I Love You

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some sweet vibes as we spin "I Love You" by Climax Blues Band from their 1980 album Flying The Flag here at THE ZOO! This track, a smooth love ballad, hit No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981 and stayed on the charts for 27 weeks, making it the band’s second-biggest hit after "Couldn’t Get It Right." Written by bassist Derek Holt, the song was born in his home studio, but it stirred some drama within the band. Holt shared in a Songfacts interview that his bandmates weren’t thrilled with its romantic vibe, calling it "too lovey." Despite their resistance, producer John Ryan saw its potential, and the track was recorded in Los Angeles at Sound City Studios with legendary pianist Nicky Hopkins on grand piano and a string section arranged by David Campbell, adding that dreamy, romantic polish. The band’s reluctance even led to them refusing to tour behind the album in the U.S., feeling they’d become mere backing players for Holt’s vision. Yet, fans adored it, and it became a slow-dance classic, with one couple from Kissimmee, Florida, sharing on Songfacts that they’ve danced to it every anniversary since 1981, a tradition that still brings tears to their eyes.

Another cool tidbit comes from Holt’s own recounting of the recording process. He laid down the Fender Rhodes piano, bass, vocals, and harmonies himself, while guitarist Pete Haycock added a soulful slide guitar solo. Interestingly, lead vocalist Colin Cooper didn’t even appear on the track, a point of contention that highlighted the band’s creative tensions. Warner Brothers execs, however, loved it at the album launch, pushing it to become a hit. The song’s legacy lives on, covered by bands like Lazlo Bane, Nine Days for The New Guy soundtrack, and Tesla on their 2011 acoustic album. It even featured in the 2002 indie-comedy Cherish, cementing its place in pop culture. Holt himself performed it live only once in the U.S., at a karaoke bar in Clearwater, Florida, in 2005, as he told Songfacts, proving its enduring fan love despite the band’s initial rejection.

Climax Blues Band kicked off in Stafford, England, in 1968, originally as The Climax Chicago Blues Band, blending gritty blues-rock inspired by John Mayall and Savoy Brown. Founded by vocalist and saxophonist Colin Cooper, guitarist Pete Haycock, bassist Derek Holt, keyboardist Richard Jones, drummer George Newsome, and keyboardist Arthur Wood, the band met through local connections, with Cooper and Holt bonding at a grinding wheel factory where Cooper worked as a metallurgist and Holt as a lab assistant. A scout from EMI’s Parlophone label spotted them at local gigs, signing them for two albums. Their debut, Climax Chicago Blues Band, was recorded in 1968 at Abbey Road Studios—yep, the same place as The Beatles and Pink Floyd—over just two days. At the time, the band members were still juggling day jobs, taking time off to record. Produced by a young Chris Thomas, who later worked with Roxy Music and Elton John, their early sound was raw blues, but they evolved into progressive and pop-rock by the time Flying The Flag dropped, reflecting their adaptability and knack for catchy hooks.

You can keep up with Climax Blues Band on their Facebook page, where they share updates on tours and releases, or follow them on Instagram for behind-the-scenes snaps. They’re also active on X, posting about gigs and fan memories. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out the fan-driven Climax Blues Band Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts swap stories, rare photos, and vinyl finds. The band’s official site, climaxbluesband.com, is your go-to for tour dates, merch, and their full discography, keeping the blues-rock spirit alive for all you freaky listeners out there!