City’s Burning

The Zoo Crew is spinning the powerful track "City’s Burning" by Heart from their 1982 album Private Audition, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this hard-hitting anthem. This song, which kicks off the album with a fierce energy, was inspired by the 1980 murder of John Lennon. In a 1985 interview with Bob Andelman, Ann Wilson shared that the song tells a fictional story of a couple hearing the news of Lennon’s death on the radio or TV, capturing their emotional reactions. The track, written by Ann Wilson, Nancy Wilson, and Sue Ennis, and produced by the Wilsons, Ennis, and Howard Leese, reached No. 15 on the US Billboard Rock Albums & Top Tracks chart. A music video was also filmed to promote the song, amplifying its raw intensity.

Critics at the time praised "City’s Burning" for its instrumental power and Ann Wilson’s commanding vocals. Billboard noted Ann’s “Plant-like rasp,” drawing comparisons to Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, while Joe Konz of The Indianapolis Star called it one of the most powerful songs of 1982, highlighting its tempo shift and soulful guitar solo. Mike Diana of Daily Press described it as the album’s only all-out rocker, and Eric Davis of The Marion Star said it was a loud track that would satisfy “power bugs.” Interestingly, the song was re-recorded in 2016 for Heart’s album Beautiful Broken, giving it a fresh spin for new generations of fans. Despite mixed reviews of Private Audition as a whole, "City’s Burning" remains a fan favorite, with some diehard Heart fans on Reddit defending the album and calling the track a standout.

Heart began in Seattle, Washington, evolving from earlier projects led by founding members Roger Fisher (guitar) and Steve Fossen (bass). The band’s roots trace back to 1967 when Fossen formed The Army, which went through several name changes—Hocus Pocus, White Heart—before settling on Heart in 1973. Ann Wilson joined in 1970, bringing her powerful vocals, and Nancy Wilson followed in 1974, adding her guitar prowess and songwriting. The Wilson sisters became the heart of the band, writing most of their songs and steering their sound. By 1975, the lineup solidified with Michael Derosier on drums and Howard Leese on multiple instruments, leading to their breakthrough with the 1976 album Dreamboat Annie. Hits like “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You” launched them to fame, blending hard rock, heavy metal, and folk influences.

Heart’s early years were marked by their Seattle roots and a gritty determination to break into a male-dominated rock scene. The band’s move to Vancouver in the early 1970s was partly due to draft-dodging by some members during the Vietnam War, but they returned to Seattle after Jimmy Carter’s pardon. Their debut album’s success in Canada and later the US established them as pioneers, with Ann and Nancy Wilson becoming the first women to front a hard-rock band, inspiring artists like Joan Jett and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. Over the decades, Heart sold over 50 million records worldwide, earning a 2013 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their influence extended to the Seattle music scene, with their Bad Animals Studio used by grunge-era bands like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.

Fans can connect with Heart through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and new music teasers. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Heartmongers Facebook group is a vibrant space where fans discuss albums, share memorabilia, and celebrate the band’s legacy. Another fan hub, Heart By Heart, is a tribute band led by original members Steve Fossen and Michael Derosier, offering live performances of Heart’s classic hits and a place for fans to relive the magic of songs like "City’s Burning."