The Circle

The Zoo Crew is spinning "The Circle" by <(elipsis)Black Country Communion(elipsis) from their 2012 album Afterglow, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the vibe! This track, one of the standout songs from the album, was described by frontman Glenn Hughes as one of his favorites, showcasing the band's ability to blend hard rock with soulful depth. In an interview on glennhughes.com, Hughes explained that the song captures a reflective, almost spiritual mood, with lyrics like "Cloudless, nothing but sky over me" evoking a sense of freedom and introspection. The song's production, helmed by Kevin Shirley, emphasizes Derek Sherinian’s keyboard work, adding a dramatic flair that Hughes specifically wanted to highlight on this record.

Another tidbit about "The Circle" comes from fan discussions on the Glenn Hughes Fan Forum, where Zoo Freaks-like fans have praised its epic, heavier sound. Some consider it a high point of Afterglow, with its intricate guitar and keyboard interplay, drawing comparisons to classic rock giants like Deep Purple. Hughes also noted in a 2012 interview that the song’s composition allowed the band to stretch out creatively, giving each member space to shine, particularly Jason Bonham’s driving drum tempos that set the song’s pulse.

Black Country Communion formed in 2009 as a supergroup, sparked by a spontaneous jam session between Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa at the 2006 NAMM Show in Anaheim. Hughes, already a rock legend from his days with Deep Purple and Trapeze, connected with Bonamassa, a rising blues-rock guitarist. Producer Kevin Shirley, seeing their chemistry, suggested forming a band and brought in Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, and keyboardist Derek Sherinian, known for his work with Dream Theater and Alice Cooper. The band’s name, inspired by the industrial Black Country region of England where Hughes and Bonham hail from, reflects their aim to channel 1970s classic rock with a modern edge. Their debut album, Black Country, dropped in 2010, cementing their reputation as a powerhouse act.

Fans can stay connected with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours and new music. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Glenn Hughes Fan Forum is a great spot to connect with fellow fans, while the Glenn Hughes Fan Club on Facebook offers a community for sharing memories and news about the band’s legacy.