All Along the Watchtower

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as we spin All Along the Watchtower by Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush from their 1980 album What's Next! This blistering cover of the Bob Dylan classic, famously reinterpreted by Jimi Hendrix, is a standout in Marino’s catalog, showcasing his searing guitar work that rivals Hendrix himself. In a 2021 interview with Psychedelic Baby Magazine, Marino shared that his music, including tracks like this one, was deeply tied to his psychedelic experiences as a teen. He described his acid trips as shaping the “Mahogany Rush” sound, a term he coined to capture the cosmic, free-flowing vibe of his music. This song, with its hypnotic riffs and intense energy, was a staple in their live sets, played in 26 out of 205 shows from 1979 to 2008, according to Guestpectacular. Fans on Reddit have raved about the 1979 live version from Montreal, calling it a mind-blowing testament to Marino’s ability to channel raw emotion through his guitar.

Another cool tidbit comes from ClassicRockHistory.com, which ranks this cover as one of the band’s top tracks, praising Marino for delivering a version that holds its own against Hendrix’s iconic take. The song’s groove, laid down by longtime drummer Jimmy Ayoub and bassist Paul Harwood, creates a foundation that lets Marino’s guitar soar. In a 2005 KNAC.com post, a fan shared how Marino’s performance at California Jam II in 1978, where he jammed with the likes of Aerosmith, left audiences stunned, with All Along the Watchtower being a crowd favorite. Marino’s love for jamming, influenced by the Allman Brothers, shines through in the song’s extended solos, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited vibe.

Let’s dive into how Frank Marino got started. Born Francesco Antonio Marino on November 20, 1954, in Montreal, Canada, he was a musical prodigy who began playing drums at age five before picking up the guitar around 13 or 14. According to his Wikipedia bio, Marino formed Mahogany Rush in 1969 at the tender age of 15, inspired by the psychedelic sounds of Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane. Despite myths about an LSD-induced vision of Hendrix—a story Marino has repeatedly debunked on his official website—his playing style drew inevitable comparisons to the guitar legend. By 16, he recorded his first album, Maxoom, launching a career that saw Mahogany Rush peak in the 1970s with tours alongside major acts like Heart. Marino’s commitment to his craft led him to open Starbase Studio in Montreal in 1990, where he recorded and produced his own work.

Zoo Freaks, you can connect with Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush online! Visit their official website for remastered albums and merch, including their killer guitar pedals like the DragonFly and Juggernaut. Follow them on Facebook for updates and fan discussions, and check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots. On X, Marino occasionally shares thoughts and interacts with fans. For deeper dives, join the Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy. While Marino retired from touring in 2021 due to health issues, his music lives on through these vibrant communities.