Magnet And Steel – Walter Egan | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning

Chart Performance: Pop (#8); 1978

Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne

Walter Egan’s first brush with fame occurred in 1965 when he and his surfin’ Malibooz performed at New York’s World’s Fair. They even released a frighteningly obscure single called Goin’ To Malibu.

While attending Georgetown University, Walter and Malibooz guitarist John Zambetti formed Sageworth and performed at the March on Washington. Post-graduation, John enrolled in medical school while Walter hooked up with Gram Parsons, who recorded an Egan co-write, Hearts On Fire, for his Grievous Angel LP.

Eventually, John reconnected with Walter – now living in Los Angeles – for two Lindsey Buckingham-produced albums. On the singles side, Only The Lucky stalled at #82 before Magnet And Steel, featuring Lindsey and Stevie Nicks on backing vocals, went Top 10.

Although Egan’s third charter, Hot Summer Nights, stalled at #55, a cover version by Night peaked at #18 in 1979. The Malibooz came full circle in 1996 when Malibu was chosen as the theme song for MTV’s House Beach Party show.

This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.

Produced by:

• Walter Egan
• Lindsey Buckingham
• Richard Dashut

Lyrics Written by:

• Walter Egan