Love You 'til It Hurts

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the hard-hitting track "Love You 'til It Hurts" by Chrissy Steele from her 1991 album Magnet to Steele! This song, a raucous anthem of raw passion and gritty vocals, was a standout single from the album, complete with a promotional video that captured Steele’s fierce energy. Fun fact: the track was originally intended for a Headpins album, but due to guitarist Brian "Too Loud" MacLeod’s battle with cancer, it was released as part of Steele’s solo debut. MacLeod, who produced and played guitar on the track, poured his heart into the song, making it a powerful tribute to his legacy. Fans on Reddit have noted its Headpins vibe, with one user speculating it was likely written by MacLeod himself, given its stylistic similarities. The song’s edgy lyrics, like “I’m gonna love you ‘til it hurts,” perfectly showcase Steele’s bold, no-holds-barred attitude, making it a favorite among hair metal enthusiasts.

Another cool tidbit about "Love You 'til It Hurts" comes from its release as part of a promotional EP to build hype for Magnet to Steele. According to a 2011 blog post on Glitter2Gutter, this EP was a collectible gem, featuring key tracks like “Try Me” and “Armed and Dangerous” alongside the single. The blog compares Steele’s sound to Lorraine Lewis of Femme Fatale, noting its appeal to fans of Vixen and Heart. Sadly, the song’s release in 1991 came just as grunge was overtaking hair metal, which limited its commercial success despite its undeniable power. Steele’s performance on the track, backed by MacLeod’s searing guitar riffs, remains a testament to her vocal prowess and the era’s hard rock spirit. If you’re digging this tune, check out the full album for more bangers like “Move Over” and “Murder in the First Degree”!

Now, let’s dive into how Chrissy Steele, born Christina Southern, kicked off her musical journey. Hailing from Vancouver Island, Canada, Steele grew up in Comox and Victoria, where she honed her voice through classical and folk music, singing in choirs and performing in operas. According to her Wikipedia page, she moved to Vancouver at 19 to pursue a professional singing career but initially lacked the confidence to front a band. Returning to Victoria, she answered a newspaper ad in 1984 and joined her first band, Room Service, performing in rock clubs and even appearing on the CBC’s televised Rock Wars competition. A year later, she joined the hard rock outfit Reform School, which helped her build the stage presence needed to command a crowd.

Steele’s big break came in 1989 when Brian MacLeod, founder of the Headpins, invited her to replace singer Darby Mills. After touring with the band, MacLeod’s cancer diagnosis shifted plans, leading to the creation of Magnet to Steele as a solo project. Signed to Chrysalis Records with a multi-million-dollar deal, Steele recorded the album on MacLeod’s yacht off the Pacific coast, with MacLeod writing most of the songs alongside Tim Feehan. The album earned her two Juno Award nominations in 1992 for Most Promising Female Vocalist and Hard Rock Album of the Year. Though she’s kept a lower profile since, Steele is reportedly working on new music with Harlequin’s Glen Willows and her brother Bryan Southern as of 2022.

For more on Chrissy Steele, check out her official social media presence. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram for updates on her music and personal posts. Her X account is also active, where she engages with fans and shares throwbacks to her rockin’ days. Unfortunately, there’s no official website listed for Steele, but fans can connect through these platforms. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fan community, check out the Chrissy Steele Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, rare photos, and updates about her career. You can also explore fan-driven content on sites like CanadianBands.com for detailed bios and discography info. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!