Rock On

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with some far-out trivia about "Rock On," the iconic track by David Essex from his 1973 debut album of the same name! This song, with its hypnotic bassline and dub-infused production, was a game-changer, hitting number 3 in the UK and number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, selling over a million copies and earning a gold disc from the R.I.A.A. in March 1974. Producer Jeff Wayne pushed the boundaries at Advision Studios, reportedly spooling yards of magnetic tape across pencils to create that signature poly-rhythmic delay, a technique that gave the song its avant-garde edge. Music critic Luke Haines called it a "million-selling, avant-garde, self-penned masterpiece," and it’s no wonder why—it’s like a time machine to the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, name-dropping James Dean and referencing Carl Perkins’ "Blue Suede Shoes" and Eddie Cochran’s "Summertime Blues." The song’s spaced-out vibe even caught the ear of R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, who paid homage with the line "Hey kids, rock and roll" in R.E.M.’s 1992 hit "Drive."

Here’s a wild story: David Essex originally wrote "Rock On" for the 1973 film That’ll Be The Day, where he played a working-class aspiring rocker. But producer David Puttnam rejected it for the movie, calling it "too weird." No sweat, though—Essex took that rejection and turned it into his ticket to stardom, landing a deal with CBS Records. The track’s iconic bassline, crafted by session legend Herbie Flowers, was a happy accident during a session where musicians were jamming on arrangements, as Essex recalled in his autobiography. That bassline became the song’s heartbeat, with one X user noting Flowers’ massive contribution, questioning the writing credits. "Rock On" didn’t just stop at Essex’s version; it inspired covers, like Def Leppard’s 2006 take for their album Yeah!, which became a staple in their live sets, and Michael Damian’s 1989 cover that hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Now, let’s rewind to how David Essex got his start. Born David Albert Cook on July 23, 1947, in Plaistow, Essex, he grew up in a working-class family with Irish Traveller roots—his mother, Olive, was a self-taught pianist, and his father, Albert, was an East End docker. As a kid, Essex dreamed of becoming a pro soccer player, but his teens flipped the script when he discovered music. He started banging drums in a local band before stepping up as a singer, releasing his first single, "And The Tears Came Tumbling Down," in 1965 on Fontana Records. For a few years, he toured England with his band, David Essex and The Mood Indigo, dropping seven more singles by 1970. His big break came in 1971 when he landed the lead role in the London stage production of Godspell, which put him on the map. That same energy carried him to his film debut in That’ll Be The Day in 1973, and his music career skyrocketed with "Rock On" that same year.

Essex’s career didn’t stop at music. He became a teen heartthrob in the UK, with 19 Top 40 singles, including two number 1s, "Gonna Make You A Star" (1974) and "Hold Me Close" (1975), and 16 Top 40 albums. His acting chops shone in films like Stardust (1974) and the musical Evita (1978), where he played Che, earning a Laurence Olivier Award nomination. He’s still touring the UK, with a 20-date tour announced for 2024, wrapping at the London Palladium, as shared on his official website. Zoo Freaks can keep up with him on his Facebook, where he posts tour updates, or his Instagram for behind-the-scenes snaps. On X, he engages with fans, sharing nostalgic vibes and tour news.

For Zoo Freaks who want to connect with other fans, check out the David Essex Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group where supporters share memories, photos, and updates about his music and tours. There’s also davidessex.com, his official site, packed with tour dates, merch, and a deep dive into his discography. While no dedicated fan websites popped up in recent searches, the fan club is the go-to spot for community vibes. So, Zoo Crew, keep spinning "Rock On" and let’s keep the freak flag flying for David Essex!