Feel Like Makin' Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Feel Like Makin’ Love" by Bad Company from their compilation album 10 From 6, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This song, originally from the 1975 album Straight Shooter, has a juicy backstory. Paul Rodgers, the band’s frontman, started crafting the lyrics at age 19 while camping in California during a U.S. tour with his previous band, Free. Inspired by the free-spirited atmosphere and a touch of romance, Rodgers sketched out the song’s tender verses, later admitting he “did feel like making love at the time” and that it happened “a lot.” Years later, in 1974, he shared the unfinished idea with Bad Company guitarist Mick Ralphs, who added the song’s iconic, heavy-hitting chorus riff, transforming it from a country-tinged ballad into a chest-thumping rock anthem. Rodgers recalled the recording session at Clearwell Castle in Gloucestershire as a natural, groovy experience, with the band nailing the track’s dynamic shift from soft verses to a “controlled raucousness” in Ronnie Lane’s mobile studio.

Another tidbit comes from drummer Simon Kirke, who explained in a Songfacts interview that the song fused two musical ideas, blending Rodgers’ heartfelt lyrics with Ralphs’ macho guitar chords. The result was a power ballad that resonated widely, reaching No. 10 in the U.S. and No. 20 in the U.K., and even earning a Grammy. Rodgers has since joked that the song’s lusty vibe might be responsible for “a whole generation being conceived,” though he admits that could be an exaggeration. The song’s cultural footprint extends to pop culture, popping up in TV shows like The Simpsons and Criminal Minds, and movies like G.I. Jane. Fun fact: Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles cited it as her favorite song as a teenager, adding to its cross-generational appeal. On X, fans recently celebrated the song’s legacy, with @2xsRadio highlighting its 1975 Straight Shooter roots and Bad Company’s all-star lineup.

Bad Company formed in 1973 in London, England, as a supergroup of seasoned musicians. Paul Rodgers (vocals/piano) and Simon Kirke (drums) came from Free, a blues-rock band known for hits like “All Right Now.” Mick Ralphs (guitar) hailed from Mott the Hoople, bringing a gritty edge, while Boz Burrell (bass) had a stint with King Crimson. Managed by Led Zeppelin’s Peter Grant, the band took their name from a 1972 Western film and quickly rose to fame. Their self-titled debut album in 1974 hit No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 3 in the U.K., driven by hits like “Can’t Get Enough.” Straight Shooter followed, cementing their status with tracks like “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” Known for their raw, bluesy sound and Rodgers’ soulful voice, Bad Company became a 1970s rock staple, blending British grit with American swagger.

For the latest on Bad Company, check their official website, where you can find updates on a forthcoming tribute album. Their Facebook page shares tour memories and fan posts, while Instagram offers vintage photos and band history. On X, they engage with fans, recently sharing a throwback to their 1975 hit. Fans can also connect on the Bad Company Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group for sharing memorabilia and concert stories. For deeper dives, Bad Company’s Fan Club offers exclusive content and community vibes for dedicated Zoo Freaks.