You Must Be Evil

The Zoo Crew is spinning "You Must Be Evil" by Chris Rea, a track from his 1989 album The Road to Hell, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this gritty, blues-infused protest song. The song was inspired by a deeply personal moment for Rea, sparked by his six-year-old daughter’s distress after watching a TV news report about a horrific act of violence in South Africa, where a person was "necklaced" with a burning tire. Rea’s anger at the media’s sensationalism—prioritizing shocking footage over sensitivity—fueled the song’s raw lyrics, which equate news outlets’ obsession with violence to pornography. In an interview for the 2019 deluxe edition of the album, Rea recounted how a journalist friend noted that such atrocities only made the news if graphic footage was available, amplifying his frustration. The song’s squalling slide guitar and gospel backing vocals underscore its biting critique of media exploitation.

Another layer to "You Must Be Evil" comes from its emotional impact on Rea’s family. The same TV report that inspired the song led to his daughter’s grandfather reassuring her that there’s a heaven, prompting Rea to write the album’s closing track, "Tell Me There’s a Heaven," which was later used in a 1991 NSPCC public information film. Rea’s ability to channel personal experiences into social commentary shines here, with the song’s lyrics reflecting his disgust at the media’s lack of respect for viewers, especially children. He told Classic Rock magazine that the song was part of a broader sense of disillusionment with the world’s state, a theme that permeates The Road to Hell. Despite its heavy subject matter, the song’s place on the album, following the title track, helped make the record a cohesive "modern masterpiece," as described by critics, and it contributed to the album’s massive success, topping the UK Albums Chart for three weeks.

Chris Rea, born Christopher Anton Rea on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough, England, began his musical journey far from the spotlight. Initially, he dreamed of becoming a journalist, but a discouraging college teacher tore up one of his essays, pushing him to work in his father’s ice cream factory instead. Music became his outlet when he bought a second-hand Höfner guitar in Middlesbrough, a town with few music shops at the time. Inspired by blues and rock, Rea taught himself to play, developing his signature gravelly voice and slide guitar style. His early career saw modest success with his 1978 debut single "Fool (If You Think It’s Over)," which cracked the US Top 40, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that he gained traction in Europe, particularly Ireland, with albums like Shamrock Diaries. His perseverance paid off with The Road to Hell in 1989, his tenth album, which became his first UK number one and established him as a major European star.

Rea’s career wasn’t without challenges. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at 33, he underwent major surgery in 2000, which impacted his ability to tour and perform. Yet, his resilience—described as “rock’s ultimate survivor”—kept him creating, from the 1996 soundtrack for La Passione to the 2008 blues-inspired The Return of the Fabulous Hofner Bluenotes. His passion for music, Ferraris, and motor racing (he holds a full racing license) often bled into his work, like the track “Daytona” from The Road to Hell. Fans can connect with him through his official website, though he maintains a low social media presence. His official Facebook page offers updates, while fan communities thrive on platforms like the Chris Rea Fans Facebook group and Chris Rea News on X. Instagram accounts dedicated to him, like @chrisrea.official, are fan-run, as Rea himself avoids personal social media. Fan sites like chrisrea.nl also keep his legacy alive with discographies and news for devoted Zoo Freaks.