Under the Gun

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Under the Gun" by Aldo Nova from his self-titled debut album! This high-energy track, released in 1982, is a lesser-known gem from the Canadian rocker, but it’s packed with his signature hard rock vibe. In a 2021 post on his Facebook page, Aldo shared that he re-recorded a turbocharged version of "Under the Gun" during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it "Smokin' Hot-Reloaded" and adding a special jam from his second album, Subject, titled "War Suite." He played all the instruments and handled the vocals himself, proving at 64 that he’s still rocking harder than ever. Aldo dedicated this release to his fans, saying, "A lot of you have been asking me for this and I aim to please always because you’re the best fans an artist could for...ROCK ON!!!!" This reimagined version was meant to bring back the fun of the '80s, a time when, as Aldo put it, "the good times rocked and rolled all night."

Another cool tidbit about "Under the Gun" comes from its inclusion in the 2007 compilation Under the Gun... A Portrait Of. According to a review on Amazon, this compilation showcases Aldo’s early work, with "Under the Gun" standing out as a track that blends his hard rock roots with the new wave influences he was experimenting with at the time. Aldo himself mentioned in a Citizen Freak biography that the song was part of a "mish-mash" of styles on his debut album, as he was asked to focus on rock over new wave by his label, Portrait Records. This balance of genres helped define his unique sound, making "Under the Gun" a fan favorite for those who love his gritty guitar riffs and soaring vocals.

Let’s dive into how Aldo Nova got his start, Zoo Freaks! Born Aldo Caporuscio on November 13, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec, to Italian immigrant parents, he picked up the stage name Aldo Nova at 15 when he began playing guitar and keyboards. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Aldo’s passion for music took root after his mother’s passing when he was 13. He shared in an interview on Citizen Freak that he spent two years practicing guitar in his room, barely leaving except for school and meals. This dedication paid off when he signed with Portrait Records and released his self-produced debut album, Aldo Nova, in 1982. The album, featuring hits like "Fantasy" and "Under the Gun," climbed to number 8 on the Billboard charts, with "Fantasy" hitting number 23 on the Hot 100. Aldo’s innovative use of synthesizers in a rock format set him apart, and he played nearly all the instruments on the record, showcasing his multi-instrumentalist talents.

Stay connected with Aldo Nova and his Zoo Freak-worthy vibes! Check out his official website for merch, a gallery of his 40-year career, and his custom guitar collection. Follow him on Facebook, where he has over 38,000 fans, and on Instagram for updates on his music and live shows. You can also catch his posts on X, where he shares thoughts and interacts with fans. For those wanting to join the fan community, the Aldo Nova Facebook page is a hub for fans to connect, and there’s a dedicated fan group, Aldo Nova Fans, where supporters share their love for his music. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let’s keep the Aldo Nova spirit alive!