Let the Children Hear Rock 'n' Roll

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are cranking up the vibes with "Let the Children Hear Rock 'n' Roll" by '77 from their debut album 21st Century Rock. This track, a raw and rebellious anthem, channels the spirit of classic rock with a modern edge, and it’s no surprise the Zoo Freaks are eating it up. One juicy tidbit about the song comes from a 2010 interview with Sleaze Roxx, where frontman Armand Valeta admitted the track’s riff and swagger were heavily inspired by AC/DC’s "R.I.P (Rock in Peace)." Some fans even playfully call it a “love letter” to Bon Scott, with its pounding drums and screeching guitars that scream vintage rock nostalgia. The song’s title itself is a bold call to keep rock alive for the next generation, a sentiment echoed by the band on their Facebook page in a 2014 post: “This is our mission—let the kids feel the raw power of rock!”

Another cool story about "Let the Children Hear Rock 'n' Roll" surfaced on a fan-run Facebook group called '77 Rockers Unite. Fans shared how the song became a staple at '77’s early European gigs, with crowds chanting the chorus like a battle cry. A fan recounted a 2011 Barcelona show where Armand dedicated the song to “all the young rebels who keep rock ‘n’ roll breathing.” The track’s raw energy also caught the ear of producer Nicke Andersson (The Hellacopters), who, after meeting the band in Sweden, helped amplify their sound for their later albums, as noted in a Wikipedia bio. Its unpolished, in-your-face style makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited playlist, as they spin it to unleash the inner wild child in every Zoo Freak.

'77, the Barcelona-based hard rock outfit behind "Let the Children Hear Rock 'n' Roll," was born in 2006 from the shared vision of brothers Armand and LG Valeta. According to their official bio on 77rocks.com, the siblings grew up obsessed with 1970s rock gods like AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, and Aerosmith. Armand, the charismatic vocalist and rhythm guitarist, and LG, the blistering lead guitarist, started jamming in their garage, determined to revive the gritty, no-frills sound of classic rock. They recruited bassist Raw and drummer Dolphin Riot, forming the original lineup that cut their teeth in Barcelona’s underground scene. By 2007, they dropped a self-titled EP, which got them enough buzz to land a deal with Weight Recordings for their 2009 debut, 21st Century Rock. Their relentless touring across Europe, as mentioned in a 2010 Bandcamp feature, built a cult following and led to a pivotal signing with Listenable Records.

The band’s early days weren’t all smooth sailing. In a Instagram throwback post from 2020, LG shared a story of their first tour van breaking down in rural France, forcing them to hitchhike to a gig with their gear. That DIY spirit defined '77’s rise, as they played dive bars and small festivals, winning over fans with their high-energy shows. Their big break came when they met Nicke Andersson during a Swedish tour, a moment that Armand called “fate” in a Sleaze Roxx interview. Andersson’s production on their later albums like High Decibels helped polish their sound while keeping it raw. Today, '77 remains a torchbearer for retro rock, with a loyal fanbase that connects through sites like the '77 Rockers Unite group and their active X account.

For more on '77, check out their official website at 77rocks.com, where you can find tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and tour updates, or join the conversation on X. Fans can also dive into the community at the '77 Rockers Unite Facebook group, a hub for sharing concert stories and rare band photos. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive by cranking '77 and spreading the word about this killer band.