Long Way From Home

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Long Way From Home" by Britny Fox from their 1989 album Boys in Heat, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this glam metal gem. This track, nestled as the seventh song on the album, is a lesser-known cut compared to hits like "Long Way to Love" but still carries that raw, AC/DC-inspired energy the band was known for. According to a review on Metal Storm, the song fits into the album’s vibe of fun, unpretentious hard rock, though it’s noted for blending into the background due to its lack of standout memorability. Despite this, fans on platforms like Last.fm praise its driving rhythm and classic hair metal grit, making it a perfect fit for a radio setlist aiming to capture the late '80s vibe. Interestingly, the album’s production by Neil Kernon was critiqued for missing the punchy gang vocal choruses that could’ve elevated tracks like this one, leaving it feeling a bit "limp" in parts, as one reviewer put it.

Not much direct trivia exists from interviews or social media specifically about "Long Way From Home," but the song was part of a pivotal moment for Britny Fox. Released on Boys in Heat, it was the last album featuring original vocalist "Dizzy" Dean Davidson before he left to form Blackeyed Susan. A 2012 Decibel Geek post reflects on how Davidson’s departure shocked fans, as he was the band’s creative core. The album itself, including tracks like "Long Way From Home," was seen as a step up in lyrical maturity from their debut, with some fans on Rate Your Music noting its "textured instrumentation" and shift to a slightly more polished sound. The Zoo Freaks might dig knowing that the album’s cover art, described as "interesting" by reviewers, stirred some buzz for its bold, cheeky aesthetic—a true hallmark of the glam era.

Britny Fox kicked off their journey in 1985 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city pulsing with rock energy. Fronted by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist "Dizzy" Dean Davidson, the band was rounded out by bassist Billy Childs, lead guitarist Michael Kelly Smith (formerly of Cinderella), and drummer Tony Destra (also ex-Cinderella). According to their bio on Last.fm, the band’s name came from Davidson’s nod to a Welsh ancestor, giving it a unique twist. Their early days were gritty, with a 1986 demo called In America showcasing their raw sound. Thanks to connections with Cinderella, they landed a major deal with Columbia Records. Their 1988 self-titled debut album exploded, hitting #31 on the Billboard 200, driven by singles like "Girlschool" and "Long Way to Love." They played over 130 shows, drawing 625,000 fans, often opening for Poison and Ratt, and even snagged Metal Edge’s 1988 Best New Band award, as noted on Wikipedia.

You can keep up with Britny Fox through their official channels, though they’re not as active today. Check out their official website at britnyfox.com for updates and merch. Their Facebook page is a hub for fan chatter and occasional posts about tours or reissues. On Instagram, they share throwback photos and clips, keeping the glam metal spirit alive. Their X account is less active but worth a follow for sporadic updates or reunion teases, like the 2023 buzz from Michael Kelly Smith about a possible original lineup comeback. Fans also gather on sites like Metal Storm, where 11 dedicated followers share reviews and news. There’s also a Facebook group called Britny Fox Fans, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions, share vinyl finds, and relive the band’s glory days.