Rock and Roll Again

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Rock and Roll Again" by Blackberry Smoke, a track from their 2015 album Holding All the Roses, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the Southern rock vibes. This song, a gritty ode to a woman who reignites passion and swagger, captures the band’s raw energy. In a 2015 interview with Legendary Rock Interviews, the song was described as a "dirty little rocker praising the virtues of the opposite sex," highlighting its playful yet rebellious spirit. The track’s music video, directed by Video Rahim and premiered on Yahoo Music, was shot in Atlanta, the band’s hometown, and leaned into a retro '70s aesthetic. To make it authentic, Blackberry Smoke posted a casting call on their Facebook page, inviting fans to dress in vintage attire and join the shoot. Some fans traveled across the country to participate, giving the video a genuine, community-driven feel. The video also features cameos from Atlanta musicians like Biters and Gunpowder Gray, tying it to the local music scene.

Another tidbit about "Rock and Roll Again" comes from its production. The album Holding All the Roses was produced by Brendan O’Brien, known for his work with Pearl Jam and AC/DC, and recorded in just 11 days across Atlanta and Los Angeles. According to a Ghost Cult Magazine review, the song channels influences like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Status Quo, with a riff-heavy sound that’s both infectious and rooted in Southern rock tradition. On social media, the band shared the song’s release in November 2014 via their official website and X account, hyping it as a fresh cut from the album. Fans on the Blackberry Smoke Brothers and Sisters Facebook group often cite the song’s driving rhythm and Charlie Starr’s soulful vocals as a live show highlight, with some sharing stories of singing along at concerts like the band’s annual Brothers and Sisters Holiday Homecoming in Atlanta.

Blackberry Smoke got their start in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, founded by lead vocalist and guitarist Charlie Starr, brothers Richard and Brit Turner (bassist and drummer, respectively), guitarist Paul Jackson, and later joined by keyboardist Brandon Still. The band’s early days were marked by a relentless work ethic, playing small clubs and building a grassroots following. Their debut album, Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, dropped in 2003, blending country, blues, and Southern rock. By 2009, their second album, Little Piece of Dixie, caught attention from outlets like Paste magazine, setting the stage for broader success. The band’s breakthrough came with 2012’s The Whippoorwill, which hit the Top 40 on the Billboard 200, and their 2015 album Holding All the Roses made history as the first independent release to top the Billboard Country Albums chart. Over two decades, Blackberry Smoke has stayed true to their roots, touring with acts like ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd while fostering a tight-knit fanbase known as the “Brothers and Sisters.”

For more on Blackberry Smoke, check out their official website for tour dates, merch, and news about their latest album, Be Right Here. Follow them on Facebook, where they have over 426,000 fans, Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots, and X for real-time updates. Fans can connect on the Blackberry Smoke Brothers and Sisters Facebook group, a lively community sharing concert photos and memories. Another fan hub is the Blackberry Smoke Fan Club, where Zoo Freaks can dive into discussions about songs like “Rock and Roll Again” and plan meetups for shows.