The Zoo Crew is spinning "Never" by Heart from their 1985 self-titled album, a track that pumps up the Zoo Freaks with its high-energy rock vibe. This song, written by Ann and Nancy Wilson alongside Holly Knight, Gene Bloch, and Connie, marked a pivotal moment for the band, blending their classic rock roots with the polished sound of the '80s. In a 2015 interview with Classic Rock Magazine, Ann Wilson shared that "Never" was about seizing the moment and living without regrets, a theme that resonated with fans navigating the bold, transformative energy of the decade. The song’s driving rhythm and soaring vocals made it a staple on radio stations like THE ZOO, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 1986 Rolling Stone interview where Nancy Wilson revealed the band initially hesitated to embrace the slick production of "Never" due to its departure from their '70s raw sound. However, producer Ron Nevison pushed them to experiment, resulting in a track that became one of their biggest hits. On Heart’s Instagram in 2020, they posted a throwback clip of the "Never" music video, captioning it with a nod to its iconic '80s hair and leather aesthetic, sparking fans to share nostalgic stories in the comments about blasting the song at high school parties. A fan on the Heart Fanatics Facebook Group recounted meeting Ann Wilson at a 1985 concert and getting a signed single of "Never," calling it their prized possession.
Another tidbit surfaced in a 2012 Guitar World interview, where Nancy Wilson discussed how the guitar riff in "Never" was inspired by her love for Led Zeppelin’s tight, punchy grooves, but she gave it a modern twist to fit the MTV era. The song’s music video, featuring dramatic close-ups and neon lighting, was a hit on MTV, and a 2018 post on Heart’s X account celebrated its 33rd anniversary, inviting fans to share memories. One fan replied, describing how "Never" was their go-to anthem for late-night drives, capturing the song’s enduring ability to energize listeners like the Zoo Freaks tuning in.
Heart, formed by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, began their journey in Seattle in the early 1970s. Ann, with her powerhouse vocals, joined a local band called Hocus Pocus in 1970, which later evolved into Heart. Nancy, a skilled guitarist, hopped on board in 1974, cementing the band’s signature blend of folk, rock, and hard-edged energy. According to their official bio on heart-music.com, the sisters drew inspiration from acts like Led Zeppelin and Joni Mitchell, crafting a sound that was both fierce and melodic. Their debut album, Dreamboat Annie, released in 1975, featured hits like "Crazy on You" and put them on the map, despite initial resistance from a male-dominated industry skeptical of women in rock.
The band’s early days were gritty, with relentless touring and a battle to be taken seriously. A 2013 memoir, Kicking & Dreaming, details how Ann and Nancy faced sexist record execs who tried to market them as a novelty act, but their raw talent and songwriting chops won over fans. By the time "Never" dropped, Heart had already built a loyal following through albums like Little Queen and Bebe le Strange. Today, you can keep up with Heart on their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and behind-the-scenes snippets. Fans also gather at sites like Heartmongers, a dedicated fan website, and the Heart Fanatics Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy.
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