Somebody Save Me

The Zoo Crew is live at THE ZOO, spinning records for all you Zoo Freaks out there, and we’ve got a banger lined up: Somebody Save Me by Cinderella from their debut album Night Songs. This track, released as the third single in April 1987, hit number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and captures the raw energy of 80s glam metal. Journalist Thom Jurek called it a “riotous call for free living no matter the consequences of the next day,” and it’s easy to see why with Tom Keifer’s gritty vocals and those pounding power chords. The song’s lyrics, like “Somebody get the doctor, I think I’m gonna crash,” paint a vivid picture of living fast and teetering on the edge, a theme that resonated with the era’s wild spirit.

The music video for Somebody Save Me is a time capsule of 80s excess, featuring the band rocking out in a Philadelphia studio and on stage, with a cameo from Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora that left fans buzzing. In a 2013 interview with Something Else! Reviews, Tom Keifer shared that the song is about those moments of desperation everyone feels, making it a fan favorite to perform live. “I never get tired of playing that song,” he said, highlighting its enduring appeal. The video even caught the attention of Beavis and Butt-head, who riffed on the band’s performance and the “wicked stepsisters” running through the clip in over-the-top 80s outfits. Social media posts on Reddit’s hairmetal community echo this love, with fans calling it their favorite Cinderella track and sharing memories of seeing the band live, some noting the confusion of that Bon Jovi cameo as kids.

Cinderella formed in Philadelphia in 1982, founded by vocalist Tom Keifer and bassist Eric Brittingham. The duo, joined early on by guitarist Michael Kelly Smith and drummer Tony Destra, started grinding in local clubs, insisting on playing original material. By 1985, Smith and Destra left to form Britny Fox, and Jeff LaBar and Jim Drnec stepped in, though session drummer Jody Cortez laid down tracks for Night Songs. Jon Bon Jovi played a pivotal role in their rise, catching one of their shows at the Empire Rock Club and helping them land a deal with Mercury Records. The band’s debut, released in 1986, went triple platinum, fueled by heavy MTV rotation and an opening slot on Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet tour. Their blend of hard rock with bluesy undertones set them apart in the glam metal scene.

Despite their peak in the 80s, Cinderella faced challenges, including Keifer’s vocal cord issues in the early 90s and internal conflicts that led to a 2017 hiatus. Still, their legacy endures, with fans keeping the flame alive online. You can follow updates on their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. For deeper dives, check out the fan-driven Cinderella Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow diehards sharing stories and rare photos. So, crank up Somebody Save Me, and let’s keep the 80s rockin’!