Anthem for America

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the high-energy track "Anthem for America" by Crazy Lixx from their album "Street Lethal" for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, released in 2021, is a fist-pumping call to action, urging the youth of the USA to revive the rebellious spirit of rock 'n' roll. Frontman Danny Rexon described it as a "tongue-in-cheek reminder of how the US used to be the greatest rock n’ roll nation in the world," with a mission to "Make America Rock Again." The track pays homage to the sound and swagger of 1980s hair metal, channeling the vibe of bands like Def Leppard and Ratt with its massive choruses and wailing guitar solos.

One juicy piece of trivia about "Anthem for America" is its 2024 music video, which pairs the song with the 1984 teen comedy Hot Moves. Crazy Lixx has a knack for syncing their music with retro films, and this video ties into their broader trend of creating nostalgic, cinematic visuals. The band commented on Facebook that the video release was timed just weeks before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, emphasizing the song’s message about America’s potential for greatness without diving into political preaching. They noted, "Take it from someone from the outside. As a kid, growing up in Sweden, there was no doubt in my mind that the USA in the ‘80s and ‘90s was the greatest country on Earth – the land of the free and the home of the cool, with liberty and rock n’ roll for all."

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s lyrics, which lament the decline of rock’s dominance around 1993, blaming "trash corporate radio" and "soap opera MTV." Rexon explained in a 2020 interview with On the Road to Rock that each Crazy Lixx album has a distinct theme, and "Street Lethal" draws inspiration from over-the-top 1980s action flicks like Kickboxer. "Anthem for America" fits this vibe perfectly, with its larger-than-life energy that could easily soundtrack a Jean-Claude Van Damme montage. Fans on X have praised the song’s infectious hooks, with some calling it a "modern classic" for its ability to capture the raw, rebellious spirit of the genre.

Crazy Lixx kicked off their journey in Malmö, Sweden, in 2002, founded by vocalist and producer Danny Rexon. The band was born out of Rexon’s love for 1980s hard rock and glam metal, drawing heavy influence from bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Bon Jovi. They started as a group of friends jamming together, aiming to revive the sleaze and swagger of the Sunset Strip sound that had faded by the early 2000s. Their debut album, Loud Minority, dropped in 2007, earning them a cult following in the Scandinavian rock scene. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Rexon has remained the driving force, steering the band through eight studio albums and cementing their status as leaders of the 1980s hard rock revival.

The band’s persistence paid off with growing global recognition, especially after their 2014 album, which marked a turning point with a more polished sound. Tracks like "Wild Child" and "Hunter of the Heart" racked up millions of views on YouTube, and their song "Wild Child" even landed in the Nicolas Cage horror flick Willy’s Wonderland. Today, Crazy Lixx boasts a tight lineup featuring Rexon on vocals, Joél Cirera on drums, Jens Anderson on bass, and guitarists Chrisse Olsson and Jens Lundgren. Their live shows, known for electrifying energy, have made them a must-see act for fans of the genre.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Crazy Lixx, check out their official website for merch, tour dates, and news. Connect with the band on Facebook, where they have over 50,000 likes and share updates, or follow their vibrant Instagram for behind-the-scenes snaps and throwback photos. Their X account is perfect for real-time fan chatter and tour announcements. Fans can also join the Crazy Lixx Fans Facebook group to swap stories, share concert pics, and geek out over the band’s discography. For more fan-driven content, sites like Sleaze Roxx offer news and reviews dedicated to the sleaze rock scene, including plenty of love for Crazy Lixx.