Train, Train

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy Southern rock anthem "Train, Train" by Blackfoot from their 1979 album Strikes, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks revved up with its gritty guitar riffs and locomotive rhythm. This song, a standout on the platinum-certified album, peaked at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of Blackfoot’s most iconic hits. Written by Shorty Medlocke, the grandfather of Blackfoot’s frontman Rickey Medlocke, the song was originally recorded in 1971 by Shorty and his daughter as Shorty Medlock & Mickey with the Fla. Plow Hands. The track’s unforgettable harmonica intro, performed by Shorty himself, gives it a raw, bluesy edge that sets it apart from typical Southern rock fare. According to Songfacts, fans have shared stories of singing "Train, Train" at karaoke, with one fan, Peter O from Nashville, noting how his gravelly voice fits the song’s rugged vibe, earning cheers from crowds familiar with its infectious melody.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s cultural impact—it’s been covered by diverse artists, showcasing its versatility. Hard rock band Warrant included a version on their 1990 album Cherry Pie, and country legend Dolly Parton gave it a bluegrass spin on her 1999 album The Grass Is Blue. The Every Eighties Song Analyzed blog describes "Train, Train" as “folklore and Appalachian tradition colliding with Marshall-stack ferocity,” highlighting its unique blend of Southern storytelling and heavy metal energy. Fans on Songfacts have compared it to The Band’s "Mystery Train," noting similarities in lyrics and melody, sparking debates about its roots. A memorable anecdote from a fan, Jimmy J, recalls meeting Blackfoot in a practice space in Fort Myers, Florida, where he mistakenly asked a fill-in guitarist for an autograph, only to be gently corrected by Rickey Medlocke, who watched with amusement.

Blackfoot got their start in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1970, born out of a group of musicians determined to make their mark in the Southern rock scene. The classic lineup—guitarist/vocalist Rickey Medlocke, guitarist Charlie Hargrett, bassist Greg T. Walker, and drummer Jakson Spires—came together after years of grinding it out in earlier bands. In 1969, Medlocke and Walker formed a band called Fresh Garbage, named after a song by the psychedelic rock act Spirit, playing gigs at Jacksonville’s Comic Book Club. After relocating to New York and facing setbacks, they briefly joined Lynyrd Skynyrd before reforming as Blackfoot in 1972. The band’s name was a nod to the Native American heritage of Medlocke, Spires, and Walker, with Medlocke’s Lakota Sioux and Blackfoot ancestry and Walker’s Eastern Creek roots shaping their identity. Despite early struggles, including label changes and a stint in North Carolina, Blackfoot hit their stride with Strikes, produced by Al Nalli and Henry Weck, which catapulted them to fame with hits like "Train, Train" and "Highway Song."

Today, fans can keep up with Blackfoot through their official website, where they share tour updates and band news. Their Facebook page is active with posts about recent performances and tributes to their legacy, while their Instagram features throwback photos and concert clips that keep the Zoo Freaks energized. On X, the band engages with fans, sharing memories of their classic era and updates on new projects. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities thrive online, including the Blackfoot Fans Unite Facebook group, where enthusiasts swap stories, rare photos, and concert experiences. Another fan hub, Southern Rock Bands, offers a deep dive into Blackfoot’s discography and history, perfect for those looking to explore the band’s roots and connect with fellow fans.