Irene Wilde

Album: All American Alien Boy (1976)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was inspired by an event that happened when Hunter was 16. At this tender age he was rejected by a girl at Barker Street bus station in his hometown of Shrewsbury. He said his rise to stardom was inspired by this rejection. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander - London, England

Comments: 6

  • Rob from The CotswoldsIrene Wilde as a historical figure didn’t exist but represented someone else who rejected Ian Hunter at the bus station at that time.
  • Rosario from ItalyStunning song!!!
    Also the guitar of Mick Ronson!
  • Johnnyg from IrelandIan Hunter would have been 16 in 1955. Song released in 1976. So Irene Wilde would be 85 or so if she is still with us
  • Ms from Shrewsbury, UkHad a few good times with girls in Barker Street Bus Station myself in the 80's. Never knew this song until today. I also know an irene wilde who would of been 16/17 in 1980..... I will get around to asking her when I see her. not a common name in Shrewsbury so has to be the same one.
  • Jim from Long Beach, CaI loved this song from the live disc, Welcome To The Club. THe funny thing is I was 16 in 1980 and this song reminds me of my first rejection from a chick,It was so tramatic..LOL!!!I got ove it eventually, and have always loved this song..Thanks
  • Paul from Rothesay, Nb, CanadaI have often wondered what Irene Wilde thought of this song when she first heard it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.

American Hits With Foreign Titles

American Hits With Foreign TitlesSong Writing

What are the biggest US hits with French, Spanish (not "Rico Suave"), Italian, Scottish, Greek, and Japanese titles?

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.

The Police

The PoliceFact or Fiction

Do their first three albums have French titles? Is "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" really meaningless? See if you can tell in this Fact or Fiction.