Lightning Strikes

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Lightning Strikes" by Aerosmith from their 1982 album Rock in a Hard Place, and Zoo Freaks, this track has some wild stories behind it! This song is notable as the only charting single from the album, hitting #21 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. It was written by Steven Tyler, Jimmy Crespo, and Richie Supa, a longtime collaborator of the band. What makes it unique is that it’s from a period when Joe Perry had left the band, replaced by Crespo, and Brad Whitford recorded his parts before also departing. The music video, directed by Arnold Levine, was one of Aerosmith’s earliest for MTV, showing the band toggling between a gritty studio performance and street scenes where they brandish baseball bats, chains, and knives, hinting at a brewing fight. In a 2008 interview, guitarist Rick Dufay, who stepped in for Whitford, described the chaotic recording process, saying Steven Tyler was struggling with drug issues, nodding off while trying to write lyrics, and the band spent two years battling to finish the album until producer Jack Douglas and Dufay pushed it through. A 2017 post on X from Aerosmith’s official account celebrated the song as a #ThrowbackThursday, asking fans their favorite 1980s track, proving its enduring vibe.

Now, let’s dive into how Aerosmith, the Bad Boys from Boston, got their start. Formed in 1970, the band came together when Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton, playing in a group called the Jam Band, met Steven Tyler, Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano in Boston. By 1971, Brad Whitford replaced Tabano, solidifying the classic lineup. Their bluesy, swaggering rock, reminiscent of The Rolling Stones, took shape with Tyler’s dynamic vocals and Perry’s gritty guitar riffs, earning them the nickname the “Toxic Twins.” Their self-titled debut in 1973, featuring Dream On, laid the foundation, though it was Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976) that made them arena-rock giants. Despite early struggles with radio play, relentless touring and a loyal fanbase, dubbed the “Blue Army,” propelled them forward. Their style, rooted in hard rock with pop, metal, and R&B influences, inspired countless bands.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Aerosmith on their official website, where you’ll find tour info, merch, and news. Connect with them on Facebook, where they have over 16 million likes, sharing updates and throwbacks. Their Instagram is packed with behind-the-scenes shots and iconic photos. On X, they engage fans with quick updates and song polls. For deeper fan vibes, check out Aero Force One, their official fan club, offering exclusive merch, premium tickets, and band news. Join the r/Aerosmith subreddit, an unofficial fan hub where the Blue Army discusses everything from lyrics debates to concert rumors. There’s also the Aerosmith Wiki on Fandom, a treasure trove of song and album details curated by fans.