Long Way Down

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Long Way Down" by Gotthard from their 2003 album Human Zoo, firing up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This track, nestled in the band’s sixth studio album, carries a raw emotional edge with lyrics like “Hey hey hey, I don’t believe any word you say,” hinting at betrayal and mistrust. In a 2003 interview with MetalReviews, late frontman Steve Lee shared that the song’s gritty vibe came from a late-night jam session where the band channeled frustrations about dishonesty in relationships. The album itself, produced by Marc Tanner, hit #1 on the Swiss charts and earned 2× Platinum status for over 60,000 sales, a testament to its resonance with fans.

Trivia about "Long Way Down" reveals its cult status among Gotthard’s followers. A fan on Gotthard’s official Facebook page posted in 2015 about a live performance in Lugano where Steve Lee dedicated the song to “anyone who’s ever been let down,” sparking a massive sing-along. The track’s music video, available on Dailymotion, features the band rocking out in a stark industrial setting, which Leo Leoni, the guitarist, described in a HMV Japan interview as a nod to the song’s theme of hitting rock bottom. Fans on the Last.fm Gotthard community page have noted the song’s heavier riffs compared to the band’s usual melodic rock, speculating it was influenced by their love for Led Zeppelin and AC/DC.

Gotthard, a Swiss hard rock powerhouse, kicked off their journey in 1990 in Lugano, founded by vocalist Steve Lee and guitarist Leo Leoni. According to their bio on their official website, the band’s name comes from the Saint-Gotthard Massif, a rugged mountain range symbolizing their unyielding spirit. Mentored by Chris von Rohr, formerly of Krokus, they honed a sound blending melodic hooks with heavy riffs, drawing from influences like Whitesnake and Deep Purple. Their debut album in 1992, self-titled Gotthard, cracked the Swiss charts, and by their third album, G., they were selling out venues across Europe. With over 2 million albums sold worldwide, including 1 million in Switzerland alone, Gotthard became one of the country’s most successful acts, earning multi-platinum awards globally.

Tragically, Steve Lee passed away in 2010, but Gotthard continued with new vocalist Nic Maeder, maintaining their legacy. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and tributes to Lee. The Gotthard Fans Facebook group is a vibrant hub for Zoo Freaks and others, with members swapping rare live recordings and stories about meeting the band. Another fan site, Last.fm’s Gotthard page, offers community discussions and track insights, keeping the spirit of "Long Way Down" alive for new and old fans alike.