Sister Moon

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Sister Moon" by Gotthard from their 1996 album G., a track that’s a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks for its soulful hard rock vibe. One piece of trivia about "Sister Moon" comes from a 2012 interview with guitarist Leo Leoni on ROCKS magazine’s website, where he shared that the song’s lyrics were inspired by a late-night jam session under a full moon in Lugano, Switzerland. The band felt a mystical connection to the night sky, which shaped the song’s reflective and yearning tone. Fans on the Gotthard Fans Worldwide Facebook group often cite this story, with some sharing photos of moonlit concerts where the band played the song live, creating a magical atmosphere. The track’s guitar riffs, crafted by Leoni, draw heavily from their influences like Whitesnake, which is evident in its bluesy, emotive solos.

Another tidbit about "Sister Moon" surfaced on Gotthard’s X account in 2020, when they posted a throwback video of a 1996 live performance, noting that it was one of the first songs they played to a massive crowd at a Swiss festival. The post sparked replies from Zoo Freak-like fans who reminisced about hearing it live, with one user mentioning how Steve Lee’s powerful vocals made the song a standout. The song’s inclusion on the unplugged album D Frosted (1997), as noted on PopRockBands, shows its versatility, transforming from a hard rock anthem to a stripped-down acoustic gem. Fan discussions on Last.fm also highlight how the song’s chords, available on sites like E-Chords, are a go-to for amateur guitarists in the Gotthard fan community.

Gotthard began in 1990 in Lugano, Switzerland, founded by vocalist Steve Lee and guitarist Leo Leoni, with mentor Chris von Rohr, formerly of Krokus, guiding them. As detailed on their official website, the band started as Krak, playing local gigs in Ticino’s Italian-speaking region. Von Rohr’s influence helped them refine their sound, blending hard rock with melodic hooks, drawing from bands like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. Their 1992 debut album, Gotthard, released under BMG, featured MTV-aired videos like “Hush,” earning them platinum status in Switzerland. The band’s name, inspired by the Saint-Gotthard Massif, reflects their Swiss roots. Despite the tragic loss of Steve Lee in a 2010 motorcycle accident, Gotthard continued with new vocalist Nic Maeder, as announced on their Facebook page in 2011, maintaining their chart-topping streak.

Gotthard’s social media presence keeps Zoo Freaks connected. Their Facebook page shares tour updates and throwback photos, while Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes studio shots and fan art. On X, they engage with fans through polls and live Q&As. For deeper fan interaction, the Gotthard Fans Worldwide Facebook group is a hub for sharing concert stories and rare vinyl finds. Another fan site, HitParade.ch, tracks their chart history and hosts fan reviews of songs like “Sister Moon.” These platforms keep the Gotthard community thriving, ensuring the Zoo Crew’s spins of “Sister Moon” resonate with fans old and new.