Hordes of Locusts

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Hordes of Locusts" by Joe Satriani from his 1988 EP Dreaming #11, a favorite among Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO radio station. This hard-rocking instrumental, originally from Satriani’s debut album Not of This Earth, gets a thrilling live treatment on Dreaming #11, recorded during the Surfing with the Alien tour with bassist Stuart Hamm and drummer Jonathan Mover. Fans on SortMusic rave about the live version, noting its heavier, more intense soloing compared to the studio cut, making it a standout for its bone-crunching energy. The song’s title and menacing vibe draw inspiration from 1950s monster movies, described as a "tone-poem about creepy-crawlies" with a campy yet powerful edge, as noted in a 2005 blog post on Armed and Dangerous. A wild piece of trivia from the San Diego concert where it was recorded: a lighting technician fell five feet in front of the band during soundcheck, requiring CPR from the band members, an incident that left Satriani’s guitar slightly out of tune during the performance, adding a raw, human element to the track.

Another layer of intrigue comes from Satriani’s own reflections on his music. In a 2022 Guitar World interview, he marveled at the technical prowess of young guitarists on Instagram, admitting they surpass his own speed and complexity. Yet, he emphasized the importance of playing for and with others, a philosophy that shines through in the communal energy of his live performances like "Hordes of Locusts." The song’s apocalyptic imagery also ties into Satriani’s love for science fiction, a recurring theme in his work, with tracks often referencing comic book characters like the Silver Surfer or sci-fi concepts, as detailed on his Wikipedia page. Fans on Joe Satriani Fan Club groups frequently discuss how this track captures his ability to blend technical virtuosity with storytelling, making it a staple for air-guitar sessions among Zoo Freaks.

Joe Satriani, born July 15, 1956, in Westbury, New York, kicked off his musical journey as a guitar instructor in the late 1970s, shaping future stars like Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, and Larry LaLonde. His early career, as chronicled on his official website, saw him honing his craft in local bands before releasing his self-titled debut EP in 1984. Satriani’s big break came with Not of This Earth in 1986, followed by the groundbreaking Surfing with the Alien in 1987, which became the best-selling instrumental rock album since Jeff Beck’s Wired, according to Armed and Dangerous. His innovative approach, blending melodic hooks with technical wizardry, caught the attention of Mick Jagger, who recruited him for a 1988 solo tour. Satriani’s creation of the G3 tour in 1995, featuring guitar virtuosos like Vai and Eric Johnson, further cemented his legacy, as noted on his Facebook page.

Today, Satriani remains a prolific force, with over 10 million albums sold and 15 Grammy nominations. His Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes glimpses of his tours and studio work, while his X account keeps fans updated on new releases like his 2022 album The Elephants of Mars. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, Satriani’s official website offers tour dates, merch, and exclusive content like the Crystal Planet comic series. Fan communities thrive on platforms like Joe Satriani Fan Club and SatchZone, where devotees share concert stories and dissect tracks like "Hordes of Locusts." Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, Satriani’s music and vibrant online presence keep the guitar-shredding spirit alive.