The Way I Choose

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "The Way I Choose" by Bad Company from their self-titled debut album, a song that captures the raw energy of the 1970s hard rock scene. In a 2025 Facebook and Instagram live session, drummer Simon Kirke shared that the song was born from a spontaneous jam at Headley Grange, where the band recorded using Ronnie Lane's Mobile Studio. Kirke noted the track's laid-back groove was a nod to their love for soul and blues, with Paul Rodgers' vocals channeling a personal defiance that resonated with fans. The song's lyrics, often interpreted as a declaration of independence, were inspired by Rodgers' reflections on the rock lifestyle, though he clarified in a 1974 interview that it wasn't about any one person, despite rumors linking it to former Free guitarist Paul Kossoff.

Another tidbit comes from a X post by the band's official account, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bad Company album in 2024. They revealed that "The Way I Choose" was one of the first tracks completed for the album, with Mick Ralphs' guitar riff setting the tone for the band's signature sound. Fans on the Bad Company Fan Club Facebook group have shared stories of hearing the song live during the band's 1974 Newcastle City Hall debut, describing its slow-burning intensity as a highlight of those early shows. The track's enduring appeal lies in its blend of gritty authenticity and emotional depth, making it a favorite among Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO.

Bad Company formed in 1973 in London, England, when Paul Rodgers, fresh from the breakup of Free, connected with Mott The Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs. As detailed on their official website bio, the duo bonded over shared musical influences like Jimi Hendrix and Cream, jamming on new material that Ralphs had written. They recruited former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell and drummer Simon Kirke, also ex-Free, to complete the lineup. Rodgers named the band Bad Company, a choice he had to defend to their management and Led Zeppelin's Peter Grant, who signed them to Swan Song Records. Grant's backing gave the band instant credibility, and their debut album, recorded in just ten days, hit number one on the US Billboard 200.

The band's early days were marked by a relentless drive to prove themselves, as Rodgers explained in a 1975 interview: "We were just trying to play what felt good and natural." Their raw, no-frills approach, honed in smoky rehearsal rooms, set them apart in an era of glam and prog rock. Ralphs, inspired by Steve Cropper, brought a simplicity to his songwriting that complemented Rodgers' soulful delivery. Fans can dive deeper into the band's legacy on sites like DaveGott.com, which offers detailed album breakdowns, or join discussions on the Bad Company Fans Worldwide Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memorabilia and concert memories.

For the latest updates, follow Bad Company on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they recently announced a 2025 tribute album, CAN'T GET ENOUGH: A TRIBUTE TO BAD COMPANY. These platforms keep the band's community alive, sharing everything from archival photos to live Q&A replays with Kirke. Whether you're a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, these spaces offer a direct line to the band's ongoing story, keeping the spirit of tracks like "The Way I Choose" rocking strong.