Scared

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "Scared" by Dangerous Toys from their self-titled debut album, igniting the airwaves for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, a standout from the 1989 release, carries a distinct nod to Alice Cooper, with its theatrical flair and gritty hard rock edge. According to a review on Sleaze Roxx, "Scared" showcases lead vocalist Jason McMaster’s versatile vocal range, shifting from subdued tones to dynamic shifts that suit the song’s homage to Cooper’s shock-rock style. The track’s lyrical content, laced with the band’s signature tongue-in-cheek humor, complements its straightforward, riff-driven energy, making it a fan favorite that still resonates with listeners today.

Digging into the trivia, "Scared" was one of two singles from the Dangerous Toys album, alongside "Teas’n, Pleas’n," both of which enjoyed heavy rotation on MTV’s Headbangers Ball, propelling the band into the spotlight during the late ’80s glam metal boom. A post on X from @RockTheseTweets in 2022 highlighted the album’s peak at #65 on the Billboard 200, noting its gold certification by the RIAA in 1994. Guitarist Scott Dalhover, who played all guitar parts on the album after the departure of Tim Trembley, laid down riffs in "Scared" that were praised for their groovy, frenetic energy, as noted in the same Sleaze Roxx review. The song’s bassline, crafted by Mike Watson, adds subtle nuances that elevate the track’s overall groove, a detail often overlooked but cherished by diehard fans.

Dangerous Toys formed in Austin, Texas, in 1987, rising from the ashes of a local band called Onyxx. Frontman Jason McMaster, previously with the thrash metal outfit Watchtower, was invited by guitarist Tim Trembley to join Onyxx, which soon evolved into Dangerous Toys with a shift toward hard rock and glam metal. The lineup solidified with Scott Dalhover on guitar, Mark Geary on drums, and Mike Watson on bass. By 1988, they signed with Columbia Records, and their debut album, released in May 1989, became their biggest success, driven by the singles "Scared" and "Teas’n, Pleas’n." The band’s humorous lyrics and monstrous clown imagery set them apart in the crowded ’80s rock scene, earning them a cult following.

Though the band never recaptured the commercial peak of their debut, they continued to release albums like Hellacious Acres (1991) and Pissed (1994), while maintaining a live presence. Jason McMaster, often hailed as one of rock’s hardest-working frontmen, has juggled multiple projects, including Broken Teeth, as noted in a 2017 interview with Metalheads Forever Magazine. Fans can connect with Dangerous Toys through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For community vibes, check out fan-driven spaces like the Dangerous Toys Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share their love for the band’s enduring legacy.