Peace, Love and Loud Guitars

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Peace, Love and Loud Guitars" by Anthony Gomes from his album High Voltage Blues, and the Zoo Freaks are surely rocking out. This song, originally the title track of Gomes’ 2018 album, was re-recorded for High Voltage Blues in 2022 with a turbo-charged edge, featuring legendary bassist Billy Sheehan and Korn drummer Ray Luzier. In a 2022 interview with In the Bucket Playlist, Gomes described the re-recording as a chance to “circle back” and infuse the track with “a little insanity,” amplifying its arena-worthy energy. The song’s message of unity through music resonates deeply, with lyrics calling for peace and love from “Montreal to Mozambique,” as noted in a review by Markus’ Heavy Music Blog. Its anthemic quality made it a fan favorite, with one Amazon reviewer calling it a “real arena anthem” that showcases Gomes’ signature “bass growl” and high-octane guitar licks.

Another tidbit about "Peace, Love and Loud Guitars" comes from its cultural impact. In a 2018 interview with Rock and Blues Muse, Gomes shared that the song’s title was a playful yet purposeful nod to world peace, crafted in a “fun, flippant way” to avoid being preachy. He aimed to recharge listeners and unite them through the power of blues rock, especially in divisive times. The track’s 2024 remix, celebrating the fifth anniversary of the original album, hit #1 on the Amazon Music New Release Blues Chart, as highlighted on Gomes’ official store. Social media buzz from fans on Facebook shows the song’s enduring appeal, with one fan calling it “the soundtrack to my road trips” for its infectious energy and sing-along vibe.

Anthony Gomes began his musical journey in Toronto, Ontario, born on May 14, 1970, to a Portuguese father and French-Canadian mother. His love for music sparked early, influenced by icons like Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, and B.B. King. At 14, he picked up the guitar, and by his teens, he was honing his craft in local clubs. A pivotal moment came when B.B. King’s bus driver caught Gomes jamming in Chicago, leading to an introduction to the blues legend. As detailed in a 2022 In the Bucket Playlist interview, B.B. King spent 30 minutes mentoring the young guitarist, offering advice on band leadership and choosing character over talent. This encounter inspired Gomes to pursue music over law school, launching his career with his 1997 debut album Primary Colors. Since then, he’s released 14 albums, blending blues, rock, and soul, and toured globally.

Now based in St. Louis, Missouri, Gomes has built a loyal following through his electrifying live shows and prolific output. His official website, anthonygomes.com, is the hub for tour dates, music, and merch. Fans can connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares updates and interacts with the blues rock community. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, the Anthony Gomes Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant space where supporters share concert photos, discuss favorite tracks, and organize meetups. Another fan-driven site, Rate Your Music, offers a detailed discography and fan reviews, celebrating Gomes’ contributions to blues rock.