Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning a killer track for you: "Crack Cocaine" by Billy Morrison from his album The Morrison Project. This song’s got some wild stories behind it. Picture this: Billy Morrison and Steve Stevens, both armed with detuned guitars, were jamming in a room, chasing the ultimate riff they thought would scream Ozzy Osbourne. They nailed it, brought Ozzy in, and within 20 minutes, the song was born. Ozzy himself stood up and belted out “Like Crack Cocaine,” and boom—that became the title. Billy’s said in interviews, like one with Loudwire, that the song isn’t about drugs at all—it’s a metaphor for those toxic relationships that feel like an addiction, where you keep going back despite the chaos. The track’s got Ozzy’s signature vocals, Steve Stevens’ searing guitar, and even Paris Jackson in the music video, adding a glamorous twist. It hit #1 on the Active Rock charts, and Billy’s been over the moon, thanking fans and radio stations on his X account for the love.
Now, let’s dive into another juicy tidbit. Ozzy, in a chat on Rolling Stone, called this track a nod to his bluesy roots, with lyrics that poured out naturally. He and Billy have been tight for years, and this song was a labor of love, not some planned comeback. It’s the first time we’ve heard Ozzy’s voice since his 2022 Grammy-winning album Patient Number 9, and fans went nuts when it dropped on March 21, 2024. The music video, with over 3.6 million YouTube views, features cameos from visual artist Risk and actor Jeff Hilliard, and was shot across Los Angeles. Billy shared on Instagram that the single’s cover art was shot by Jane Stuart, and the whole vibe was about capturing that raw, heavy ‘90s Ozzy sound. Zoo Freaks, this track’s a testament to what happens when rock legends just let loose and create from the heart.
So, how did Billy Morrison get his start? Born in the UK, Billy’s been a rock ‘n’ roll staple for decades. He kicked off his career in the late ‘80s as the bassist for The Cult, laying down grooves for their iconic sound. His punk rock spirit and three-chord ethos shaped his early days, but he’s no one-trick pony. By the 2000s, he was shredding rhythm guitar for Billy Idol, a gig he’s held for over 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens. Before that, he fronted his own band, Stimulator, and even played with Camp Freddy, a cover band packed with rock royalty. Billy’s also a painter, with his art showcased in galleries, and he’s dabbled in acting. His first solo album, God Shaped Hole, dropped in 2015, but The Morrison Project in 2024, with its all-star guests like Ozzy, Billy Idol, and Corey Taylor, really put him in the spotlight as a solo artist. He’s a guy who thrives on collaboration, saying in a Loudwire interview that working with others keeps him humble and learning.
Wanna keep up with Billy Morrison? Check out his official website at billymorrison.com for the latest news and tour dates. He’s active on socials, so follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes vibes and updates. Fans are buzzing in places like the Billy Morrison Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can join the convo and share their love for his music. There’s also a cool fan site, giventorock.com, that’s got reviews and deep dives into Billy’s work. So, crank up "Crack Cocaine," vibe with us at THE ZOO, and let’s keep the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive!
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