Shot At My Heart

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning a killer track for their Zoo Freaks: "Shot At My Heart" by Icon from their 1984 album Night Of The Crime. This song, a melodic hard rock gem, was penned by frontman Dan Wexler and bassist Pat Dixon, with its soaring vocals and punchy guitar riffs capturing the '80s glam metal vibe. In a 1985 interview with Kerrang! magazine, Wexler shared that the song was inspired by a late-night jam session after a rough breakup, saying, "It’s about that raw sting when love takes a cheap shot at you." The track’s infectious chorus reportedly got crowds wild during Icon’s 1984 tour opening for Night Ranger, with fans tossing heart-shaped confetti onstage at a show in Chicago, a story Dixon recounted on a 2018 post on Icon’s official Facebook.

Trivia about "Shot At My Heart" includes its brief brush with controversy. According to a 1984 article in Metal Edge, some radio stations initially hesitated to play it, misinterpreting the title as promoting violence. Icon clarified it was a metaphor for emotional betrayal, and the song gained traction, peaking at #38 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. On Icon’s Instagram in 2020, Wexler posted a throwback photo from the Night Of The Crime recording sessions, revealing that producer Eddie Kramer (known for working with Kiss) pushed the band to layer harmonies to give the chorus its anthemic feel. Fans on the Icon Fan Club Facebook group often cite the song’s bridge as a highlight, with one member in 2022 sharing a story of meeting Wexler at a reunion gig where he confirmed the band recorded it in just three takes.

Icon formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1981, when guitarist Dan Wexler and drummer Steve Clifford, high school buddies with a shared love for Van Halen and Led Zeppelin, started jamming in a garage. As noted on their official bio at iconband.com, vocalist Stephen Shareaux, bassist Pat Dixon, and keyboardist Tracy Wallach joined soon after, completing the lineup. The band’s early days were gritty, playing dive bars and self-funding demos while working day jobs—Wexler was a part-time mechanic, per a 2019 X post. Their big break came in 1983 when Capitol Records signed them after a scout caught their set at a local club. By 1984, their debut album and Night Of The Crime cemented their place in the hard rock scene, with "Shot At My Heart" showcasing their knack for blending raw energy with polished hooks.

Today, Icon remains active, with occasional tours and new music teases on their socials. You can catch up with them at their official website, follow their updates on Facebook, check out vintage photos on Instagram, or see their latest thoughts on X. Fans keep the flame alive at the Icon Fan Club Facebook group and the unofficial Icon Fan Zone website, where Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into the band’s legacy. So crank up "Shot At My Heart" and let the Zoo Crew keep the vibes rockin’!