Don't Believe A Word (Live 1990)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of Don't Believe A Word (Live 1990) by John Norum from his album Live in Stockholm, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this raw, electrifying Thin Lizzy cover. Recorded live at the Draken in Stockholm on March 14, 1988, this track captures Norum's fiery guitar work and the gritty energy of his solo band. The song, originally penned by Phil Lynott, was released on Norum’s 1990 maxi-single EP, alongside tracks like Eternal Flame and Blind. A cool tidbit from Norum’s official site reveals that the EP was later reissued for Record Store Day 2022 as a limited edition of 1,000 individually numbered copies on flaming colored vinyl, making it a collector’s gem for fans. Norum’s choice to cover Thin Lizzy wasn’t random—his admiration for Lynott’s songwriting and the band’s hard rock edge is evident in his bluesy, melodic take, which he infuses with his signature shredding style.

Digging into fan chatter, a post on the John Norum Fan Club Facebook group highlights how Norum’s live performance of this track was a standout for its raw intensity, with Göran Edman’s vocals adding a soulful layer to the mix. In a 1988 interview snippet shared on Yperano Records, Norum spoke about his solo tour, saying he didn’t care about making money but wanted to “play to people and give them a good show.” This passion shines through in the live recording, where the crowd’s energy at the Draken fuels the band’s performance. Fans on Norum’s Instagram have also commented on how his Thin Lizzy covers, like this one, pay homage to his 70s rock influences while showcasing his technical prowess.

John Norum, born February 23, 1964, in Vardø, Norway, kicked off his musical journey when his family moved to Upplands Väsby, a Stockholm suburb, at age one. As a kid, he was a bit of a rebel, once accidentally setting his legs on fire while playing with gasoline, as noted on the fan site Wings of Tomorrow. His love for music sparked early, idolizing Elvis Presley and Cliff Richard before discovering Deep Purple’s Strange Kind of Woman and KISS, which fueled his dream of becoming a rock star. At 10, he taught himself guitar, and by 12, he formed his first band, Dragonfly, named after his street in Upplands Väsby. His stepfather, Thomas Witt, a former drummer, got him into recording with Eddie Meduza & The Roaring Cadillacs as a teen, giving him early studio experience.

Norum’s big break came in 1979 when, at 15, he co-founded Force with vocalist Joey Tempest, which later became the iconic rock band Europe. Their win at the 1982 “Rock Sm” Swedish rock championship, broadcast on TV, put them on the map, with Norum voted best guitarist. His blistering solos and melodic style, influenced by Gary Moore and Ritchie Blackmore, defined Europe’s early sound. After leaving Europe in 1986 to pursue a solo career, Norum released his debut album Total Control and later collaborated with artists like Don Dokken and Glenn Hughes. Fans can dive deeper into his journey on his official website, johnnorum.se, or connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X.

For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out the JohnNorum.net fan site, a hub since 2001 for updates on Norum’s career, or join the John Norum Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories with fellow fans. Norum’s gritty, soulful take on Don’t Believe A Word is a testament to his lifelong dedication to rock, and the Zoo Crew is stoked to keep those vinyl vibes spinning!