Born To Be Wild

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic track "Born To Be Wild" by Hinder, a cover from their 2007 deluxe edition of the album Extreme Behavior, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the rebellious vibe. This song, originally written by Mars Bonfire and performed by Steppenwolf in 1968, became a cultural anthem after its use in the 1969 film Easy Rider. Hinder’s version was specifically recorded for TNT’s coverage of NASCAR in 2007, adding a modern hard rock twist to the classic. According to posts found on X, Hinder’s take was included on the re-release of Extreme Behavior, amplifying its reach to fans of both rock and racing. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its raw energy, with lyrics like “Get your motor runnin’” resonating with the free-spirited ethos of the Zoo Freaks. Interestingly, Hinder’s cover joins a long list of artists like The Cult, INXS, and even Ozzy Osbourne with Miss Piggy, who have reinterpreted this track, each bringing their unique flair to its biker anthem roots.

Hinder’s journey began in Oklahoma City in 2001, when drummer Cody Hanson and guitarist Joe Garvey stumbled upon vocalist Austin Winkler performing at a college dorm party. As detailed on Last.fm, Hanson recalled being blown away by Winkler’s charisma and distinctive voice, which couldn’t be compared to anyone else. The trio formed the core of Hinder, drawing inspiration from post-grunge and 80s hard rock. They started gigging locally, opening for bands like Theory of a Deadman, and later welcomed guitarist Mark King and bassist Mike Rodden to complete the lineup. Their self-released EP caught the attention of Universal Records, leading to the release of Extreme Behavior in 2005. The album, fueled by hits like “Lips of an Angel,” soared to triple-platinum status, cementing Hinder’s place in the rock scene. Despite lineup changes, including Winkler’s departure in 2013 and the addition of Marshal Dutton as frontman in 2015, Hinder has continued to evolve, releasing albums like The Reign in 2017.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Hinder’s world, the band’s official website at hindermusic.com offers tour dates, merch, and updates. You can catch their latest posts on Facebook, where they share throwbacks like the 12th anniversary of Extreme Behavior in 2017, and Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. On X, they engage with fans about new music and tours. For fan communities, check out the Hinder Fans group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share concert experiences and discuss the band’s discography. Another great spot is Last.fm, a fan-driven site with detailed stats on Hinder’s music and similar artists, perfect for discovering more tracks to vibe with at THE ZOO.