Slow Ride

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the classic "Slow Ride" by Foghat from their 1975 album Fool for the City. This track, a staple of '70s rock, came to life during a jam session with producer Nick Jameson, who stepped in as bassist after Tony Stevens left the band. Drummer Roger Earl shared in a 2015 Ultimate Classic Rock interview that Jameson recorded the session on a cassette player, capturing the raw energy that became the song's backbone. Jameson crafted the iconic bassline and structure, while frontman "Lonesome Dave" Peverett added the suggestive lyrics, turning a spontaneous jam into a rock anthem. Earl noted in a 2021 Louder interview that the song's overt nod to sex—complete with a pulsing drumbeat and searing slide guitar—made it a hit, peaking at No. 20 on the U.S. charts despite initial resistance from Bearsville Records, who doubted an eight-minute rock track could compete in the disco era.

Another tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: "Slow Ride" has transcended its era, landing in pop culture gems like Dazed and Confused, where it soundtracks a teen's post-party bliss, and even Top Gun: Maverick in 2023, as noted on Foghat's official store site. The song's enduring appeal led Foghat to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a re-recorded version for their 2016 album Under the Influence, featuring both Jameson and longtime bassist Craig MacGregor, as detailed in a 2016 Billboard article. Fans on Reddit’s ClassicRock community still rave about the track’s gritty riff and its status as a quintessential '70s rock experience, with some calling it Foghat’s defining moment. VH1 even ranked it the 45th best hard rock song in 2009, a testament to its lasting vibe.

Foghat got their start in 1971 in London, born from the ashes of blues-rock outfit Savoy Brown. Lonesome Dave Peverett (vocals/guitar), Roger Earl (drums), and Tony Stevens (bass) left Savoy Brown seeking a rawer, boogie-driven sound. They teamed up with slide guitarist Rod Price, formerly of Black Cat Bones, and named the band after a nonsense word Peverett coined during a Scrabble-like game with his brother, as mentioned in a Songfacts entry. Their debut album in 1972, featuring a cover of Willie Dixon’s "I Just Want to Make Love to You," set the stage for their slide-guitar-heavy blues-rock style. By 1973, they’d relocated to the U.S., where their relentless touring and meat-and-potatoes rock resonated with audiences, leading to eight gold records and the platinum success of Fool for the City, as chronicled on Wikipedia.

Despite lineup changes and the loss of Peverett in 2000, Price in 2005, and MacGregor in 2018, Foghat keeps the boogie alive with Earl as the sole original member. The 2024 lineup, including Bryan Bassett (guitar), Rodney O’Quinn (bass), and Scott Holt (vocals/guitar), dropped Sonic Mojo in 2023, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Charts, per foghat.biz. Connect with the band on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for tour updates and merch like the Slow Ride 50th Anniversary keychain. Zoo Freaks can also join fan communities like the Foghat Fan Club on Facebook or browse fan-driven content at Last.fm to keep the Foghat spirit rockin’.