Teenage Idol

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "Teenage Idol" by Blackfoot from their 1983 album Siogo. This track, a high-energy Southern rock anthem, carries some cool trivia that’ll blow your mind. According to a 2018 review on earofnewt.com, Siogo marked a shift for Blackfoot with the addition of former Uriah Heep keyboardist Ken Hensley, who brought a fresh layer of metal-infused keys to the band’s gritty sound. While "Teenage Idol" itself wasn’t penned by Hensley, his presence on the album added a polished edge, blending Blackfoot’s raw guitar riffs with a touch of commercial flair aimed at the MTV crowd. The song’s lyrics, painting a picture of a lonely city kid chasing dreams in his blue jean jacket, resonate with that classic rock underdog spirit—perfect for cranking up on THE ZOO’s airwaves.

Another tidbit about "Teenage Idol" comes from the album’s title, Siogo, which Blackfoot cheekily claimed was an Indian word for “closeness” or “togetherness.” But, as revealed on Wikipedia, it’s actually a raunchy acronym for “Suck It Or Get Out,” a phrase coined by the band’s road crew and plastered on their tour bus. This rebellious humor fits the song’s vibe, with its soaring solos by guitarist Charlie Hargrett, who, per earofnewt.com, wrenched out “desperation-drenched” licks that define tracks like "Teenage Idol." While specific interviews about the song are scarce, a 1997 chat with frontman Rickey Medlocke, referenced on the same site, hints at Blackfoot’s relentless drive to evolve their sound during the Siogo era, even as they faced pressure to modernize for the changing ‘80s music scene.

Now, let’s rewind to how Blackfoot got their start, pulling from their bio on Wikipedia and Last.fm. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Blackfoot formed in 1970, born from the ashes of a band called Fresh Garbage, named after a Spirit song. Rickey Medlocke, a multi-instrumentalist with Lakota Sioux and Blackfoot Indian heritage, teamed up with guitarist Charlie Hargrett, bassist Greg T. Walker, and drummer Jakson Spires, whose Cheyenne and Cherokee roots inspired the band’s name. Their early days were raw, playing gigs at The Comic Book Club in Jacksonville, channeling a harder-edged Southern rock sound compared to contemporaries like Lynyrd Skynyrd. Medlocke’s brief stint with Skynyrd in 1971 didn’t derail Blackfoot; by 1972, they reformed with a fiercer edge, landing record deals that led to hits like Strikes (1979) and Marauder (1981).

Blackfoot’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. After early lineup changes and a failed contract bid, they relocated, regrouped, and leaned into their Native American heritage to craft a unique identity. By the time Siogo dropped, they were riding high but faced challenges with the departure of Hargrett in 1984, partly due to his “biker type” look not jiving with MTV’s glossy aesthetic, as noted on Wikipedia. Despite these hurdles, Blackfoot’s legacy endures, with Medlocke reviving the band in 1987 and continuing to rock stages. You can keep up with their latest gigs and news on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

For Zoo Freaks who wanna dive deeper, there’s a vibrant fan community out there. Check out the Blackfoot Fan Club on Facebook, where fans share memories, rare photos, and tour stories. Another gem is the Blackfoot Fans International group, buzzing with diehards trading vinyl finds and debating the band’s best riffs. While standalone fan websites are less common now, sites like Last.fm offer fan-driven content and track insights. So, crank up "Teenage Idol," hit up these links, and keep the Southern rock spirit alive with Blackfoot!