Keep Walkin’ Away

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy track Keep Walkin’ Away by Headpins from their 1982 album Turn It Loud, a favorite among Zoo Freaks for its raw, hard-hitting rock vibe. This song, with its gritty lyrics about betrayal and defiance, showcases the band’s signature blend of heavy riffs and Darby Mills’ powerhouse vocals. In a rare 1980s interview snippet shared on a fan page on Facebook, Mills described the song as “a kick in the teeth to anyone who’s ever crossed you,” revealing its deeply personal inspiration drawn from a turbulent relationship. The track’s driving rhythm, led by drummer Matt Frenette, was a live performance staple, with fans on X recalling how it electrified crowds during the band’s early Vancouver gigs. A piece of trivia from a fan website notes that the song’s iconic guitar solo was recorded in a single take by Brian MacLeod, who insisted on keeping it raw to capture the song’s rebellious spirit.

Headpins formed in Vancouver, Canada, in 1980, emerging from the vibrant local music scene. The band was initially a side project for Brian MacLeod and Ab Bryant, both seasoned musicians from the group Chilliwack. They recruited the electrifying Darby Mills, whose commanding stage presence and vocal range quickly defined the band’s sound. As shared in a bio on their official website, the group started jamming in local clubs, building a loyal following through relentless gigging. By 1981, their high-energy performances caught the attention of Solid Gold Records, leading to the release of Turn It Loud. A fan on Instagram recently posted a throwback photo of the band’s early days, captioning it with a quote from MacLeod: “We just wanted to play loud and make people move.”

The band’s early years were marked by a DIY ethos, with members often handling their own equipment and promotion. A story shared on the Headpins Fan Club site recounts how Mills once convinced a reluctant club owner to let them play by performing an impromptu a cappella verse in his office. This hustle paid off, as Headpins became a staple in Canada’s rock scene, touring with acts like ZZ Top and Whitesnake. Their Facebook page often shares nostalgic posts from fans, including one who described sneaking into a 1982 show as a teenager and being “blown away” by Mills’ intensity. Despite lineup changes over the years, the band continues to perform, with recent X posts teasing new music.

For more on Headpins, check out their official website for tour dates and merch. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and fan interactions. Fans can also join the Headpins Fans Facebook group or visit the Headpins Fan Club for exclusive content and community discussions.