Walking in L.A.

"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)

"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, 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]

  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..