Medusa (Live 2004)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of "Medusa (Live 2004)" by Glenn Hughes, taken from his electrifying album Soulfully Live in the City of Angels. This track, originally a classic from his days with the funk-rock band Trapeze, was reimagined during a live performance on January 11, 2004, at Sound Image Studio in Hollywood. The song is a standout, with reviewers noting it as a highlight of the set, where Hughes and his band unleashed a powerful performance that captured the soulful and hard-rocking essence of the original. According to a review on El Intruso, "Medusa" was a moment where the entire band went all out, showcasing Hughes' commanding vocals and the tight musicianship of his ensemble, including Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. The intimate setting, with a select group of fans and friends sitting on rugs, added a unique, almost communal vibe to the performance, making it a memorable snapshot of Hughes’ career.

Delving into trivia, the 2004 live rendition of "Medusa" was part of a setlist that blended Hughes’ solo work, Trapeze classics, and Deep Purple staples. The DVD and CD release of Soulfully Live in the City of Angels faced mixed feedback, with some fans on Amazon.de praising the raw energy and Hughes’ still-potent voice, while others criticized the video quality and noticeable vocal overdubs. Despite this, Hughes himself expressed pride in the project, emphasizing his love for performing live. In a 2004 interview included in the DVD’s bonus material, he reflected on his longevity in the industry, saying, “I’m still here and making music,” a nod to his resilience after decades in the rock scene. The performance also featured guest vocalists Kevin DuBrow of Quiet Riot and Alex Ligertwood of Santana, adding extra flair to the backing vocals, which Hughes highlighted as a special touch in a Metal-Rules.com interview.

Glenn Hughes, known as “The Voice of Rock,” began his musical journey in Cannock, England, where he was born on August 21, 1951. His early influences were a melting pot of British hard rock, The Beatles, and American soul and R&B, particularly the sounds of Motown and Stax/Volt. These diverse inspirations shaped his distinctive style, blending hard rock, soul, and funk. Hughes first gained prominence in the late 1960s as the bassist and lead vocalist for Trapeze, a funk-rock band that laid the groundwork for his reputation as a dynamic performer. In 1973, his career skyrocketed when he joined Deep Purple as bassist and co-vocalist, replacing Roger Glover. During his tenure with the band, he contributed to iconic albums like Burn, Stormbringer, and Come Taste the Band, cementing his status as a rock legend. After Deep Purple, Hughes embarked on a prolific solo career, releasing his debut album Play Me Out in 1977, and later collaborated with artists like Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi and the supergroup Black Country Communion.

Fans can stay connected with Glenn Hughes through his vibrant online presence. His official website, glennhughes.com, offers news, tour dates, merchandise, and a detailed discography. On social media, Hughes engages with his audience via Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares updates about performances and personal reflections. For instance, in 2011 posts on X, he expressed his passion for music, stating, “My music defines me... I write daily, it is Soul Soothing.” The Zoo Freaks can also join fan communities like the Glenn Hughes Fan Club on Facebook, a space where enthusiasts discuss his music, share concert experiences, and celebrate his legacy. Another fan-driven hub is The Official Glenn Hughes Fan Forum, accessible through his website, where devotees exchange stories and keep the spirit of his music alive.