C’mon Everybody

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "C'mon Everybody" by Humble Pie from their 1972 album Smokin’, and Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this raw, soulful cover of Eddie Cochran’s 1958 classic. According to drummer Jerry Shirley, the band’s take on the song was partly inspired by The Who’s reworking of Cochran’s "Summertime Blues," giving it a heavier, blues-rock edge with original guitar licks and a searing solo by Clem Clempson. Steve Marriott, the band’s powerhouse vocalist, described the recording of Smokin’ as a blast, emphasizing the enthusiastic energy poured into tracks like this one. The song’s gritty, boogie-driven vibe showcases Marriott’s raspy vocals and the band’s ability to blend hard rock with soul, making it a standout that had audiences rocking during their legendary live shows.

Another tidbit about "C’mon Everybody" comes from its role in capturing Humble Pie’s live prowess. The band, known for their explosive performances, used this track to channel their stage energy into the studio, with Marriott and Clempson trading fiery guitar riffs. In a review from The Uncool, Cameron Crowe called it “the epitome of shake yer ass music,” highlighting its role as a showcase for Marriott’s peerless vocal power and the band’s tight chemistry. The song’s inclusion on Smokin’ helped cement the album’s status as a commercial breakthrough, hitting number 6 on the US Billboard 200, proving the band’s viability after Peter Frampton’s departure. Fans on Humble Pie’s official Facebook often share stories of hearing this track live in the ‘70s, with one recalling a 1979 Connecticut show where Marriott’s solo performance made the absence of other members irrelevant.

Humble Pie was born in 1969 in Moreton, Essex, when Steve Marriott, fresh from storming offstage during a Small Faces performance, teamed up with a young Peter Frampton, who was eager to shed his teen heartthrob image from The Herd. Marriott, already a Mod icon with Small Faces, craved a grittier, blues-rock sound, and Frampton shared his desire to be taken seriously as a musician. They recruited bassist Greg Ridley from Spooky Tooth and 17-year-old drummer Jerry Shirley from Apostolic Intervention, forming what many consider one of the first supergroups. Their early days were marked by a democratic approach, with everyone contributing songs and vocals, as seen in their debut album and the acoustic-leaning Town & Country. Posts on Humble Pie’s X account reflect on this era, noting how Marriott and Frampton’s friendship, sparked at a 1968 Small Faces show, laid the foundation for the band’s raw, soulful energy.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Marriott’s insistence on producing Smokin’ himself led to his collapse from exhaustion, as reported by the New Musical Express, yet it underscored his commitment to crafting a compact R&B sound. Humble Pie’s official website celebrates their legacy as pioneers of blues-rock, influencing bands like The Black Crowes and Aerosmith. Fans can connect on the Humble Pie Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share rare photos and concert memories, or follow updates on Humble Pie’s Instagram. For those digging deeper, the fan site The Pie Club offers a treasure trove of discography details and tributes to Marriott’s electrifying stage presence. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or new to the Pie, "C’mon Everybody" is a perfect dive into their soulful, hard-rocking world.