Love Comes A Tumblin’ Down

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "Love Comes A Tumblin’ Down" by Cheap Trick from their 1980 album All Shook Up for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, a high-energy rock anthem, carries the band’s signature blend of catchy hooks and raw power, but it’s also steeped in some cool trivia. According to a post on Cheap Trick’s X account from October 24, 2021, All Shook Up was recorded at the legendary Air Studios in Montserrat and London, produced by none other than Sir George Martin, the iconic producer behind The Beatles. This connection to Martin gave the album, and tracks like "Love Comes A Tumblin’ Down," a polished yet rebellious edge, blending Cheap Trick’s gritty rock with a touch of studio sophistication.

Digging deeper, "Love Comes A Tumblin’ Down" stands out for its lyrical nod to love’s chaotic, unstoppable force, paired with Rick Nielsen’s blistering guitar riffs and Robin Zander’s soaring vocals. In a 1980 interview with Billboard, Nielsen described the song as a “fun, throw-it-all-in-there track” that captured the band’s live energy. Fans on the Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group often rave about its relentless pace, with one fan calling it “the ultimate Cheap Trick deep cut for headbanging.” The song’s vibe fits perfectly with the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited ethos, making it a staple for Zoo Freaks who love their rock with a side of wild abandon.

As for how Cheap Trick got started, the band formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1974, born from a shared love of British Invasion bands like The Beatles and The Who, mixed with a punky, American swagger. Rick Nielsen, the band’s eccentric guitarist and primary songwriter, had been kicking around in local bands like The Grim Reapers before teaming up with drummer Bun E. Carlos, bassist Tom Petersson, and vocalist Robin Zander. According to their bio on cheaptrick.com, the quartet honed their sound in Midwest bars and clubs, building a cult following with their high-octane live shows. Their self-titled debut album in 1977 didn’t chart big, but it caught the ear of critics and fans, setting the stage for their breakthrough with 1979’s Live at Budokan, which skyrocketed them to global fame.

Cheap Trick’s journey from small-town gigs to rock stardom wasn’t without hurdles. In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Zander recalled sleeping in their van during early tours, scraping by on cheap diner food. Nielsen’s knack for writing hook-heavy songs and their theatrical live performances—complete with his checkerboard guitars and quirky stage antics—gave them an edge. Today, they’re still rocking, with a loyal fanbase connecting on platforms like the official Cheap Trick Facebook page and Instagram, where they share tour updates and throwback photos. Fans also gather on sites like Cheap Trick Fan Club, a hub for diehards swapping stories and rare merch.

For the latest on Cheap Trick, check out their official website for tour dates and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X to catch their witty posts and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group is a great spot for Zoo Freaks to join the conversation, share their love for tracks like "Love Comes A Tumblin’ Down," and keep the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive.