Strange Dreams

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy Zoo Crew spinning the platters that matter! We’re diving into the psychedelic vibes of “Strange Dreams” by Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush from their 1982 album Juggernaut. This track is a cosmic journey, and we’ve got some wild trivia to share. In a 2017 interview with The College Crowd Digs Me, Frank Marino revealed that “Strange Dreams” was a departure from his earlier work, blending his signature Hendrix-inspired riffs with a fresh, radio-friendly edge. It soared to #1 on some rock charts, his only track to hit that peak, making it a standout in his catalog. Marino shared that the song’s creation was organic, letting the music “speak” to him in the studio, suggesting its own path—like adding a tambourine or cowbell on a whim. That’s the magic of a true artist at work!

Now, let’s talk about the myth that’s trailed Frank for years. Early in his career, his record label spun a wild tale that he’d had a vision of Jimi Hendrix after a bad LSD trip in a mental institution. Frank debunked this in a 2021 Psychedelic Baby Magazine interview, calling it a fabrication by a local newspaper that snowballed. He was just a kid in Montreal, jamming with his band before Hendrix’s death in 1970, and the story got out of hand. Fans on Facebook groups like Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush Fans still buzz about this legend, sharing how his music, especially “Strange Dreams,” helped them through tough times. One fan even credited Marino’s message of survival for pulling them through PTSD, proving the power of his sound.

So, how did Frank Marino get his start? Born Francesco Antonio Marino on November 20, 1954, in Montreal, Canada, he was a musical prodigy. According to his bio on mahoganyrush.com, Frank started banging on drums at age five but switched to guitar around 13 or 14. By 16, he was already recording his first album, Maxoom, in 1972 under the Mahogany Rush banner. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, his blistering guitar style and psychedelic flair made waves in the ‘70s. Despite comparisons to Hendrix, Frank carved his own path, forming Mahogany Rush in 1969 and touring with heavyweights like Aerosmith and Ted Nugent. His band’s peak came in the ‘70s, playing massive gigs like California Jam II, and he’s kept the flame alive, even after announcing a retirement from touring in 2021 due to health issues.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Frank’s legacy online. Visit his official site at mahoganyrush.com for the latest on his music and his new line of guitar pedals. Connect with him on Facebook and follow the fan community on Instagram for throwback pics and updates. Over on X, fans share clips and memories of his epic live shows. For more fan love, check out the Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush Fans group or the tribute site mahoganyrush.com, where devotees keep the spirit of his music alive. Stay trippy, Zoo Freaks, and keep dreaming strange!