Lost in the Zone

Glenn Hughes

The song "Lost in the Zone" from Glenn Hughes' album Songs in the Key of Rock, released in 2003, captures the raw energy and soulful rock style that defines Hughes' career. In a 2003 interview with ClassicBands.com, Hughes described the album as a return to his rock roots, blending hard rock with funk and soul influences, and "Lost in the Zone" exemplifies this fusion with its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics. The song's lyrics, starting with "You wanna be somebody, but you don't see the writing on the wall," reflect themes of self-discovery and ambition, which Hughes has said were inspired by his own journey through the music industry. On his official Facebook page in 2013, Hughes shared a throwback post about the album, noting that it was recorded with a tight-knit band in Los Angeles, aiming to capture the live energy of his performances. Fans on the Glenn Hughes Fan Forum have speculated that the "zone" in the song refers to Hughes' immersive stage presence, where he often feels transported during live shows, a sentiment echoed in a 2016 Boomerocity interview where he discussed losing himself in the music.

Another piece of trivia about "Lost in the Zone" comes from Hughes' longtime collaborator, guitarist JJ Marsh, who co-wrote much of Songs in the Key of Rock. In a fan Q&A session archived on the Glenn Hughes official website, Marsh revealed that the song's guitar riff was born during a late-night jam session, with Hughes improvising vocals on the spot. This spontaneous creation process, Hughes noted in a 2011 glennhughes.com tweet, is a hallmark of his songwriting, where he lets the music "consume" him. The song has remained a fan favorite, often discussed on the Glenn Hughes Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share live bootlegs and debate its place among Hughes' heavier tracks. Hughes himself, in a 2021 X post, expressed pride in the album's enduring appeal, encouraging fans to revisit "Lost in the Zone" for its "whippin' ass rock" vibe.

Glenn Hughes, known as the "Voice of Rock," began his musical journey in Cannock, Staffordshire, England, born on August 21, 1951. His career kicked off in the 1960s as a bassist and vocalist for the band Finders Keepers, a local act that played soul and pop covers. According to his autobiography, Deep Purple and Beyond, available through his official website, Hughes' passion for music was sparked by his father's love for jazz and his own discovery of Motown and rock. By the late 1960s, he joined the funk rock band Trapeze, where he honed his distinctive vocal style and stage presence, as detailed in a Wikipedia biography. Trapeze's first three albums, released between 1970 and 1972, showcased Hughes' versatility, with him contributing guitar, piano, and trombone alongside bass and vocals. His big break came in 1973 when he joined Deep Purple for their Mk. III and IV lineups, contributing to iconic albums like Burn and Stormbringer, solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse performer.

Hughes' career has since spanned decades, including stints with Black Sabbath, Hughes/Thrall, and supergroups like Black Country Communion, as noted on his Instagram profile, where he frequently shares career milestones. His solo career began with the 1977 album Play Me Out, and he has continued to release critically acclaimed solo work, with a new album slated for 2025, as announced on his X account. Fans can connect with Hughes through his official website, which offers tour dates, merchandise, and a detailed discography. Social media engagement is strong on his Facebook and Instagram pages, where he interacts with followers and shares behind-the-scenes content. The Glenn Hughes Fan Forum and Glenn Hughes Fan Group on Facebook are vibrant communities where Zoo Freaks and other fans discuss his music, share memorabilia, and organize meetups for his tours.


 

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