End Of The Day

The Zoo Crew is spinning the trippy vibes of Atomic Rooster's "End Of The Day" from their album The Devil Hits Back, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its heavy, organ-driven sound. While specific interviews or social media posts about "End Of The Day" are scarce, the song is part of a compilation that showcases the band's raw, head-banging energy from their 1970s peak. Fans on platforms like ProgArchives have noted the album’s intense, almost chaotic hard rock style, with one reviewer calling it a "broad spectrum of the band’s ability" that captures their live ferocity. The track itself, though lesser-known compared to hits like "Devil’s Answer," carries the band’s signature blend of Vincent Crane’s haunting Hammond organ and gritty vocals, making it a gem for collectors and crate-diggers alike.

Digging into the band’s history, Atomic Rooster was born in the psychedelic haze of 1969, founded by keyboardist Vincent Crane and drummer Carl Palmer after they split from The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Crane, the band’s creative core, was a bluesy, organ-wielding visionary who’d been steeped in the wild energy of Arthur Brown’s "Fire" era. Their first gig was a cosmic kickoff, opening for Deep Purple at London’s Lyceum on August 29, 1969. The band’s early days were marked by lineup shifts, with Palmer leaving to form Emerson, Lake & Palmer, but Crane kept the Rooster crowing, bringing in guitarist John Du Cann and drummer Paul Hammond to craft their seminal 1970 album Death Walks Behind You. This period defined their heavy prog sound, blending gothic rock, blues, and a touch of the occult, which resonated with the counterculture crowds of the era.

The band’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing—internal clashes, especially between Crane and Du Cann, led to breakups and reformations. By the early 1980s, Crane revived the band with new members, and though their sound evolved, they never lost their cult following. In 2016, with the blessing of Crane’s widow, vocalist Pete French and guitarist Steve Bolton reformed Atomic Rooster, hitting the festival circuit and releasing new music like the 2024 single "No More." Their legacy lives on through diehard fans who keep the flame alive on sites like ProgArchives and in discussions on Facebook fan groups.

For the latest on Atomic Rooster, check out their official website, though it’s more of a historical archive than a live hub. Their Facebook page is active with updates on gigs and releases, while Instagram offers glimpses of their current lineup and retro aesthetics. On X, they share sporadic posts about shows and merch, connecting with Zoo Freaks who vibe with their vintage sound. Fan-driven spaces like the Atomic Rooster Fans Facebook group are where devotees swap stories, rare vinyl finds, and memories of the band’s wilder days, keeping the spirit of the Rooster alive for a new generation.