How About That

Hey Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew’s spinning a real rock ‘n’ roll gem with How About That by Brian Howe, a re-recorded blast from his 2010 solo album Circus Bar, and it’s got that infectious, fist-pumping vibe that makes you wanna crank the volume. This track, originally a 1992 Bad Company hit from the album Here Comes Trouble, got a fresh coat of paint with a slick, modern edge, keeping its bluesy swagger but adding a new kick, as Myglobalmind.com noted for its “updated arrangement and cool feel.” Brian shared on Facebook that revisiting it was like catching up with an old friend, and the production by Brooks Paschal gave it a glossy shine. A fan on X posted about hearing it at a dive bar, saying it “brought the house down” with folks air-guitaring like it was the ‘90s, while a Reddit r/ClassicRock thread had someone recalling how the original sparked their love for Howe’s soulful voice during a teenage road trip.

Dig this groovy tidbit: How About That on Circus Bar was one of two Bad Company remakes, alongside a haunting, piano-driven Holy Water, and Hardrockhaven.net called it a standout for staying true to the song’s roots while feeling reborn. The recording sessions in Orlando’s Fort Studios were a party, with pals like Wayne Nelson of Little River Band and guitar hero Pat Travers dropping by, per Brianhowe.com. A fan on Instagram shared a clip from a 2010 live show, raving about how Brian’s performance of the song had the crowd chanting “How ‘bout that!” like a rock ‘n’ roll sermon. Another X user mentioned stumbling across the Circus Bar version on a late-night radio spin, saying it felt like “Howe was back to claim his throne.” It’s the kind of tune that hits all the right Zoo Crew notes—big hooks, warm vocals, and a vibe that screams freedom.

Now, let’s roll back to how Brian Howe got his start, ‘cause this guy’s journey is a rock ‘n’ roll odyssey. Born in Portsmouth, England, in 1953, Brian kicked off in local bands like Shy, chasing a harder rock sound, as Wikipedia details. His big break came in 1983 when Ted Nugent tapped him for vocals on the Penetrator album, after Atlantic Records heard his demos and producer Ashley Howe (no relation) thought he’d fit Nugent’s wild energy. After a stint with the short-lived NWOBHM band White Spirit, Brian landed the gig of a lifetime in 1986, replacing Paul Rodgers in Bad Company. With Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke, he steered the band to platinum success with albums like Holy Water and Dangerous Age, co-writing hits like No Smoke Without a Fire. His solo career took off with 1997’s Tangled in Blue, and Circus Bar showed he could still deliver, proving his voice was as powerful as ever until his passing in 2020.

Zoo Freaks, if you’re vibing with Brian Howe’s rockin’ soul, connect with his legacy: swing by his official website for merch and memories, vibe with tributes on Facebook, check out throwback pics on Instagram, and follow fan posts on X. For you super-fans, join the Brian Howe Fans Facebook group to swap stories of epic Bad Company gigs or share love for Circus Bar’s gems. Fan sites like Rock Candy Records dive into his discography with reissues, keeping his music alive. Keep spinning those records, and let How About That remind you why Brian Howe’s voice still rocks the airwaves!