Wish I Could Fly

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "Wish I Could Fly" by Electric Angels from their album Lost in the Atlantic, delighting their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, nestled among 14 tracks on the 2017 Demon Doll Records release, carries a melodic charm that resonates with the band’s hard rock and glam metal roots. According to a 2018 review on HardRock 80, "Wish I Could Fly" is described as "agréable à écouter" (pleasant to listen to), capturing the band’s knack for crafting accessible yet emotionally engaging tunes. Drummer John Schubert, in a 3,000-word biography included in the album’s 12-page booklet, shared that the song was part of demos recorded for a second album that never saw the light of day due to poor promotion by Atlantic Records. The track’s rediscovery and remastering by Lance V. for the 2017 release gave it a polished sheen, making it a standout for fans who appreciate the band’s power pop-infused sleaze rock vibe.

Delving into the song’s trivia, "Wish I Could Fly" reflects the Electric Angels’ resilience after their struggles with Atlantic Records. The album’s title, Lost in the Atlantic, is a playful jab at their former label, as noted on Wikipedia. The song’s upbeat tempo and yearning lyrics hint at the band’s desire to break free from industry constraints, a sentiment echoed in a 2017 Sleaze Roxx review that praised the album’s fun, start-to-finish energy. Fans on the Electric Angels Fan Club Facebook Group have speculated that the track could have been a radio hit in the early ’90s, with one member posting in 2020 about its "soaring chorus that feels like it was meant for MTV." The band’s official Facebook page shared a throwback photo in 2019 of the recording sessions, captioned, “Wish I Could Fly was us dreaming big, even when the industry grounded us.” This track, alongside others, showcases the vocal prowess of frontman Shane, whose crystal-clear delivery carries the song, as highlighted in the Sleaze Roxx review.

The Electric Angels’ journey began in the ashes of the Los Angeles-based pop group Candy, as detailed on their official website. Formed in 1987, the band brought together singer Shane (born Tommy Riggins, also known as Shane Mansfield), guitarist Ryan Roxie (Ryan Rosowicz), bassist/songwriter Jonathan Daniel, and drummer John Schubert, the latter two being ex-Candy members. The band’s name was lifted from an early Candy demo, a nod to their roots. After a year of electrifying gigs, including a debut on New Year’s Eve 1987, they relocated to New York City, swiftly landing a deal with Atlantic Records within five months, as noted on Discogs. Managed initially by KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, who produced their first demos, the band drew attention from Jon Bon Jovi, a fan who drew inspiration from their track “True Love and Other Fairy Tales” for his own “Bed of Roses.” Their self-titled debut, recorded in London in 1989 with producer Tony Visconti, blended influences from KISS, The Ramones, and Hanoi Rocks, earning favorable reviews for its Replacements-meets-Hanoi Rocks vibe.

The Electric Angels cultivated a dedicated fanbase, including the “Tattooed Angels,” a group known for sporting the band’s purple, red, and black Coat of Arms tattoos, as mentioned on Alchetron. Fans can connect with the band’s legacy through their Instagram, where they post nostalgic photos and updates, and their X account, which occasionally shares links to rare live footage. The Electric Angels Fan Site offers a treasure trove of archived interviews and photos, while the Electric Angels Fan Club Facebook Group remains active with discussions about the band’s influence on the glam metal scene. Despite their contract with Atlantic expiring in 1991 due to lackluster promotion, the release of Lost in the Atlantic in 2017, celebrated by outlets like DDR Music Group, ensured their music continues to captivate Zoo Freaks and beyond.