Last Chance

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Last Chance" by Jared James Nichols from his album Black Magic, and this track is a fiery blues-rock anthem that packs a punch. Nichols has described "Last Chance" as "easily the hardest-hitting song I have ever written," emphasizing its raw energy and relentless groove. In an interview with BroadwayWorld, he revealed that the song was crafted with the intent to "leave a scar," drawing inspiration from the power and fire of 1970s rock bands like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. The blistering guitar solo, which Nichols called "crazy" and "unhinged," was a deliberate push to set a high bar for the Black Magic album, recorded in part at Johnny Depp’s home studio and The Boneyard in Boston. Nichols worked with co-producer Tony Perry, son of Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, who brought an extra edge to the track by encouraging reckless experimentation in the studio, resulting in a sound that captures the trio’s live intensity.

Another layer of trivia comes from Nichols’ comments to Blues Rock Review, where he shared that "Last Chance" channels the screams and axe virtuosity of 1980s hair metal, evoking the likes of Skid Row’s Sebastian Bach. The song’s music video, released in June 2017, premiered on Loudwire and was timed to coincide with Nichols’ UK tour, amplifying its impact. Fans on Facebook and Instagram have echoed this enthusiasm, often citing the song’s explosive energy at live shows, like his performances at Hellfest 2017, where a live version was captured for the album’s deluxe edition. The track’s aggressive, in-your-face style has made it a staple for X followers, who share clips of Nichols shredding its iconic solo, cementing its status among Zoo Freaks as a head-banging classic.

Jared James Nichols got his start in East Troy, Wisconsin, where his passion for the guitar ignited at age 14, living just minutes from The Alpine Valley Resort, where Stevie Ray Vaughan played his final show. As detailed on his Round Hill Music bio, Nichols’ blues-rock journey began with an innate connection to the genre, channeling its grit through his signature pick-less playing style. By 2010, he moved to Los Angeles, quickly making waves by winning the Gibson Les Paul Tribute Contest and the Musicians Institute Most Outstanding Player Award. Forming a power trio with drummer Dennis Holm and bassist Erik Sandin, Nichols released his first EP, Live at the Viper Room, and began touring relentlessly, playing over 500 shows by age 21. His early career was marked by collaborations with legends like Eddie Kramer and performances alongside icons like Zakk Wylde and Joe Bonamassa, as noted on Wikipedia.

Nichols’ rise was fueled by his high-energy live shows and distinctive tone, delivered through his single-pickup Epiphone Les Paul Custom, nicknamed "Old Glory." His ReverbNation page highlights how he toured with bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blue Öyster Cult, building a loyal fanbase. Fans can connect with him on his Facebook page, which has over 91,000 likes, or follow his Instagram for clips of his electrifying performances. On X, Nichols engages with over 50,000 followers, sharing tour updates and gear talk. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Jared James Nichols Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community for sharing concert photos and news, while ReverbNation offers a hub for his music and updates, keeping the blues-rock spirit alive.