Monkey on Your Back

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs from THE ZOO are spinning a killer track for you tonight: Monkey on Your Back by Aldo Nova from his 1983 album Subject...Aldo Nova. This song’s got a gritty edge, telling the tale of two kids, Timmy and Sally, caught in the grip of addiction. It hit #12 on the Mainstream Rock Chart, and fans on Reddit still rave about its sci-fi vibe, with massive keyboards and Aldo’s killer guitar riffs. One fan even mentioned cranking it to test new speakers, though they blew out a few in the process! Aldo himself has said this album is a fan favorite, with many calling it his best work despite its #56 peak on the US charts. In a 2020 livestream, Aldo and his band, spread across North America, rocked this tune, blending talkbox vocals and a robotic guitar solo that’s pure 80s magic.

The song’s moral hits hard: “Clean up your act, get the monkey off your back, or you’ll be sorry.” Aldo’s storytelling shines here, and fans on Rate Your Music rank it among his top five tracks, right behind Fantasy. In a 2012 interview with Rock Show Critique, Aldo shared how he poured personal pain into his music, making songs like this resonate with anyone who’s faced their own demons. A post on X from April 2025 called Aldo’s band the greatest to come out of Canada, linking to this very song on YouTube, proving its staying power. The Subject album, certified Gold in the US and Platinum in Canada, didn’t get the promo it deserved, but Zoo Freaks, you know it’s a gem!

Let’s dive into how Aldo Nova, born Aldo Caporuscio, kicked off his wild ride. Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Aldo knew at four he wanted to be a rock star, strumming a plastic ukulele in front of a mirror, dreaming of stadiums. Tragedy struck at 13 when his mother passed away, and he turned to music for solace, getting an electric guitar from his brother. By 14, he was writing original songs and playing in a band. At 16, he joined a cover band, learning how to craft hits and harmonies. A pivotal moment came when a man offered him a record deal to write and produce music for a new wave act, though Aldo stayed true to his rock roots. Signing with Portrait Records, he dropped his self-produced debut album in 1982, with Fantasy climbing to #23 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing his place in hard rock history.

Want to keep up with Aldo? Check out his official website for merch, a photo gallery spanning his 40-year career, and his custom guitar collection. Connect with him on Facebook, where he shares updates and rare videos, or follow his Instagram for behind-the-scenes vibes. On X, he engages with fans, like those from the Aldo Nova Fan Club on Facebook, who share stories and pics from his shows. Fan sites like Phil X Fan Club also nod to Aldo’s influence, noting his 1991 tour with Phil X opening for The Scorpions. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up Monkey on Your Back, and let’s keep rocking with Aldo Nova!