Holy Water

Zoo Freaks, get ready to dive into the righteous vibes of "Holy Water" by Bad Company from their 1990 album of the same name! This track is a straight-up banger, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart for two weeks in the summer of ’90. The song’s got that gritty, soulful edge, with Brian Howe’s vocals soaring over Mick Ralphs’ killer guitar riffs. According to producer Terry Thomas in a 2015 Ultimate Classic Rock interview, the song was a nod to their earlier hit “No Smoke Without a Fire,” with Howe wanting to capture that same raw energy but crank it up a notch. The result? A tune that’s like a spiritual jolt, perfect for our Zoo Crew’s late-night spins.

Here’s a juicy tidbit: the "Holy Water" music video features bassist Paul Cullen, who was part of the band’s touring lineup. Fans on Discogs have pointed out that the video’s got this wild, almost cinematic vibe, with Howe rocking some seriously short Daisy Dukes—definitely a bold choice for the era! Plus, the song’s church choir-like harmonies in the chorus give it that extra layer of soul, which Thomas said was a deliberate move to make the track stand out. Zoo Freaks, you can feel the passion in every note, making it a staple for our free-spirited airwaves.

Now, let’s rewind and talk about how Bad Company came to be. Formed in 1973 in London, England, this hard rock supergroup was born from the ashes of Free, Mott the Hoople, and King Crimson. Paul Rodgers (vocals/piano), Mick Ralphs (guitar), Simon Kirke (drums), and Boz Burrell (bass) came together with a mission to blend bluesy grit with rock ‘n’ roll swagger. According to their bio on badcompany.com, the band’s name was inspired by a 1972 Western flick, reflecting their rebellious, outlaw spirit. Their self-titled debut in 1974 was a smash, with hits like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Bad Company” setting the stage for their legendary run.

By the time "Holy Water" dropped, the band had evolved, with Brian Howe stepping in as lead vocalist in 1986 after Rodgers’ departure. Howe, who’d previously fronted Ted Nugent’s “Penetrator” album, brought a more melodic, arena-rock vibe to the group, as noted in a 2010 Popdose article. Despite some tension with original members Kirke and Ralphs, Howe’s era produced platinum-selling albums like "Holy Water," proving the band could adapt and thrive. The Zoo Crew loves how Bad Company keeps that raw, unapologetic energy alive, no matter who’s behind the mic.

Want to connect with the band and fellow fans? Check out Bad Company’s official website for the latest news and tour updates. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes goodies and throwback pics. Zoo Freaks can also join the Bad Company Fan Club on Facebook, a righteous community where fans share concert stories, rare vinyl finds, and love for the Howe era. For more fan-driven vibes, Bad Company Wiki is a treasure trove of trivia and history. Keep it groovy, Zoo Freaks, and let "Holy Water" wash over your soul!