Here Comes the King

The Zoo Crew is spinning the epic track "Here Comes the King" by Dirty Shirley, from their self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this hard rock gem. This nearly seven-minute opener is a powerhouse, blending vintage Rainbow and Dio vibes with a modern edge, as noted in a Rockpit review that praised its "epic early Rainbow meets Dio" feel. The song’s creation was unique, with guitarist George Lynch jamming and sending rough demos to vocalist Dino Jelusick, who experimented with countless melodies and lyrics. Jelusick shared in a Metal Meyhem Radio interview that this process was unlike anything he’d done before, resulting in a versatile track that shifts from heavy grooves to introspective moments. The song’s title inspired the band’s name, as it was one of the first pieces they wrote together, a nod to their creative chemistry.

Another cool tidbit comes from Jelusick’s recording process for "Here Comes the King." While touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, he recorded vocals in a tour bus each night, as mentioned in a Rock Metal Mag post. This gritty, on-the-road approach added raw energy to the track, with Jelusick’s voice channeling the spirit of Ronnie James Dio, a comparison echoed by fans and critics alike on Dirty Shirley’s Facebook. The music video, shared by Rock Arena UK, showcases the band’s larger-than-life energy, with Lynch’s searing guitar solos and Jelusick’s commanding presence. Fans on the George Lynch Fan Club group have called the song a “modern classic,” praising its ability to bridge 80s metal with contemporary flair.

Dirty Shirley is a supergroup project born from the collaboration of guitar legend George Lynch and Croatian vocal powerhouse Dino Jelusick, backed by drummer Will Hunt and bassist Trevor Roxx. Lynch, known for his work with Dokken and Lynch Mob, has a storied career that began in the late 1970s. Hailing from Spokane, Washington, he moved to Los Angeles and joined Dokken, rising to fame in the 80s with hits like “Breaking the Chains.” His innovative guitar style, dubbed “Mr. Scary,” earned him a cult following, as detailed on his official website. After Dokken, Lynch formed Lynch Mob and explored various side projects, always pushing creative boundaries, which led to Dirty Shirley’s formation.

Dino Jelusick, the voice behind "Here Comes the King," started young in Zagreb, Croatia. At age 11, he won the inaugural Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2003, showcasing his prodigious talent. By 2018, he fronted Animal Drive, catching the attention of industry heavyweights like Jeff Scott Soto, who recommended him to Frontiers Records. This led to his collaboration with Lynch, as noted in a Loud TV feature. Jelusick’s work with Trans-Siberian Orchestra further honed his dynamic stage presence. Together, Lynch and Jelusick created Dirty Shirley, a project that blends their influences into a fresh hard rock sound.

For more on Dirty Shirley, check out their official page via Frontiers Records. Stay updated on their Facebook and follow their visuals on Instagram. While their X account is less active, it’s worth a peek for occasional updates. Fans can connect on the George Lynch Fan Club or the Dino Jelusick Fan Page on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share their love for the band’s music. No dedicated fan websites exist, but these groups keep the community vibe alive.