Money, Sex, or God

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the electrifying track "Money, Sex, or God" by Crossbone Skully from their debut album Evil World Machine for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, released on May 10, 2024, via Better Noise Music, is a thought-provoking anthem inspired by a conversation Tommy Henriksen, the mastermind behind Crossbone Skully, had while watching a TV show. The show mentioned that life’s big taboos—finance, sexual preference, and religion—should never be discussed, sparking Henriksen to pen the lyrics: “Pick your prize, what you gonna choose? / I bet you God, he’s gonna lose.” He described the songwriting as a rare moment where the words just “fell right out,” a gift from the universe. The music video, premiered globally on YouTube with Henriksen and guitarist Anna Cara introducing the superhero character Crossbone Skully, amplifies the song’s message about life’s chaotic choices and the elusive “true prize” in the Otherworld.

Another layer of intrigue comes from Crossbone Skully’s multidimensional project. The song ties into a larger narrative where Crossbone Skully, an avenging superhero from outer space, fights to save humanity. This story unfolds in an ashcan comic called “Thing #1,” included with limited-edition 7” vinyl releases, which also feature the track “The Boom Went The Boom” with Def Leppard’s Phil Collen. Proceeds from these vinyl sales support MusiCares, a charity for musicians. The comic and an upcoming animated film, also titled “Thing #1,” feature voiceovers from rock icons like Alice Cooper as “The Bringer of Light” and Johnny Depp as “The Evil Sorcerer,” adding a star-studded dimension to the project. Fans on X have buzzed about the song’s raw energy, with posts highlighting its “galactic masterpiece” vibe, echoing the sentiment that it’s both a hero’s anthem and a rebellious middle finger to societal norms.

Crossbone Skully is the brainchild of Tommy Henriksen, a veteran rocker with a storied career. His journey began with stints in bands like Warlock, backing Doro Pesch, and his punk-rock outfit POL (Parade of Losers) under the moniker Da Skunk. Henriksen’s big break into the Crossbone Skully persona came when Alice Cooper’s lighting tech, a former AC/DC crew member, overheard him channeling Bon Scott and Brian Johnson during a soundcheck. This sparked the idea for a solo project that evolved into Evil World Machine, a concept album blending dystopian vibes akin to David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. Henriksen’s versatility shines through his side hustle as a producer and songwriter for artists like Lady Gaga, Meat Loaf, Lou Reed, Halestorm, Kesha, and Daughtry. His collaboration with legendary producer Mutt Lange, who came out of retirement for this project, and guitarist Tommy Denander, cemented the album’s larger-than-life sound, influenced by AC/DC, KISS, Iron Maiden, and even the Sex Pistols.

Henriksen’s vision for Crossbone Skully goes beyond music. He crafted the character’s unique voice using a vocal app, giving it a disembodied, Stephen Hawking-like edge. Living in Zurich, Switzerland, with his wife Sandra and son Finn, he connected with Lange via FaceTime, building a cosmic rock opera that condemns greed, racism, and sexism. The album’s cover, designed by Mark Wilkinson (known for Iron Maiden and Judas Priest), visually captures the superhero’s Harley-riding, ghoulish swagger. Fans can dive deeper into this world through Crossbone Skully’s official website, follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or check out their YouTube and TikTok for videos and behind-the-scenes content. For fan communities, the Bandcamp page offers a hub for supporters to stream and purchase music, while posts on X from users like @JerrieDepp show a growing tribe of “Misfits of the Universe” rallying around the project. No dedicated fan sites or Facebook groups have surfaced yet, but the buzz on social media suggests the Zoo Freaks and beyond are ready to join Skully’s intergalactic crusade.