Eye of the Zombie

The Zoo Crew is spinning the haunting grooves of Eye of the Zombie by John Fogerty, a track from his 1986 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its eerie, swampy energy. This song, with its dark, apocalyptic imagery, was a bold departure from Fogerty’s earlier work, blending his signature roots rock with an ’80s synth-drenched sound. In a 2007 interview with Pitchfork, Fogerty reflected on the album’s creation, noting that it was born out of the anguish he felt after his 1985 comeback album Centerfield. He explained that the legal battles with his former label, Fantasy Records, and the pressure to avoid playing Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) songs fueled the album’s grim tone, with Eye of the Zombie itself evoking a “beast already dead” joining a macabre dance, almost like a nod to the era’s fascination with horror themes.

Another tidbit about the song comes from its critical reception, which was mixed at best. Rolling Stone in 1986 compared it to a “third-rate Thriller,” suggesting Fogerty’s attempt at a spooky, danceable track didn’t quite land with the same punch as Michael Jackson’s hit. Yet, fans on platforms like Amazon have praised its gritty energy, with one reviewer calling it “classic Fogerty” despite its commercial overtones. Interestingly, Fogerty himself distanced himself from the album for years, refusing to perform its songs live until 2009, when he brought back Change in the Weather from the same record for select shows. A 2021 post on X by Fogerty celebrated the album’s Gold certification in 1986, thanking fans for their support, showing he’s since warmed to its legacy.

Delving into John Fogerty’s origins, he was born on May 28, 1945, in Berkeley, California, and his musical journey began in the late 1950s. As a teenager, he formed a band with his brother Tom, drummer Doug Clifford, and bassist Stu Cook, initially called the Blue Velvets. By the late ’60s, they evolved into Creedence Clearwater Revival, a band that would define swamp rock with Fogerty as the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His knack for crafting vivid, working-class stories in songs like Proud Mary and Fortunate Son came from his love for blues, country, and early rock ’n’ roll, influenced by artists like Howlin’ Wolf and Hank Williams. CCR’s meteoric rise saw them sell over 100 million records, but internal strife and label disputes led to their 1972 breakup, pushing Fogerty into a solo career that kicked off with 1973’s The Blue Ridge Rangers, where he played every instrument himself.

Fogerty’s solo path wasn’t smooth, marked by legal battles and a decade-long hiatus before his 1985 smash Centerfield. His distinctive voice and storytelling, rooted in American musical traditions, earned him Grammy wins and inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. He’s also the only musician honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame for his song Centerfield, a staple at ballparks. You can keep up with Fogerty’s latest news on his official website, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at sites like Creedence Online for CCR and Fogerty lore, and the Creedence Clearwater Revival Fan Club on Facebook is a lively spot for Zoo Freaks to connect over their love for Fogerty’s music.