Run Run Run

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the classic track "Run Run Run" by Jo Jo Gunne from their self-titled debut album! This 1972 hit is a high-energy rock anthem that became a defining moment for the band. According to frontman Jay Ferguson, the song’s vibe was heavily influenced by the boogie of Little Feat and the funky soul of Sly & the Family Stone, blending slide guitar grooves from Matt Andes with a rock-solid rhythm section. The track soared to number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and hit number 30 in Canada, earning airplay on U.S. album-oriented rock stations. Its infectious energy made it a staple for live performances, especially during the band’s tours through the South and Southwest, where they won over crowds with their raw, heel-rockin’ style. A 1974 performance on The Midnight Special captures the band’s long-haired, silk-shirted glory, with Ferguson leaping around in leopard-print pants, cementing the song’s status as a quintessential 1970s one-hit wonder.

Another cool tidbit about "Run Run Run" comes from its cultural footprint. Fans on the Classic Rock Forum recall seeing the band perform it on Top of the Pops, with a wind machine adding to the chaotic, party-like atmosphere of the lyrics: “Welcome to the party, we’re all just papers in the wind.” The song’s B-side, “Take It Easy,” was praised by fans as just as strong as the A-side, showing the band’s knack for crafting catchy rock tunes. Despite its popularity, some fans on Power Pop Blog lament that the song has faded from radio playlists, suggesting it deserves a revival through a movie soundtrack placement. The song’s raw energy and rebellious spirit perfectly align with the Zoo Crew’s hippie vibe, making it a must-play for all you Zoo Freaks out there!

Jo Jo Gunne was born in Los Angeles in 1971, sparked by Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes after they left the psychedelic rock band Spirit. Ferguson, a Burbank, California native, and Andes, hailing from Philadelphia, were itching for a fresh sound that ditched Spirit’s complex concepts for something more immediate and fun. They teamed up with Mark’s brother, Matt Andes, on guitar, and drummer Curly Smith to form the band, naming it after a 1958 Chuck Berry song, “Jo Jo Gunne,” about a mischievous monkey stirring up trouble. Signed to Asylum Records, they dropped their debut album in 1972, with “Run Run Run” becoming their breakout hit. The band’s early days were marked by relentless touring and a gritty, boogie-rock style that resonated with audiences, though they disbanded in 1974 after four albums. A brief reunion in 1992 and a 2005 album, Big Chain, kept their legacy alive.

For more on Jo Jo Gunne, check out their official presence online. While the band doesn’t maintain an active official website, you can dive into their history on fan-driven platforms like the AllMusic biography page. Connect with fellow fans on social media through the Jo Jo Gunne Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memories and rare clips. On a>Instagram, search the hashtag #JoJoGunne to find fan posts celebrating the band’s legacy, though the band itself isn’t active there. On X, you’ll find occasional posts from fans reminiscing about “Run Run Run” and the band’s 1970s heyday. For vinyl collectors, Discogs is a treasure trove for tracking down rare Jo Jo Gunne records. So, crank up “Run Run Run,” join the Zoo Freaks, and keep the boogie alive!