Walk Idiot Walk
"Walk Idiot Walk" is the first single from the Swedish band The Hives' third album, Tyrannosaurus Hives. It was written by Randy Fitzsimmons. Upon release, the song reached number 13 in the United Kingdom, number 15 in Sweden, and number 18 in Norway. It also became a minor hit in Germany and Ireland and reached number 19 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. In Australia, the song was ranked number 55 on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2004.[1]
"Walk Idiot Walk" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by The Hives | ||||
from the album Tyrannosaurus Hives | ||||
Released | 6 July 2004 | |||
Genre | Garage punk, garage rock revival, post-punk revival | |||
Length | 3:31 | |||
Songwriter(s) | Randy Fitzsimmons | |||
The Hives singles chronology | ||||
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Music video
The video takes place in a white room with crossword puzzle designs on the wall. Before the music starts, there's a sign with a large "!", the Hives appear. In the middle of the music video, Pelle Almqvist begins to walk on the wall, as he steps on the crossword designs, letters appear soon after, reading "Walk Idiot Walk".
Track listings
European CD single[2]
- "Walk Idiot Walk"
- "Genepool Convulsions"
UK and European enhanced CD single[3]
- "Walk Idiot Walk" – 3:30
- "Genepool Convulsions" – 2:14
- "Keel-Hauling Class of '89" – 2:42
- "Walk Idiot Walk" (video) – 3:30
Charts
Chart (2004) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[4] | 75 |
Canada Rock Top 30 (Radio & Records)[5] | 25 |
Germany (Official German Charts)[6] | 78 |
Ireland (IRMA)[7] | 45 |
Norway (VG-lista)[8] | 18 |
Scotland (OCC)[9] | 13 |
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[10] | 15 |
UK Singles (OCC)[11] | 13 |
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[12] | 19 |
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[13] | 36 |
In popular culture
It was featured in a season 4 episode, "Jinx", of Smallville. It was used in the season two episode, "My Mother the Fiend" of Veronica Mars. It was used as the theme song for the 2004 WWE Raw Diva Search which later became the theme to former Diva Search winner and TNA Knockout, Christy Hemme. The main riff is similar to that of The Who's "I Can't Explain", and even more similar to Sonic 2's Metropolis Zone. The song also features in Guitar Rock Tour.
References
- "Triple J Hottest 100 2004". Australian Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
- Walk Idiot Walk (European CD single liner notes). The Hives. Polydor Records. 2004. 9867428.CS1 maint: others (link)
- Walk Idiot Walk (UK & European enhanced CD single liner notes). The Hives. Polydor Records. 2004. 9867038.CS1 maint: others (link)
- "Issue 750" ARIA Top 100 Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
- "RR Canada Rock Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1569. 20 August 2004. p. 59. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- "Offiziellecharts.de – The Hives – Walk Idiot Walk". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
- "Irish-charts.com – Discography The Hives". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
- "Norwegiancharts.com – The Hives – Walk Idiot Walk". VG-lista. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
- "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
- "Swedishcharts.com – The Hives – Walk Idiot Walk". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
- "The Hives Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
- "The Hives Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 January 2019.