Fox Huntin'

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track Fox Huntin' by Blackhorse, a standout from their 1979 self-titled album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the Southern rock vibes. This song is a high-octane opener, often hailed as one of the most explosive starts to any album. It kicks off with the sound of baying hounds, setting the stage for a driving riff that hits like a freight train. At first, listeners might mistake it for a Motörhead track, but the Southern accents and bluesy guitar leads quickly root it in the heart of Texas hard rock. Critics have noted its near-heavy metal intensity, making it one of the heaviest Southern rock tracks of its era, a unique blend that set Blackhorse apart from their peers.

Trivia about Fox Huntin' abounds, especially from the band’s own reflections shared on their Facebook page. The track was a staple of their live shows, particularly during their legendary performance at the KZEW Zoo World free concert at the Dallas County Convention Center in 1980, where clips of their set can still be found on YouTube. The song’s raw energy captured the band’s reputation for “kick-ass” live performances, as they described themselves. The album, including Fox Huntin', was self-released to sell at gigs, a testament to their DIY spirit. Fans on the Blackhorse Fan Group often share stories of discovering the record at local Texas venues like Motherload’s, where the band built their cult following.

Blackhorse was a power trio from Mineral Wells, Texas, formed by Gary James on lead guitar and vocals, John Teague on drums and vocals, and Paul-Anthony Middleton on bass and vocals. Their story began in the late 1970s, playing the Dallas-Fort Worth club circuit, where their intense live shows caught the attention of local rock fans. Inspired by Southern rock giants like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot, they carved out a heavier, more aggressive sound that resonated with audiences craving something raw and unpolished. The band’s self-titled album, produced by Middleton with associate producer Rick Hatfield, was a labor of love, recorded to capture their live energy and sold directly to fans at shows.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. After their 1979 album, they disbanded for a time, with James and Teague resurfacing in the mid-1980s under the name The Cauze, exploring a smoother AOR sound that diverged from Blackhorse’s grit. However, the trio reunited in 2008, thrilling fans with a series of performances until Gary James’ untimely passing in 2015. Their legacy lives on through fan communities like the Blackhorse Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memories, rare photos, and vinyl finds.

For more on Blackhorse, check out their official Facebook page, where they post updates and interact with fans. While they don’t have an official website, Instagram, or X account, the Blackhorse Fan Group is a vibrant hub for fan discussions and tributes. The band’s music and story continue to inspire, keeping the spirit of Fox Huntin' alive for new generations of rock enthusiasts.