Big Bad Moon

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Big Bad Moon" by Joe Satriani, a standout track from his 1989 album Flying in a Blue Dream, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This song is a unique gem in Satriani’s catalog, showcasing not only his virtuoso guitar work but also his rare vocal performance and harmonica skills. In a 2014 interview with MusicRadar, Satriani described the recording of Flying in a Blue Dream as a "stressful" yet creatively explosive time, with "Big Bad Moon" emerging as a fan favorite. The song’s lyrics, which evoke the wild, almost primal pull of a full moon, were inspired by Satriani’s fascination with the night sky, as he shared in a 2020 SoundVapors interview. He noted the track’s raw energy came from a spontaneous studio vibe, blending rock, blues, and a touch of humor.

Another cool tidbit comes from a post on @chickenfootjoe’s X account celebrating the 35th anniversary of Flying in a Blue Dream in October 2024, where Satriani highlighted "Big Bad Moon" as a live performance staple. The song also got a fresh spotlight in the 2024 G3 Reunion Live album, with a killer performance alongside guitar legends Eric Johnson and Steve Vai, as noted on Sonic Perspectives. Fun fact: the music video for "Big Bad Moon," available on YouTube, was remastered in 4K in 2021, showing Satriani rocking out with his signature shades and a harmonica, a nod to his multi-instrumental flair.

Joe Satriani was born on July 15, 1956, in Westbury, New York, and his journey to guitar god status started early. As a teen, he was inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s music, picking up the guitar at 14 and diving deep into practice. Before becoming a solo artist, Satriani was a renowned guitar teacher, mentoring future stars like Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, and Larry LaLonde of Primus, as detailed in his bio on Lyrics.com. His big break came with his 1986 debut album Not of This Earth, but it was 1987’s Surfing with the Alien that launched him into the mainstream, hitting No. 29 on the Billboard 200. Flying in a Blue Dream, his third album, cemented his reputation, blending instrumental wizardry with vocal tracks like "Big Bad Moon."

Satriani’s career also includes founding the G3 tour in 1996, a guitar virtuoso showcase featuring Vai and Johnson, which became a global phenomenon. He’s earned multiple Grammy nominations, including one for Flying in a Blue Dream in 1991, and has collaborated with bands like Chickenfoot. His official website, satriani.com, is the hub for tour dates, discography, and merch. You can catch him on social media at Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans gather at Joe Satriani Universe, a dedicated fan site with lyrics, news, and community vibes. There’s also a lively Joe Satriani Fan Group on Facebook where Zoo Freaks can connect with other diehards to share stories and celebrate Satch’s legacy.