Hot Cherie

The Zoo Crew is spinning the sultry sounds of Hardline's "Hot Cherie" from their debut album Double Eclipse, and Zoo Freaks, this track has some juicy trivia to share. Did you know "Hot Cherie" is a cover? Originally penned by members of the Canadian band Streetheart and first released by Danny Spanos in 1983, Hardline's 1992 version cranked up the heat, hitting No. 25 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Fans on Reddit have passionately debated the versions, with many arguing Hardline's take, driven by Johnny Gioeli’s fiery vocals, outshines the original for its raw energy. The song also found a modern spotlight in 2022, featured in episode 7 of Peacemaker during a memorable scene with a red Ford, cementing its place in pop culture.

Another gem from the Double Eclipse era: the album’s creation was a labor of love, but its timing was tough. Released in 1992, Double Eclipse faced the grunge wave head-on, with bands like Nirvana dominating the airwaves. Despite this, "Hot Cherie" and its video, showcasing the band’s glam-metal swagger, gained traction. In a 2002 interview, Johnny Gioeli revealed that several tracks, including "Hot Cherie," were nearly left off due to space constraints on the album, a decision that could’ve robbed us of this classic. The song’s steamy lyrics, painting a vivid picture of a summer romance, resonate with lines like “Been too long since the last rain / Still the stars sizzle hot in the sky,” making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s vibe.

Now, let’s rewind to how Hardline got their start. Formed in 1991 by brothers Johnny and Joey Gioeli, the band emerged from the ashes of their earlier projects, Killerhit and Brunette. The Gioeli brothers, hailing from Los Angeles, had been grinding on the Sunset Strip, with Brunette tearing up the scene in the late ’80s. Their big break came when they recruited Journey’s Neal Schon on guitar, alongside drummer Deen Castronovo and bassist Todd Jensen, both seasoned players from bands like Bad English and David Lee Roth’s crew. This lineup crafted Double Eclipse, blending glam metal with AOR polish. Despite a killer debut, the band split in 1993 due to grunge’s dominance and label issues, but Johnny Gioeli revived Hardline in the 2000s, keeping the flame alive with new albums like II and Heart, Mind and Soul.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Hardline through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour dates, new music, and throwbacks to their Double Eclipse days. For deeper dives, fans can join the Hardline Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community swapping stories, rare photos, and concert memories. The official Hardline website is your go-to for the latest news, merch, and tour updates, keeping the Zoo Crew and their listeners plugged into this enduring hard rock legacy.