S.A.T.O.

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as they spin the electrifying track "S.A.T.O." by George Lynch from his 2005 album The Lost Anthology. This song, a cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s classic from the 1981 album Diary of a Madman, features George Lynch teaming up with the band Icarus Witch, delivering a raw, heavy metal punch that showcases his signature guitar wizardry. According to reviews on Amazon, this track stands out as a highlight of the anthology, with fans praising its intense energy and Lynch’s ability to breathe new life into the cover. Interestingly, The Lost Anthology is a treasure trove of rare recordings, and "S.A.T.O." is one of several cover songs included, alongside tracks like "Paranoid" with Vince Neil and "Billion Dollar Babies" with Phil Lewis. The album’s liner notes reveal a quirky piece of trivia: when Lynch met Gene Simmons of KISS, Simmons suggested he change his name to John Lynx for stardom, a suggestion Lynch clearly ignored while carving his own path as a guitar legend.

Diving deeper into the song’s context, "S.A.T.O." on The Lost Anthology is part of a collection that spans Lynch’s career from 1977 onward, featuring unreleased demos, live recordings, and studio cuts from his various projects like Dokken, Lynch Mob, and pre-Dokken bands like Xciter. Fans on the George Lynch Fan Club Facebook group have shared their love for this track, noting how Lynch’s collaboration with Icarus Witch adds a modern edge to the Osbourne classic. The production quality of some tracks on the album has been criticized for its raw, bootleg-like sound, but diehard fans appreciate the historical value, with one reviewer on Guitar Nine calling it an “essential purchase for fans of Mr. Scary.” The song’s inclusion reflects Lynch’s knack for selecting covers that highlight his technical prowess and pay homage to his influences, a trait evident throughout his career.

George Lynch’s journey to becoming a heavy metal icon began in Spokane, Washington, where he was born on September 28, 1954. Picking up the guitar at age 13, Lynch was heavily influenced by legends like Jimi Hendrix, Randy Rhoads, and Eddie Van Halen, as noted in his bio on georgelynch.com. By the late 1970s, he was shredding on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip with The Boyz, alongside future Dokken drummer Mick Brown, playing gigs with bands like Van Halen and Quiet Riot. His big break came in the early 1980s when he joined Dokken, a band that would define the ‘80s metal scene with hits like “Alone Again,” which Lynch co-wrote. His distinctive playing style, blending melodic hooks with blistering solos, earned him a spot as No. 47 on Guitar World’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and No. 10 on Gibson’s “Top 10 Metal Guitarists.” After leaving Dokken in 1989 due to tensions with vocalist Don Dokken, Lynch formed Lynch Mob, releasing their debut Wicked Sensation in 1990, and launched a solo career with 1993’s Sacred Groove.

Lynch’s career spans over fifty albums, countless global tours, and endorsements with top guitar brands like ESP, as highlighted on his Instagram. He’s also the creator of Mr. Scary Guitars, a brand of hand-built instruments, including his iconic “Skull and Bones” guitar, affectionately nicknamed “Mom.” His versatility shines through in projects like The Banishment, a 2023 collaboration with Joe Haze and Devix Szell, and his work with Lynch/Pilson, alongside former Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson. Fans can connect with Lynch on his Facebook page, where he shares updates on tours and gear, or follow his latest posts on X for real-time insights into his music and thoughts. For those craving more, the George Lynch Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can join fellow devotees to discuss everything from “S.A.T.O.” to Lynch’s latest riffs.