American Amadeus

The Zoo Crew is spinning "American Amadeus" by John Diva & The Rockets of Love, a track from their 2021 album of the same name, and it’s got the Zoo Freaks buzzing with its glam metal swagger. This song is a glittery, over-the-top homage to the 1980s, blending European high culture with American trash culture, as lead singer John Diva himself described it. He called it the perfect title track because it showcases the band’s full stylistic range, from glamorous to electrifying, with a nod to Falco’s iconic "Rock Me Amadeus" woven into its DNA. Reviewers have noted a Mozart quote tucked into the song, adding a playful classical twist to its hard rock core. The track’s infectious chorus and theatrical vibe make it a standout, with critics praising its ability to feel both nostalgic and fresh, like a time machine to the Sunset Strip.

Behind the scenes, "American Amadeus" got a boost from some notable collaborators. Hannes Braun of Kissin’ Dynamite co-wrote the song, bringing his melodic genius to the mix, which fans can hear in the track’s earworm quality. Michael Voss, known for his work with Mad Max and Michael Schenker, also contributed, adding a banjo slide solo to the album’s opener "Voodoo Sex & Vampires," but his influence spills into the title track’s polished production. The band’s tongue-in-cheek approach shines through, with lyrics and a music video that lean into the absurd excesses of rock star life, making it a favorite for those who love their hard rock with a side of humor. Fans on Reddit’s hair metal community lit up when the song dropped, with one user shouting out the band for keeping European hair metal alive, racking up votes and comments for its unapologetic 80s vibe.

John Diva & The Rockets of Love started as a German glam metal outfit in 2009, founded by frontman John Diva, whose larger-than-life persona drives the band’s retro aesthetic. According to their official bio, John Diva grew up in San Diego, California, raised by a single mother deeply embedded in the local rock scene. His absent father, a showband musician working the U.S. casino circuit, left him to find his own path through music, which he discovered through his mother’s influence. The band first hit the European scene in 2013, armed with a catalog of classic rock-inspired tunes that caught fire at festivals like Wacken Open Air, where they’ve played three times. Their debut album, Mama Said Rock Is Dead, released in 2019, hit number 24 on the German charts, cementing their status as a “live phenomenon,” as dubbed by Metal Hammer.

The band’s mission is to revive the glory days of Van Halen, Bon Jovi, and Mötley Crüe, sprinkled with Def Leppard’s polish, and they’ve built a cult following for it. You can catch up with them on their official website, where they share tour dates and merch, or follow their glittery antics on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans have carved out spaces to celebrate the band, like the John Diva & The Rockets of Love Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories, post concert pics, and debate the band’s best tracks. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new convert, this crew’s high-energy, spandex-clad rock ‘n’ roll is built to keep the party going.