Garden Of Eden

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious rock anthem "Garden Of Eden" by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, straight from the 1989 soundtrack album Eddie & The Cruisers II: Eddie Lives!. This track, with its playful retelling of Adam and Eve’s story, pulses with a driving beat and catchy lyrics that capture the timeless dance of love and temptation. One piece of trivia that stands out is how the song’s vibe perfectly mirrors the film’s narrative of Eddie Wilson’s return, blending raw energy with a touch of nostalgia. In a rare interview snippet from a 1990s fanzine, John Cafferty mentioned that the song was inspired by the idea of chasing dreams against all odds, much like Eddie’s journey in the movie. Fans on Facebook fan groups often share how the song’s line, “Catch me if you can,” became a rallying cry for their own rebellious moments, with some even claiming it was their go-to karaoke pick at local bars during the late ’80s.

Another tidbit comes from posts on X, where fans have noted the song’s live performances were electric, with Cafferty’s gritty vocals and Michael "Tunes" Antunes’ saxophone stealing the show. A fan on a fan-run website recalled a 1989 concert where the band extended the song’s outro, letting the crowd chant “Catch me if you can” for nearly a minute. The song’s inclusion in the Eddie & The Cruisers II soundtrack wasn’t just a commercial move; it was a deliberate nod to the band’s roots in barroom rock, crafted to evoke the sweaty, passionate atmosphere of their early gigs. The lyrics, which playfully dodge the “rotten apples” for “diamonds and pearls,” were Cafferty’s wink at chasing something bigger, a theme that resonated deeply with their Zoo Freak audience.

John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band kicked off their journey in 1972 in Narragansett, Rhode Island, originally as simply Beaver Brown, a name inspired by a paint can their friend William Bosworth used. Starting as a bar band, the group—featuring John Cafferty on vocals and guitar, Gary Gramolini on lead guitar, Pat Lupo on bass, Kenny Jo Silva on drums, Bobby Cotoia on keyboards, and Michael "Tunes" Antunes on saxophone—built a loyal following across New England. They played gritty, soulful rock in beach towns like Narragansett and Misquamicut, as well as cities like Boston and Asbury Park. By 1980, their self-released single “Tender Years”/“Wild Summer Nights” sold 10,000 copies locally, catching the ear of Scotti Brothers/CBS, who signed them to record the soundtrack for Eddie And The Cruisers. The 1983 film’s success, paired with hits like “On The Dark Side,” catapulted them to fame, with the album going triple platinum.

Despite being stereotyped as the “Eddie band,” Cafferty and crew stayed true to their roots, blending Springsteen-esque heartland rock with their own East Coast flair. Cafferty, who worked as a house painter by day, poured his blue-collar ethos into the music, which resonated with fans. Their follow-up albums, like Tough All Over in 1985, and continued soundtrack work, including Rocky IV’s “Hearts on Fire,” kept them in the spotlight. You can keep up with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For deeper fan connections, check out the John Cafferty Fans Facebook group or the fan-run CaffertyFans.com, where Zoo Freaks swap stories, rare photos, and tour updates.