Haywire

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins "Haywire" by Jared James Nichols from his blistering album Old Glory & The Wild Revival! This track is a raw, high-octane blast of blues-rock that’s got the kind of gritty groove to make your speakers shake. In a 2015 review by Metal Shock Finland, "Haywire" was singled out for its "solid, funky groove" that lingers long after the song ends, with Nichols growling about "hard core rock ‘n’ roll" in a way that feels like a punch to the soul. The song’s infectious energy channels the spirit of classic rock rebels like Jimi Hendrix and Joe Bonamassa, as noted by SonicAbuse, where Nichols delivers with a conviction that’s "sung with such wide-eyed conviction" you can’t help but believe every word. Nichols himself has described the track as a nod to the timeless vibe of rock ‘n’ roll, blending the old-school fire with a fresh spark, perfectly embodying the "Wild Revival" ethos of the album.

Digging deeper, "Haywire" isn’t just a song—it’s a statement. In a 2013 Unsung Melody interview, Nichols shared that the album’s title, Old Glory & The Wild Revival, represents "a mix of everything great from the past meeting this new generation," and "Haywire" captures that fusion with its foot-stomping rhythm and searing guitar riffs. Fans on Facebook have echoed this, with one calling it "rocky, bluesy, and very catchy" in an Amazon review, while another praised Nichols’ live performance of the track for its "orgiastische Ausschweifungen" (orgiastic excesses) on stage, as per a Stormbringer review. Nichols’ ability to make his guitar "kreischen, jaulen, grollen, seufzen und aufbrüllen" (scream, wail, growl, sigh, and roar) adds a visceral edge to "Haywire," making it a standout for Zoo Freaks who love their music loud and untamed.

Now, let’s rewind to how Jared James Nichols became the blues-rock powerhouse he is today. Hailing from East Troy, Wisconsin, Nichols picked up his first guitar at 14, growing up just minutes from The Alpine Valley Resort, where Stevie Ray Vaughan played his final show. As he told Blues Rock Review, discovering the blues was like finding "everything that I’ve been waiting for." Largely self-taught, Nichols honed his craft through trial and error, diving into his parents’ record collection and emulating legends like Son House and Albert King. After a year at Berklee School of Music in Boston to study theory, he moved to Los Angeles in 2010, determined to make his mark. Within his first week, he entered a Les Paul Tribute guitar contest, which he won, earning the Musicians Institute Most Outstanding Player Award and kickstarting his career. From there, he formed a power trio and released his debut EP, Live at the Viper Room, before dropping Old Glory & The Wild Revival in 2015, cementing his place in the modern blues-rock scene.

Nichols’ journey has been fueled by relentless touring and a knack for connecting with fans, both on stage and online. With over 115,000 followers on Instagram and 50,000 on Facebook, he’s built a loyal community, sharing electrifying performance clips and vintage guitar insights. His X account keeps the vibe alive with updates on tours and new music. For Zoo Freaks who want to dive deeper, check out the Jared James Nichols Fan Club on Facebook, where fans swap stories, share concert photos, and celebrate Nichols’ raw energy. His official website is the go-to spot for merch, tour dates, and the latest on his signature Epiphone "Old Glory" Les Paul and Blackstar JJN20 amp. So, crank up "Haywire," join the revival, and let’s keep the blues-rock fire burning!