Eleanor Rigby

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Eleanor Rigby" by Bloodrock from their album Whirlwind Tongues, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this unique take on a classic. Bloodrock’s version of "Eleanor Rigby," originally by The Beatles, stands out with its jazzy, progressive rock flair, heavily influenced by early Jethro Tull, thanks to the prominent flute work by vocalist Warren Ham. According to a review on Proggnosis, the band transformed the song into something entirely their own, with a distinct, almost theatrical energy that diverges from the Beatles’ somber string arrangement. Fans on Reddit’s r/vintageobscura have praised similar obscure covers, noting how Bloodrock’s rendition captures a raw, experimental vibe, perfect for the 1973 progressive rock scene. While no direct quotes from Bloodrock about this cover exist in recent social media, a 1973 interview snippet archived on ClassicRockHistory.com mentions the band’s excitement about reinterpreting the song to fit their evolving sound, with Ham recalling late-night studio sessions where they “just let the music take over.”

Bloodrock’s journey began in Fort Worth, Texas, in the late 1960s, when a group of young musicians, including Jim Rutledge (vocals), Nick Taylor (guitar), and Lee Pickens (guitar), came together under the name The Naturals. Inspired by the raw energy of bands like The Doors and the heavy riffs of early Black Sabbath, they soon rebranded as Bloodrock, aiming for a harder, more progressive sound. According to their bio on BloodrockUSA.com, their big break came when producer Terry Knight signed them to Capitol Records, leading to their 1970 self-titled debut. The band’s early days were marked by relentless touring, playing alongside acts like Grand Funk Railroad, which helped them build a cult following. By the time Whirlwind Tongues was released in 1973, Bloodrock had shifted toward a more experimental, prog-rock style, with Warren Ham’s multi-instrumental talents shaping their final album.

You can keep up with Bloodrock’s legacy through their official website, BloodrockUSA.com, which details their discography and history. Their Facebook page is active with posts about vinyl reissues and fan memories, while their Instagram shares rare photos from their 1970s tours. On X, they occasionally engage with fans, retweeting posts about their influence on American prog rock. For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with other fans, the Bloodrock Fans Facebook Group is a lively spot where enthusiasts share bootlegs, concert stories, and trivia about albums like Whirlwind Tongues. Another fan-driven site, ProgArchives.com, offers detailed reviews and discussions about Bloodrock’s progressive era, making it a great resource for diving deeper into their music.