Stay Free

Greetings, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Stay Free" by Black Country Communion from their fifth album, V, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share. This hard-hitting single, released on March 1, 2024, is a funky, blues-infused rock anthem that critics have compared to the raw energy of AC/DC and Led Zeppelin’s "Trampled Underfoot." The song’s infectious groove, driven by Derek Sherinian’s clavinet and Joe Bonamassa’s understated rhythm guitar, creates a perfect stage for Glenn Hughes’ soul-drenched vocals. In a press statement, producer Kevin Shirley described the track as having “tougher riffs” and “hooks” that make it an instant earworm, destined to be a live favorite. Posts on X from band members like @DerekSherinian and @glenn_hughes hyped the single’s release, with Hughes calling it a “beautiful thing” that signals a “bright new dawn” for the band. The lyric video, available on YouTube, has been on heavy rotation on Planet Rock, amplifying its reach among rock fans.

Digging deeper, "Stay Free" carries a special story of reunion and resilience. After a seven-year hiatus since their 2017 album BCCIV, Black Country Communion faced internal tensions, particularly between Hughes and Bonamassa, over touring commitments. Fans feared the supergroup might never reconvene, but as Metal Planet Music noted, their reunion was as unlikely as “a wooden rocking horse winning the Grand National.” When the band gathered in 2023 at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, Shirley remarked it felt like “picking up the day after the most recent gig,” highlighting their seamless chemistry. Hughes himself shared on his website that the recording sessions were “tons of fun” and a “magical” experience, reflecting the band’s renewed passion. The track’s city-block-crushing power, as described by reviewers, embodies this revitalized spirit, making it a standout on V.

Now, let’s rewind to how Black Country Communion got started. Formed in 2009, this English-American supergroup is a powerhouse of rock royalty: Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath) on bass and vocals, Joe Bonamassa on guitar and vocals, Jason Bonham (son of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham) on drums, and Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper) on keyboards. The band’s origin story began with an impromptu jam session between Hughes and Bonamassa in November 2009. Sparks flew, and with producer Kevin Shirley’s guidance, they recruited Bonham and Sherinian to complete the lineup. The name “Black Country Communion” nods to the West Midlands of England, the industrial heartland where Hughes and Bonham grew up, and was finalized in May 2010 after a legal tussle with a Baltimore-based band over the name “Black Country.” Their debut album, released in 2010, was a love letter to 1970s classic rock, drawing from the legacies of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and Trapeze, and it set the stage for their signature blend of blues-rock and hard rock.

The band’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. After their third album, Afterglow, in 2012, internal conflicts and Bonamassa’s solo career commitments led to a hiatus. Yet, their shared passion brought them back for BCCIV in 2017 and now V in 2024. Each member brings a storied career to the table: Hughes, dubbed “The Voice of Rock,” has a legacy with Deep Purple and solo work; Bonamassa is a three-time Grammy-nominated blues-rock titan; Bonham carries his father’s drumming legacy with stints alongside Jimmy Page; and Sherinian’s keyboard wizardry has graced stages with Billy Idol and Yngwie Malmsteen. Their ability to fuse individual talents into a cohesive sound has earned them critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, connect with Black Country Communion on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates. Fans can also join the community on the Glenn Hughes fan site, which features news and discography details, or check out Black Country Communion fan groups on Facebook for discussions and exclusive content. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and stay free!