Collide

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Collide" by Black Country Communion from their album BCCIV, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this hard-hitting track. "Collide" was the lead single from BCCIV, released on August 2, 2017, with its music video premiering the same day after a debut on British radio station Planet Rock. The song kicks off the album with a thunderous riff, showcasing the band's signature blend of classic rock and modern energy. Glenn Hughes, the band's vocalist and bassist, described the track as part of an album meant to "physically shake your soul," calling it a "wake-up call" for listeners. The riff for "Collide" was a collaborative effort, written by Hughes and finished by guitarist Joe Bonamassa on the first day of recording, setting a high-octane tone for the album. Critics praised its dense riffs and the prominent keyboard work by Derek Sherinian, which added depth and reduced the overt Led Zeppelin influence compared to earlier works.

Another layer to "Collide" comes from its reception and the band's reunion story. The song's release was a significant moment, marking Black Country Communion's return after a 2013 breakup due to tensions between Hughes and Bonamassa. Joe Bonamassa initiated the reunion, reaching out to bandmates in 2016 with a simple message: "I can’t believe it’s been six years since we did the first album. Anybody interested?" The overwhelming fan response on social media platforms like Facebook and X exploded when the reunion was announced, with fans posting comments like "I love this band. Good to have them back" and "Four geniuses." The band recorded "Collide" and the rest of BCCIV in just seven days at EastWest Studios in Los Angeles, a testament to their chemistry and focus after the hiatus.

Black Country Communion formed in 2009 as a supergroup rooted in classic rock. Glenn Hughes, known for his work with Deep Purple and Trapeze, and Joe Bonamassa, a blues-rock guitar prodigy, first jammed together at the 2006 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Their impromptu performance at Guitar Center’s King of the Blues event in Los Angeles in November 2009 sparked the idea for a band, with producer Kevin Shirley suggesting they recruit drummer Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, and keyboardist Derek Sherinian, formerly of Dream Theater. The band’s name, inspired by the Black Country region of England where Hughes and Bonham grew up, reflects their aim to channel the raw, 1970s rock sound of bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2010, was recorded at Shangri-La Studios and established their reputation as a powerhouse in modern hard rock.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. After releasing three albums—Black Country Communion (2010), 2 (2011), and Afterglow (2012)—tensions over touring commitments led to Bonamassa’s departure in 2013. Hughes and Bonham briefly formed California Breed, but the pull of Black Country Communion brought them back together in 2016. Their reunion album, BCCIV, was a critical success, hitting number 7 on the UK Albums Chart. The band continues to balance their individual careers while delivering high-energy rock, with their fifth album, V, released in 2024. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. For deeper fan engagement, check out communities like the Black Country Communion Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share their passion for the band’s music.