Bang Go The Bells

The Zoo Crew is spinning the hard-hitting track "Bang Go The Bells" by Babylon A.D., from their 1989 self-titled debut album, a song that’s pure street metal energy for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This anthem, with its blistering riffs and soaring vocals, was one of the standout tracks that helped the band make waves in the late '80s hard rock scene. According to a post on X from user @HairMtlMessiah on April 14, 2025, the song didn’t just slap—it “dropkicked your face into the back row,” capturing its raw, in-your-face vibe that resonated with fans cruising in their Camaros, as one Reddit user recalled playing the cassette on repeat in their '78 model. The music video, available on YouTube, further amplified its gritty charm, showcasing the band’s high-octane performance style that defined their early MTV presence.

Delving into the song’s legacy, "Bang Go The Bells" was part of Babylon A.D.’s debut album that caught the eye of Arista Records president Clive Davis after a live showcase in Los Angeles, as noted in their Wikipedia bio. Fans on Reddit have praised its “excellent riff and rockin’ song” quality, with some calling the entire debut album a classic, though a few admitted the band’s follow-up didn’t quite hit the same mark. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its recent official remaster with lyrics posted on YouTube in October 2024, proving it still resonates with both old-school fans and new listeners. One fan even shared a nostalgic memory of the album being among their top 10 most-played cassettes, a testament to its cultural impact during the hair metal era.

Babylon A.D. got their start in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1987, a hotbed for rock talent at the time. The original lineup—Derek Davis on vocals, guitarists Danny De La Rosa and Ron Freschi, drummer Jamey Pacheco, and bassist Robb Reid—came together with a shared passion for hard rock and a gritty, streetwise sound. Their big break came in 1989 when Clive Davis signed them to Arista Records after witnessing their electrifying live performance, as detailed in their Wikipedia entry. The band’s self-titled debut, featuring "Bang Go The Bells," hit the scene that same year, blending raw energy with polished production that landed them on MTV with videos for tracks like "The Kid Goes Wild," famously tied to the RoboCop 2 soundtrack. Their early years were marked by relentless touring and a loyal fanbase, setting the stage for a career that’s spanned decades despite lineup changes and breaks.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Babylon A.D.’s official website offers the latest on their music, tour dates, and merch. You can also connect with the band on their Facebook page, where they share updates and interact with fans, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and throwbacks. On X, they post about new releases and engage with their community, keeping the metal spirit alive. Fans can join the Babylon A.D. Fanatics Facebook group to swap stories, share memorabilia, and celebrate the band’s legacy. While no standalone fan websites were found, the band’s presence on platforms like Reddit’s r/hairmetal community shows their enduring pull among hard rock enthusiasts.