Her Strut (Live 1980)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying "Her Strut (Live 1980)" by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band from the iconic live album Nine Tonight, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the raw energy of this classic rock anthem. This track, captured during performances at Detroit’s Cobo Hall in June 1980 and Boston Garden in October 1980, showcases Seger’s ability to ignite a crowd with his gritty vocals and the band’s tight, rollicking instrumentation. One fascinating piece of trivia about "Her Strut" is that Seger wrote it inspired by feminist icon Jane Fonda, specifically her bold appearance before the Campaign for Economic Democracies. Seger admired her "crust" and strength, aiming to craft a song for the modern '80s woman, as he shared in an interview. He struggled with the song’s potentially sexist undertones, particularly the chorus line “I love to watch her strut,” but worked hard on the verses to emphasize human nature and mutual attraction, ensuring the song respected women’s empowerment.

Despite its high-octane vibe, "Her Strut" wasn’t a chart-topping single like others from Against the Wind, as it was released as the B-side to "The Horizontal Bop." Some critics, like Jimmy Guterman and Owen O’Donnell, called it a “bewildering lame ditty,” accusing it of objectifying women, but Seger passionately defended it, stating, “My God, I don’t hate women. I’m for women standing up.” Fans, however, embraced its live version on Nine Tonight, where the song’s rhythmic tension and screechy-voiced delivery shine, drawing comparisons to earlier Seger hits like “The Fire Down Below.” A Reddit user on the r/80smusic subreddit shared a personal story, noting how the song’s bold lyrics stirred unexpected excitement when they first heard it, reflecting its provocative edge. The live recording’s inclusion on Nine Tonight, which went quadruple platinum, underscores its lasting appeal among Seger’s devoted fanbase.

Bob Seger’s journey to rock stardom began in the gritty clubs of Detroit, where he was born on May 6, 1945. Growing up in a musical family, Seger was shaped by ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll and R&B, but his father’s abandonment when he was 10 instilled a hardscrabble resilience. He started performing in the early 1960s, fronting short-lived bands like The Last Heard and The Bob Seger System. His 1968 single “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” cracked the Top 40, but national success eluded him for years as he remained a regional Midwest hero. Seger’s relentless touring and raw, soulful sound earned him a cult following, particularly in Detroit, where he honed his craft alongside local musicians. In 1973, he formed The Silver Bullet Band with Detroit-area players like Drew Abbott and Alto Reed, a turning point that led to his breakthrough. The 1976 live album Live Bullet, recorded at Cobo Hall, and the studio album Night Moves catapulted him to national fame, cementing his status as a heartland rock pioneer alongside Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp.

Seger’s music, rooted in blue-collar storytelling and sweaty rock energy, resonates deeply with fans, and his online presence keeps the connection alive. His official website, bobseger.com, offers tour updates, music, and newsletter sign-ups. You can follow him on Facebook for news and fan interactions, or check out his Instagram for throwback photos and concert clips. On X, Seger shares occasional updates, though his account is less active. Fans gather at dedicated sites like The Seger File, a treasure trove of career details and anecdotes curated by a devoted follower. On Facebook, groups like Bob Seger Fans buzz with discussions, memorabilia photos, and stories of epic live shows, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive as they crank up “Her Strut” and celebrate Seger’s enduring legacy.