Ace Frehley's recording work with "Crazy" Joe Renda would provide him with his first extra-KISS recording credit in 1981. It would also provide him with his bassist for his post-KISS solo band, John Regan. Ace met John while Crazy Joe were recording their "Eugene" album at North Lake Sound Studios in White Plains, New York. Joe and Ace had co-written a song, "Eugene," the previous year that was being recorded for the album. Originally written solely by "Crazy" Joe Renda in March 1979, according to copyright documentation, the song would be recorded with Ace co-producing and playing syndrum. What Ace's musical contribution to the songwriting was is unclear. A childhood friend of Ace's, Rob Sabino would also appear on the full album - he would later have a stint as the keyboardist for Frehley's Comet. Contrary to popular belief, the song's subject matter is not about Gene Simmons. This song was first issued on an independent 1980 12" single (Mumbo CJ1183), with "Stranded In The Jungle" and "Little Puffies" on the B-side. The mix on this single would be slightly different than the later PolyGram album version.

The "Eugene" album would be released in 1981 as PolyGram started clearing out the numerous artists signed to Casablanca. The album would be supported by single releases, notably a 12" remix. This extended remix simply makes the introduction to the song longer while transforming the "feel" of the song into a more extended disco style. The edit work results in a 5.17 track, some 1.16 longer than the original album version. Another connection comes about through Crazy Joe. He had played in the band, the Country Cousins, which featured players who had recorded and toured with Chip Taylor, who'd later write with Ace Frehley. Joe had also produced material for Chip, in the late 1970s.