Say What You Will

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Say What You Will" by Fastway, a standout from their 1983 debut album Fastway, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this hard-hitting anthem. This song, with its mega-catchy riff, is often considered Fastway's signature tune, likened to iconic tracks like Deep Purple’s "Smoke on the Water" or Black Sabbath’s "Paranoid" for its radio-friendly appeal and enduring popularity. In a 2012 interview with Teeth of the Divine, guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke described the song’s riff as a "killer," noting its significant airplay during the band’s early tours, including their stint with AC/DC. The track’s raw energy and bluesy hard rock vibe made it a staple on rock radio stations, cementing its place as a fan favorite.

One piece of trivia about "Say What You Will" is its role in showcasing Fastway’s ability to blend gritty boogie rock with a polished, accessible edge. A review cited in a blog post by Joe Siegler describes the song as part of an album that’s "straightforward British hard boogie rock played with an abrasive edge, yet still pleasingly catchy." Fans on Reddit have shared nostalgic stories of discovering the song through blind buys of the album, drawn in by its striking cover art, or catching the band live during their 1980s heyday, opening for giants like Iron Maiden, Saxon, and AC/DC. These stories highlight the song’s lasting impact on the classic rock community.

Fastway was born from the vision of two rock veterans: guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke, formerly of Motörhead, and bassist Pete Way, ex-UFO. Formed in 1982, the band’s name was a mashup of their surnames, a nod to their shared ambition to create something fresh after growing disillusioned with their previous bands. Clarke, fresh off Motörhead’s intense speed metal, sought a more mainstream hard rock sound, while Way brought his melodic bass sensibilities from UFO. However, Way left before recording the debut album due to contractual issues with Chrysalis Records and an offer to join Ozzy Osbourne, later forming Waysted. Clarke pressed on, recruiting Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley and the then-unknown Irish vocalist Dave King, whose Robert Plant-esque vocals added a Zeppelin-like flair to the band’s sound. Session bassist Mickey Feat filled in for the debut album, though he went uncredited.

The band’s self-titled debut, featuring "Say What You Will," was a hit in the U.S., climbing into the Top 40 and earning Fastway instant supergroup status despite Way’s absence. Clarke’s diverse guitar work, ranging from blistering riffs to melodic hooks, set the band apart from his Motörhead days, as noted in a Last.fm bio. Over the years, Fastway faced lineup changes and varying commercial success, but their early work, particularly the debut, remains a touchstone for hard rock fans. Dave King later found success with the Celtic punk band Flogging Molly, while Clarke continued to steer Fastway through various iterations until his passing in 2018.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Fastway’s world, check out their official Facebook page, which has over 8,500 followers and posts updates on the band’s legacy. The band does not maintain an official website or active Instagram and X accounts, but fans can connect through the Fastway Fan Club on Facebook, a group dedicated to sharing memories, photos, and news about the band. Additionally, fanart.tv offers a collection of Fastway-related artwork and media, perfect for enthusiasts looking to celebrate the band’s visual and musical legacy.