Monkey Bars

The song "Monkey Bars" by Coney Hatch, featured on their album Sign of Victory, holds a special place in the hearts of hard rock fans, particularly those who vibe with the Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO radio station. In a 2013 interview with Rock Eyez, lead vocalist and guitarist Carl Dixon shared that "Monkey Bars" was inspired by the raw energy of their early Toronto club gigs, capturing the playful yet rebellious spirit of youth. He described the song's riff as something that "just clicked one night while jamming," reflecting the band's knack for crafting infectious hooks. A 2023 post on the band's Facebook page reminisced about recording the track, noting that producer Kim Mitchell pushed them to "keep it loose but tight," a balance that gives the song its distinctive swagger. Fans on the Coney Hatch Fan Club Facebook group often cite "Monkey Bars" as a live show highlight, with one member recalling a 1982 concert where Andy Curran’s bassline had the crowd "bouncing like kids on a playground."

Another tidbit comes from a 2018 X post by the band, where they shared a throwback photo from the Sign of Victory sessions, hinting that "Monkey Bars" was almost cut from the album due to time constraints but was saved after a late-night studio vote. This near-miss story resonates with fans, as seen in comments on their Instagram, where a follower called it "the ultimate underdog anthem." The song’s lyrics, with lines about breaking free and climbing high, also tie into the band’s ethos of resilience, especially after Dixon’s near-fatal 2008 car accident in Australia, which he discussed in his book A Strange Way to Live. The Zoo Crew’s choice to spin this track aligns perfectly with their hippie DJ vibe, as its gritty yet uplifting tone channels the free-spirited energy of their Zoo Freak audience.

Coney Hatch formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 1980, when vocalist/bassist Andy Curran and drummer Dave "Thumper" Ketchum began jamming with a shared love for hard rock and melodic hooks. As detailed on their official website, the lineup solidified with the addition of vocalist/guitarist Carl Dixon and lead guitarist Steve Shelski in 1981. Named after the Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum in London, the band embraced a cheeky, rebellious identity from the start. Their big break came when they signed with Anthem Records, helmed by Kim Mitchell of Max Webster, who produced their self-titled debut in 1982. The album’s success, driven by tracks like "Devil’s Deck," put them on the map, leading to tours with bands like Iron Maiden, as noted in a Wikipedia entry. Despite lineup changes and a hiatus after their 1985 album Friction, the band’s chemistry and fanbase endured, sparking reunions and new releases like 2013’s Four and 2023’s Postcard From Germany.

For fans wanting to dive deeper, Coney Hatch’s official website offers tour dates, merch, and a detailed bio. Their Facebook page is active with updates and throwback photos, while Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes content and fan interactions. On X, the band shares quick updates and engages with followers. The Coney Hatch Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories, post rare photos, and organize meetups at shows. While no standalone fan websites were found, the band’s official channels and this fan group provide plenty of ways to connect with the Coney Hatch legacy and keep the "Monkey Bars" spirit alive.