Star Cycle

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Star Cycle" by Jeff Beck from his 1980 album There And Back! This instrumental gem, composed by keyboardist Jan Hammer, is a pulsating blend of jazz fusion and instrumental rock that became iconic for its use as the theme song for Mid-South Wrestling in the U.S. and the British music program The Tube. Fans on Reddit have celebrated its high-energy riff as a perfect wrestling entrance theme, with one user calling it “a genius track that amps up any moment.” Hammer’s sequencer-driven motif in "Star Cycle" even foreshadowed his later work on the Miami Vice theme, a connection noted by Synthtopia during a 2016 live performance review at the Hollywood Bowl. That show, featuring Beck and Hammer alongside bassist Rhonda Smith, was a highlight of Beck’s 50-year career celebration, showcasing their electrifying chemistry.

Another cool tidbit comes from the KVR Audio forum, where a user shared their attempt to recreate the song’s bassline arp using a Roland Juno 106 synth, only to realize Hammer’s original keyboard work was tougher to mimic than expected. A fan on the same forum recalled covering "Star Cycle" in the ‘80s with a Moog Opus III, admitting their version didn’t match the “punchy” original. The track’s sci-fi-esque energy, as described by an Amazon reviewer, makes it stand out, with its metronomic rhythm and Beck’s soaring guitar leads evoking a futuristic vibe. That reviewer also praised the album as the culmination of Beck’s jazz fusion trilogy, alongside Blow by Blow and Wired, a sentiment echoed across fan discussions online.

Jeff Beck, born Geoffrey Arnold Beck on June 24, 1944, in Wallington, Surrey, kicked off his legendary career in the early 1960s, diving into London’s vibrant music scene. Initially a session musician, he gained fame after joining The Yardbirds in 1965, replacing Eric Clapton. His innovative guitar work helped shape the band’s psychedelic and blues-rock sound, heard in hits like “Shapes of Things.” After leaving The Yardbirds in 1966, Beck formed the Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, blending heavy blues and rock on albums like Truth (1968), which influenced early hard rock. By 1975, Beck shifted to instrumental music with Blow by Blow, embracing jazz fusion and showcasing his ability to make the guitar “sing,” as fans on his Facebook page often describe. His genre-spanning career, from blues to electronica, earned him eight Grammy Awards and two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions (with The Yardbirds in 1992 and as a solo artist in 2009).

Zoo Freaks can connect with Beck’s legacy through his official channels and fan communities. Check out his official website for music and updates, though it’s been quieter since his passing in January 2023. His Facebook page, with over 946,000 likes, remains active with tributes and performance clips, like a fan-favorite video of “Star Cycle” live. On Instagram, the @jeffbeckofficial account shares throwback photos and tour memories, while the X account @jeffbeckmusic posts occasional updates and fan interactions. For deeper dives, join the Jeff Beck Fans Facebook group, where over 2,000 members share rare recordings and stories, or visit fan sites like Ain’t No Saint, a treasure trove of discographies and live bootlegs. Keep the groove alive, Zoo Freaks!