Killin' Time

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Killin' Time" by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band from their 1988 album Roadhouse, and Zoo Freaks, you're in for a treat with this heartland rock gem. This track, nestled in the band’s self-produced masterpiece, captures the raw energy of their Rhode Island roots with its driving rhythm and John Cafferty’s soulful vocals. In a review from Subjective Sounds, the song is praised for its validation of the band’s potential, noting it could have been a major hit with more recognition, though its abrupt ending leaves listeners wanting more. The lyrics, like “I’m so uninspired, I’m killing time,” reflect a restless, working-class struggle, resonating with fans who vibe with the band’s gritty authenticity. Interestingly, the album’s recording process began with the band experimenting with new studio gear in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where they crafted a demo that became the holiday tune “All Around The World” before diving into Roadhouse, making "Killin' Time" part of a creative burst that defined their peak sound.

While specific interviews about "Killin' Time" are scarce, the band’s broader story sheds light on its context. In a 2022 interview for their Greatest Hits album, featured on their official website, John Cafferty and original members Michael “Tunes” Antunes and Gary Gramolini discussed how Roadhouse was a labor of love, recorded at their own pace with trusted engineers Karl Rasmussen and John Muldowney. This freedom allowed tracks like "Killin' Time" to embody the band’s live energy, honed over years of Northeast bar gigs. A 2017 fan-made documentary, Bound for Glory, highlighted by NJArts.net, also notes Cafferty’s mentorship under Bruce Springsteen, whose influence subtly shapes the song’s anthemic quality. Fans on X have recently celebrated the band’s enduring legacy, with posts in April 2025 calling their Eddie and the Cruisers era, which paved the way for Roadhouse, a defining moment in rock soundtracks.

John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band kicked off their journey in 1972 in Narragansett, Rhode Island, originally as just Beaver Brown, a name inspired by a paint can. The classic lineup—John Cafferty (vocals/guitar), Gary Gramolini (lead guitar), Pat Lupo (bass), Kenny Jo Silva (drums), Bobby Cotoia (keyboards), and Michael “Tunes” Antunes (saxophone)—started as a New England bar band, building a loyal following in beach towns like Narragansett, Misquamicut, and Asbury Park. Their big break came in 1980 with a self-released single, “Wild Summer Nights” b/w “Tender Years,” which sold 10,000 copies and caught the ear of filmmakers. This led to their iconic soundtrack for Eddie and the Cruisers in 1983, with “On the Dark Side” hitting #1 on Billboard Rock charts for five weeks, propelling them to national fame. Their 1985 album Tough All Over solidified their success, but Roadhouse, including "Killin' Time," remains a fan favorite for its unpolished, heartfelt rock.

Zoo Freaks can connect with the band online to keep the vibe alive. Check out their official website at johncafferty.com for tour dates, merch, and their full bio. Follow them on Facebook for updates on their 2025 tour, including stops with Rick Springfield and John Waite. Their Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes shots and throwbacks, while X is buzzing with fan chatter about their recent singles “Day in the Sun” and “Send a Little Message to You.” For deeper fan engagement, join the John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band Fan Group on Facebook, where devotees share concert stories and rare vinyl finds. No dedicated fan websites stand out, but the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame’s page offers a solid archive of the band’s history.