Fun in Texas

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the volume at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the high-energy track Fun in Texas by Britny Fox from their self-titled debut album for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, a gritty glam metal anthem, captures the band’s sleazy, larger-than-life vibe with lyrics like “A bit of Texas in my veins, I think I’m goin, goin insane,” painting a vivid picture of wild nights and rock ’n’ roll chaos. According to a review on Rock Angels, the track channels a raw, unpolished energy reminiscent of Cinderella’s Bad Seamstress Blues, with its driving guitars and unapologetic attitude. In a 2015 interview with Screamer Magazine, drummer Johnny Dee shared that the band’s early days were fueled by influences like Alice Cooper and Slade, which shine through in the song’s anthemic, good-time rock spirit. A fan on Reddit recalled seeing the band perform it live at the Empire Rock Club, describing it as a “fun rock and roll” moment that got the crowd moving.

While specific stories about the song’s creation are scarce, its inclusion in the band’s 1988 debut album was pivotal. A post on X by user @mitchlafon in 2023 called the entire album a “classic hard rock/blues-based” record with “not a clunker in the bunch,” highlighting Fun in Texas as a standout for its raw energy. The song wasn’t released as a single, unlike the album’s hits Girlschool and Long Way to Love, but fans on the Britny Fox Official Fan Page often cite it as a favorite for its rebellious Texan spirit. One commenter on XS ROCK noted that the band’s live performances of the track, especially during their 1988 Japan tour, were electric, with the crowd feeding off the song’s rowdy energy. The song’s absence from some compilation albums, like The Very Best of Britny Fox, has been a point of contention among fans, as mentioned in an Amazon review, where a listener lamented its omission in favor of slower ballads.

Britny Fox kicked off their journey in Philadelphia in 1985, born from the ashes of glam metal dreams and a nod to frontman “Dizzy” Dean Davidson’s Welsh ancestry, which inspired the band’s name. Originally featuring Davidson on vocals and rhythm guitar, Billy Childs on bass, Michael Kelly Smith on lead guitar, and Tony Destra on drums, the band leaned heavily on their connections to Cinderella, where both Smith and Destra had previously played. According to Wikipedia, their “trashy Victorian glam” aesthetic and hook-heavy sound quickly landed them a major deal with Columbia Records. Tragedy struck early when Destra died in a 1987 car accident, leading to Johnny Dee stepping in on drums after a stint with Waysted. Their 1988 debut album, featuring Fun in Texas, went gold and eventually platinum, driven by MTV airplay and tours supporting Poison and Ratt. Despite lineup changes and the grunge wave of the early ’90s, the band’s core energy, led by Childs as the only constant member, kept them rocking through multiple reunions.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Britny Fox’s official website for the latest updates. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X for news and throwback posts. Fans can join the Britny Fox Official Fan Page on Facebook to swap stories and share love for the band’s glam metal legacy. Another great spot is the Britny Fox Fan Group, where diehards post rare photos and discuss everything from the band’s ’80s heyday to recent tours. For more fan-driven content, Heavy Metal Wiki offers a detailed rundown of the band’s history and discography, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to crank up the nostalgia.