Double Trouble

Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are cranking up the volume with "Double Trouble" by Headpins from their 1983 album Line of Fire. This track is a gritty, high-energy anthem that captures the band’s signature hard rock vibe. According to a review on earofnewt.com, "Double Trouble" is described as “heavily cool—rowdy and menacing like good hard rock should be,” highlighting its raw power and rebellious spirit. The song’s driving rhythm and searing guitar riffs, led by Brian “Too Loud” MacLeod, make it a standout for headbanging Zoo Freaks. Fun fact: the album Line of Fire was a multi-platinum success, and this track helped the band secure a European tour with Whitesnake in 1984, cementing their place in the ‘80s rock scene.

Digging deeper, "Double Trouble" showcases the vocal prowess of Darby Mills, whose commanding delivery was a cornerstone of the band’s sound. In a 2016 interview snippet found on sonichits.com, Mills mentioned that the band’s live performances of tracks like this one were fueled by the electric energy of their fans, who often sang along louder than the band itself. The song’s production also features MacLeod’s Van Halen-esque guitar techniques, including neck-tapping tricks that were cutting-edge for the time. Zoo Crew trivia tidbit: the band’s decision to keep their sound unpolished and raw was intentional, as MacLeod once said in a radio interview that he wanted Headpins to feel like “a punch you didn’t see coming,” perfectly embodied in this track’s relentless energy.

Now, let’s rewind to how Headpins got their start. Formed in the late 1970s as a side project by Chilliwack members Ab Bryant (bass) and Brian MacLeod (guitar), the band was born out of a desire to explore a harder, edgier sound. MacLeod, impressed by Vancouver rock singer Denise McCann, invited her to join the initial lineup. As detailed on Wikipedia, the early days saw drummer Matt Frenette (later of Loverboy fame) behind the kit, but he swapped places with Bernie Aubin, who became a mainstay. By 1981, McCann left, and Darby Mills stepped in as the lead vocalist, bringing a fierce, soulful edge that defined their debut album Turn It Loud in 1982. The album went platinum, and with Mills’ powerhouse vocals, Headpins quickly built a loyal fanbase in Vancouver before hitting the global stage.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. MacLeod and Bryant were initially tied to Chilliwack due to a messy recording contract, limiting their ability to tour with Headpins early on. Despite this, their persistence paid off, and by the time Line of Fire dropped, they were free to focus fully on Headpins. The band toured with heavyweights like KISS and ZZ Top, though a bold encore during ZZ Top’s Afterburner Tour led to their removal from the bill—talk about rock ‘n’ roll defiance! Tragically, MacLeod passed away from cancer in the mid-’90s, but the band reformed with Mills, Aubin, and Bryant, later welcoming vocalist Katrina Lawrence in 2016 after Mills pursued solo projects.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to stay connected, check out Headpins’ official website for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook for updates and throwback photos, and hit up their Instagram for behind-the-scenes vibes. Their X account keeps the conversation rocking with fans. For those craving community, join the Headpins Fans Facebook Group, where diehards share memories and rare vinyl finds. There’s also Headpins Fan Club, a fan-run site with discographies and concert stories. Keep it loud, Zoo Freaks!