Fly Away

The song Fly Away by Blackfoot, featured on their 1981 album Marauder, is a standout track from the Southern rock band's catalog, known for its driving guitar riffs and infectious energy. One piece of trivia about the song is its chart performance, reaching #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Blackfoot's most successful singles. In a 1981 interview with Billboard magazine, frontman Rickey Medlocke described the song as a reflection of the band's desire to capture the freedom and rebellion of their live performances, stating, "We wanted 'Fly Away' to feel like you're breaking free, just like we do on stage." The track was often a highlight of their concerts, with Medlocke noting in a later fan Q&A on Blackfoot's official Facebook page that the song's extended guitar solos were improvised differently each night, giving fans a unique experience at every show. Additionally, the song's production, handled by Al Nalli and Henry Weck, was praised for its raw, unpolished sound, which captured Blackfoot's gritty Southern rock essence.

Another interesting story about Fly Away comes from a 2019 post on Blackfoot's Instagram, where the band shared a behind-the-scenes anecdote about the recording process. According to the post, the band recorded the track in a single take at Subterranean Studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, after a late-night jam session fueled by coffee and camaraderie. This spontaneous approach contributed to the song's lively, authentic feel. Fans have also shared their own stories on the Blackfoot Fans Facebook group, with one member recalling how Fly Away was the soundtrack to a cross-country road trip in the early '80s, cementing its status as a fan favorite. The song's enduring appeal is evident in its inclusion on the 2019 compilation Road Fever 1980-1985, which featured live versions of the track, showcasing its raw power in concert settings.

Blackfoot was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969, emerging from the vibrant Southern rock scene that also produced bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band's classic lineup included guitarist and vocalist Rickey Medlocke, guitarist Charlie Hargrett, bassist Greg T. Walker, and drummer Jakson Spires. Their journey began when Medlocke and Walker, both Jacksonville natives, met New York City musicians Hargrett and Ron Sciabarasi, forming a band initially called Fresh Garbage. According to a biography on AllMusic, the group played local gigs at The Comic Book Club before relocating to Gainesville, Florida, to become the house band at Dub's Steer Room, a well-known topless bar. In 1970, they moved to New York City, adopting the name Blackfoot to honor the Native American heritage of members like Medlocke (Lakota Sioux and Blackfoot ancestry) and Spires (Cheyenne and Cherokee roots). Their early years were marked by relentless touring and a hard-hitting sound that blended Southern rock with elements of hard rock, setting the stage for their breakthrough album Strikes in 1979.

Rickey Medlocke's musical roots trace back to his childhood, as detailed in a 2008 interview with the Native American Music Hall of Fame, where he was inducted. Raised by his grandparents in Jacksonville, Medlocke learned to play a miniature banjo from his grandfather, Paul "Shorty" Medlocke, a bluegrass musician. By age three, he was performing onstage, and his skills grew over the years, leading to early stints with Lynyrd Skynyrd as a drummer and vocalist in 1971. Medlocke's decision to reform Blackfoot in 1972 came from his desire to front a band as a guitarist, a move that defined Blackfoot's high-energy style. The band's official website, blackfoot.rocks, highlights their Native American influences and commitment to authentic rock 'n' roll. Fans can connect with the band on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share updates and interact with their community.

For fans looking to dive deeper, the Blackfoot Fans Facebook group is an active community where enthusiasts share memories, rare photos, and concert stories. Another fan-driven resource is the Blackfoot Nation Facebook group, which focuses on celebrating the band's legacy and organizing meetups at shows. While independent fan websites for Blackfoot are less common today, the band's official channels and these fan groups keep the spirit of the "Zoo Freaks" alive, echoing the communal vibe of Blackfoot's music. Whether through the soaring riffs of Fly Away or the band's storied history, Blackfoot continues to resonate with fans worldwide.