"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]
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]
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
^Alex Ogg. "Spring Session M Review". allmusic.com. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
^"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.