Every Man Should Know (Queenie)

The Zoo Crew is spinning a classic today with "Every Man Should Know (Queenie)" by Blackfoot from their 1980 album Tomcattin', and this track is a Southern rock gem packed with gritty energy. One piece of trivia about the song comes from fan discussions on platforms like Classic Rock Forum, where fans have noted its live performances were particularly electrifying. A commenter who saw Blackfoot in 1981 during their Marauder tour described "Queenie" live as "something every (hu)man should know," highlighting how the song's raw power and slide guitar riffs exploded on stage, often surpassing the studio version's intensity. The song itself, with lyrics like "don’t mess with my Queenie, or I’ll mess with your nose," captures a possessive, swaggering vibe, blending hard rock edge with Southern bravado, as praised in a French review for its desert-like intro and rugged riffs.

Another tidbit about "Every Man Should Know (Queenie)" comes from its place in Tomcattin', an album often seen as Blackfoot leaning harder into their hard rock side compared to their Southern rock roots. According to a Rate Your Music review, the track stands out for balancing melodic elements with the band’s signature intensity, making it a fan favorite for those who love the album’s barroom brawler energy. Fans on 80smetalman’s Blog have also shared that while the studio version is a solid rocker, the live rendition from a 1983 album they heard blew their minds with its heavier delivery, suggesting the song was a staple in Blackfoot’s high-octane shows. This track, though not a chart-topping single, helped solidify the band’s loyal fanbase, especially in the Southeast, as noted in various online discussions.

Blackfoot’s story began in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969, when Rickey Medlocke and Greg T. Walker met New York natives Charlie Hargrett and Ron Sciabarasi, forming a band initially called Fresh Garbage. As detailed on their official website, the group played gigs at The Comic Book Club before adopting the name Blackfoot in 1970, reflecting the Native American heritage of members like Medlocke (Lakota Sioux and Blackfoot ancestry) and Walker (Eastern Creek). After a brief stint as Hammer, they settled on Blackfoot, but early struggles led to a temporary breakup when Medlocke and Walker joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1971. By 1972, the band reformed with Medlocke, Hargrett, Walker, and drummer Jakson Spires, cementing their classic lineup. Their breakthrough came with 1979’s Strikes, featuring hits like "Train, Train," penned by Rickey’s grandfather, Shorty Medlocke, setting the stage for Tomcattin'’s release.

Blackfoot’s journey wasn’t without challenges, as the Southern rock genre waned in the early 1980s, but their hard-hitting sound kept fans hooked. You can follow the band’s current activities on their Facebook page, where they share tour updates and merch, or on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. Their X account is less active but occasionally posts about shows or anniversaries. Fans gather on sites like the Blackfoot Rocks Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, vinyl finds, and concert stories. Another fan hub is the Classic Rock Forum thread dedicated to Blackfoot, where devotees debate albums and post rare photos. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive, celebrating Blackfoot’s legacy as Southern rock trailblazers.