Shake That Fat

The Zoo Crew is thrilled to spin "Shake That Fat" by Jo Jo Gunne, a funky rock anthem from their 1972 self-titled debut album. This track, with its infectious groove and playful lyrics, captures the band's early '70s vibe, urging Zoo Freaks to let loose and dance. One piece of trivia comes from a 1995 Vintage Guitar Magazine interview, where bassist Mark Andes recalled the song's live energy, noting how it was a crowd favorite during their early tours. The song's lyrics, like "shake that fat in every direction," were inspired by the band's love for Chuck Berry's storytelling, with a nod to his 1958 track "Jo Jo Gunne," which also named the band. Fans on the Jo Jo Gunne Fans Facebook group often share stories of catching the band perform this song in small LA clubs, describing the raw, sweaty atmosphere that made it a staple of their setlists.

Another tidbit about "Shake That Fat" surfaced in a rare 1972 radio interview snippet posted on the fan site jojogunne.net, where frontman Jay Ferguson explained the song's creation. He said it was born during a late-night jam session after a show, with the band riffing on a bassline Mark Andes laid down. The lyrics, Ferguson noted, were meant to be lighthearted, reflecting the band's goal to get audiences moving. The song's B-side, "I Make Love," was released as a single in 1972 on Asylum Records, and collectors on the Discogs community note its rarity, with some vinyl copies fetching high prices today. Zoo Freaks might also enjoy knowing that the track was featured on the 2015 release Jo Jo Gunne Live 1971 & 1973, capturing the band's wild stage presence.

Jo Jo Gunne formed in Los Angeles in 1971, sparked by Jay Ferguson (keyboards, vocals, guitar) and Mark Andes (bass, vocals), who left the rock band Spirit to chase a grittier sound. Joined by Mark’s brother Matt Andes (guitar, vocals) and Curly Smith (drums, vocals, harp), the quartet crafted a blend of rock, funk, and blues that resonated with the post-hippie era. Ferguson, born May 10, 1947, in Burbank, California, had already tasted success with Spirit, but wanted a project with more raw energy. Andes, born February 19, 1948, in Philadelphia, brought a tight rhythm section honed from years of gigging. The band’s name, as Ferguson shared in a Wikipedia bio, came from Chuck Berry’s song about a monkey sparking chaos, a fitting metaphor for their high-energy performances. Signing with Asylum Records, their debut album hit number 57 on Billboard’s Top 100, with "Run Run Run" becoming a UK Top 10 hit.

The band’s early days were marked by relentless touring, playing alongside acts like Black Sabbath and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. After their 1974 breakup, Ferguson scored solo hits like "Thunder Island," while Andes joined Firefall and later Heart. Smith became a sought-after session drummer, working with Boston. The original lineup reunited briefly in 1992 and 2005, recording the album Big Chain. Today, fans can connect with the band’s legacy through their official Bandcamp, where they share music and updates. Their Facebook page posts nostalgic photos and tour memories, while their Instagram showcases vinyl reissues and fan art. On X, the band interacts with Zoo Freaks, sharing throwback clips and news about re-releases.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Jo Jo Gunne Fans Facebook group is a lively spot where fans trade bootlegs, discuss lyrics, and organize meetups at tribute shows. The fan-run jojogunne.net offers a treasure trove of archived interviews, rare photos, and a discography, keeping the band’s spirit alive. The Zoo Crew hopes you’re grooving to "Shake That Fat" and invites you to join the conversation on these platforms, sharing your own stories about this classic track!