Night Prowler

The Zoo Crew is spinning the dark, bluesy vibes of Night Prowler by AC/DC, the closing track from their iconic 1979 album Highway to Hell. This song stands out for its slow, menacing rhythm and eerie intro, which sets a chilling tone with two deep breaths meant to evoke "fear and loathing." The track’s ominous lyrics, paired with Bon Scott’s gritty delivery, paint a vivid picture of a nocturnal predator. However, the song ends on a surprising note with Scott muttering, "Shazbot! Nanu nanu!"—a nod to Robin Williams’ catchphrase from the sitcom Mork and Mindy, revealing the band’s playful side. According to a quote from Malcolm Young, shared on Genius, the song’s concept was inspired by Bon Scott’s childhood in suburban Australia, where hot nights led him to open his window, letting in the sounds and shadows of nocturnal animals. Scott likened these creatures to "night prowlers," giving the song a natural, almost innocent origin despite its dark tone.

The song stirred controversy due to its association with serial killer Richard Ramirez, dubbed the "Night Stalker," who was a fan of AC/DC and reportedly left an AC/DC hat at a crime scene in 1985. This led to media speculation that Night Prowler influenced his crimes, a claim the band vehemently denied. In a VH1 Behind the Music episode, AC/DC clarified that the song was about a boy sneaking into his girlfriend’s bedroom, not violence. Fans on Reddit have praised the track’s raw energy, with one user in a 2022 post calling it "violently revolting in the most musically inspired way," highlighting its ability to provoke and captivate. The controversy even fueled debates during the 1985 Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) hearings, where AC/DC was targeted, though ironically, another song, Let Me Put My Love Into You, made the PMRC’s "Filthy 15" list instead.

AC/DC was formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, who were born in Scotland but immigrated to Australia as children. Inspired by their older brother George Young, a member of the successful 1960s band The Easybeats, the Young brothers started playing music early. Malcolm, a rhythm guitarist, and Angus, a lead guitarist known for his schoolboy uniform stage persona, recruited vocalist Bon Scott, bassist Mark Evans, and drummer Phil Rudd to form the initial lineup. Their gritty, blues-infused hard rock sound took shape through relentless gigging in Australian pubs and clubs, as detailed in their bio on acdc.com. Their early albums, like High Voltage and T.N.T., gained traction in Australia before they broke internationally with Let There Be Rock in 1977. Bon Scott’s death in 1980 was a pivotal moment, but the band persevered with new vocalist Brian Johnson, releasing the monumental Back in Black. Their raw energy and commitment to no-frills rock have made them one of the best-selling bands of all time.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with AC/DC through their official website, where they share tour dates, merch, and news. The band is active on social media, posting updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper into the AC/DC community through fan sites like AC/DCfans.net, which hosts forums and trivia discussions, or join groups like the AC/DC Tribute Night Prowler on Facebook, dedicated to a tribute band but buzzing with fan chatter. These platforms keep the spirit of AC/DC’s hard-rock legacy alive for fans worldwide.