Toxic

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the glam metal vibes at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the infectious track "Toxic" by John Diva & The Rockets of Love from their debut album Mama Said Rock Is Dead for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song stands out with its darker, almost brooding edge compared to the band's typically upbeat, party-ready anthems. According to a review from Hellfire Magazin, "Toxic" evokes a Pink Floyd-like atmosphere, a surprising shift that adds depth to the album’s hair metal swagger. The track’s melodic yet potent sound, as noted by Made In Metal, is deceptively simple but highly effective, burrowing under your skin with its catchy refrain. Another tidbit from Rock Angels points to "Toxic" carrying a vibe reminiscent of The Cult, blending melodic hard rock with a gritty, nostalgic punch. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to crank the volume and let the Zoo Freaks’ wild energy take over.

Digging into the origins of "Toxic," the song’s creation was part of a whirlwind songwriting session in 2017, as shared by John Diva in an interview with Rock Hard. He described the process as a “sparkling, glamorous psycho-therapy,” where the band poured out their love for ‘80s hair metal. The track’s lyrical content, while not as overtly tongue-in-cheek as some of their other songs, still carries the band’s signature playful edge, with lines that hint at indulgence and excess without crossing into the explicit territory of their peers like Steel Panther. Fans on the John Diva & The Rockets of Love Facebook page have praised "Toxic" for its live performance energy, with one post from a 2019 concert clip showing John Diva commanding the stage in full glam regalia, delivering the song with a swagger that’s pure ‘80s rockstar. The song’s ability to balance a darker tone with the band’s feel-good ethos makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic playlist.

John Diva & The Rockets of Love kicked off their journey in 2009, born from a shared passion for reviving the golden era of glam metal. According to their official bio on their website, frontman John Diva grew up in San Diego, California, raised by a single mother deeply embedded in the city’s rock scene. Surrounded by the sounds of AC/DC and the chaos of after-show parties, Diva was steeped in the culture of ‘80s rock from a young age. His father, a showband musician, was largely absent, leaving Diva’s mother to shape his musical world. Witnessing what he saw as the decline of rock’s glory days, Diva set out to become a musician, eventually forming the band with guitarist J.J. Love. The lineup expanded with Snake Rocket on guitar, Remmie Martin on bass, and Lee Stingray Jr. on drums. Initially struggling to find traction in the U.S., the band shifted focus to Europe in 2013, where they built a cult following through electrifying live shows, including three performances at the legendary Wacken Open Air festival.

The band’s debut album, Mama Said Rock Is Dead, released on February 8, 2019, was a love letter to the ‘80s, channeling influences like Van Halen, Bon Jovi, and Whitesnake. Produced by Michael Voss and Chris von Rohr, the album hit number 24 on the German charts, cementing their status as a force in the glam metal revival. You can keep up with their latest antics on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and plenty of retro rock flair. Fans have rallied around the band on platforms like the John Diva & The Rockets of Love Fan Group on Facebook, a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap concert stories and celebrate the band’s larger-than-life persona. For the ultimate dose of glam metal nostalgia, the band’s official website is your go-to for merch, tour dates, and more.