Hell On Wheels

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the volume at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the high-octane track "Hell On Wheels" by Betty Blowtorch from their 2001 album Are You Man Enough? for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song is a raucous anthem, bursting with the band’s signature punk-metal energy. Its lyrics, like “Sirens blaring down the highway / We don’t give a fuck, we’re doin’ it our way,” capture the band’s rebellious spirit and unapologetic attitude. According to a 2001 review by Riverfront Times, “Hell On Wheels” opens the album with a “burst of barnstorming style,” setting the tone for the band’s fearless, in-your-face approach to rock. The song’s raw power and cheeky humor made it a standout track, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s wild vibe.

One juicy piece of trivia about “Hell On Wheels” comes from its live performances. Betty Blowtorch was known for their electrifying shows, and a 2020 Bandcamp release of their live album Betty Blowtorch Live at Maxwells in N.J. 2001 features a blistering rendition of the song. Fans on YouTube have commented on the band’s ability to command the stage, with one user noting, “Betty Blowtorch’s live energy was unmatched—‘Hell On Wheels’ felt like a freight train hitting you!” The song’s lyrics also hint at the band’s playful defiance, with lines like “You say you want a backstage pass / Well baby, you better kiss my ass,” which reportedly got crowds roaring during their 2001 tour with Nashville Pussy. The Zoo Freaks would no doubt love the song’s call to rock hard and live fast.

Betty Blowtorch formed in 1998 in Southern California, born from the ashes of the punk band Butt Trumpet. The original lineup included Bianca Halstead (aka Bianca Butthole) on bass and vocals, Sharon Needles on guitar, Blare N. Bitch on guitar, and Judy Molish on drums. According to their bio on Apple Music, the band was inspired by Hollywood’s heavy metal and glam rock scenes, channeling the grit of Joan Jett and the raw edge of L7. They started playing local gigs, quickly gaining a cult following for their provocative lyrics and unapologetic stage presence. Their 1999 EP Get Off, released independently on Foil Records, showcased their sleazy, sexed-up anthems, paving the way for their major debut Are You Man Enough? in 2001 on Foodchain Records.

The band’s rise wasn’t without challenges. A Wikipedia entry details how, during their 2001 tour, drummer Judy Molish and guitarist Sharon Needles left the group, replaced by Jennifer Finch of L7 and drummer Dave Gara. Tragically, lead singer Bianca Halstead died in a car crash on December 15, 2001, in New Orleans, halting the band’s momentum. The surviving members disbanded, but their legacy lives on through a 2003 rarities collection Last Call and a documentary, Betty Blowtorch And Her Amazing True Life Adventures, directed by Antonia Scarpa. The Zoo Crew’s choice of “Hell On Wheels” keeps the band’s fierce spirit alive for new generations of Zoo Freaks.

Fans can connect with Betty Blowtorch through their official Bandcamp page, which serves as their primary online hub, offering music and merch. Their Facebook page remains active, with posts like a 2018 announcement about a performance at the Whisky a Go Go featuring Mia X on bass and vocals. While the band doesn’t have an official Instagram or X account, fans keep the flame burning on platforms like Myspace, where old-school profiles still exist. Fan communities thrive in places like the Betty Blowtorch Official Facebook group, where devotees share memories, rare photos, and tributes to Bianca’s legacy. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can dive into these spaces to celebrate the band’s enduring, rebellious rock ‘n’ roll heart.