new wave band Missing Persons. It was written by Terry Bozzio, with production by Ken Scott at Chateau Recorders, in Los Angeles, California. The song appeared on their debut studio album Spring Session M in 1982 and has been described as the pivotal song on the album.[1] It was released as a single in February 1983.[2] A live version of the song (recorded in 1981) was released as a CD bonus track on Missing Persons’ 1984 album, Rhyme & Reason.[3]

"Walking in L.A."
Single by Missing Persons
from the album Spring Session M
ReleasedFebruary 1983
Recorded1982
StudioChateau Recorders (Los Angeles)
GenreNew wave
Length3:59
LabelCapitol
Songwriter(s)Terry Bozzio
Producer(s)Ken Scott
Missing Persons singles chronology
"Windows"
(1983)		 "Walking in L.A."
(1983)		 "Give"
(1984)

It was a minor hit In the United States, spending 6 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaking at #70 in March 1983.[4] It is still recalled occasionally today for its comical portrayal of Hollywood culture and its wry observations on getting around in Los Angeles (“Nobody walks in L.A.!”).[5][6] Songwriter Terry Bozzio has said that he was inspired to write the song by comedians making jokes about driving everywhere in the city.[7]

Release history
Country Date Format Label Ref.
United States February 1983 7" Capitol

Charts
Chart performance for
"Walking in L.A."
Chart (1983)
  • Peak
  • position
US Billboard Hot 100[8] 70
US Cash Box Top 100[9] 62

Cover versions and media appearances
  • American rock band Hagfish covered the song on the 1997 punk rock compilation album, Before You Were Punk.
  • American actress and singer Traci Lords covered the song as a promotional single in 2003.
  • The song is featured in the 2011 film ‘’Take Me Home Tonight.’’[10]
  • The song is played in Season 1, episode 4, of the MTV reality TV series, The Hills, titled "Lauren And Jason, Take Two" (2006).[11]

References
  1. Alex Ogg. "Spring Session M Review". allmusic.com. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  2. "Missing Persons – Walking In L.A." www.discogs.com. Retrieved February 5, 2023. It was also included as a B-side of a promotional 12-inch single of “Destination Unknown” in 1982. "Missing Persons – Destination Unknown / Walking In L.A." www.discogs.com. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  3. "Missing Persons / Rhyme & Reason". Rubellan Remasters.
  4. "Billboard Hot 100, Week of March 26, 1983". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  5. Steve Finlay (June 30, 2010). "Walking In L.A." wardsauto.com. Retrieved February 5, 2023..
  6. Izzi (April 24, 2012). "Song of the Week: "Walking in L.A." by Missing Persons". Women in Rock. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  7. "Nobody Walks in LA". Studio 360. WNYC Studios. October 26, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2023..
  8. "Billboard Hot 100, Week of March 26, 1983". Billboard. Retrieved February 5, 2023.Billboard Hot 100.
  9. "CASH BOX Top 100 Singles – Week ending April 9, 1983". Retrieved February 5, 2023.Cash Box magazine.
  10. "Take Me Home Tonight Soundtracks". imdb.com. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  11. "Walking in L.A., Missing Persons". whatsong. Retrieved February 8, 2023.


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