Head First (Live 1988 / Wildcard Remaster)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the vibrant track "Head First (Live 1988 / Wildcard Remaster)" by John Waite from the album John Waite No Brakes Tour LD for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This live rendition captures the raw energy of Waite’s 1988 performances, a period when he was riding high on the success of his solo career. While specific trivia about this exact live version is scarce, the original "Head First" from Waite’s 1978 album with The Babys is a fan favorite, known for its gritty rock edge. In a 2013 interview with Songfacts, Waite shared that his songwriting often stems from spontaneous emotion, suggesting that tracks like "Head First" were born from a visceral, in-the-moment creative spark. The 1988 live version, remastered for Wildcard, amplifies this intensity, showcasing Waite’s commanding stage presence and his band’s tight musicianship, as noted in fan discussions on his official Facebook page.

Another tidbit comes from Waite’s reflections on his live performances. In a 2024 Charleston.com interview, he described his 40-minute opening sets as “firing off hits,” a fitting description for the high-octane delivery of "Head First" in 1988. Fans on Waite’s X account have praised the remastered live tracks for their clarity, bringing out nuances like the driving bassline and Waite’s emotive vocals. The song’s inclusion in the No Brakes Tour LD album ties it to the era of Waite’s mega-hit "Missing You," which, as he revealed in a 2024 AMFM Magazine interview, was written on the spot after a friend played some chord changes. This improvisational spirit likely influenced the live energy of "Head First," making it a standout for Zoo Freaks grooving to THE ZOO’s eclectic playlist.

John Waite, born on July 4, 1952, in Lancaster, England, kicked off his musical journey with a deep-rooted love for blues, soul, and country, as detailed on his official website. Growing up in a working-class family, Waite was drawn to music through American Westerns and artists like Marty Robbins, as he shared in a 2022 documentary, John Waite: The Hard Way. His first brush with commercial music came via a Tommy Steele ukulele, which, to his dismay, was revealed to be a Mickey Mouse-shaped instrument under a sticker—a story he recounted in the documentary. Waite’s formal education at Lancaster Art College fueled his creative side, but music became his true calling. By his teens, he was playing bass in local bands, including England and Chalk Farm, before landing his big break as the lead singer and bassist for The Babys in 1974.

The Babys brought Waite moderate success with hits like "Isn’t It Time" and "Everytime I Think of You," both peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, as noted in his Wikipedia bio. After the band disbanded in 1980, Waite launched his solo career with the 1982 album Ignition, featuring the hit "Change." His 1984 album No Brakes, propelled by "Missing You," skyrocketed him to international fame, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Waite’s career also included a stint with the supergroup Bad English, producing the No. 1 hit "When I See You Smile." His Instagram often highlights his ongoing tours, where he continues to perform with the same passion that launched his five-decade career.

Fans can connect with John Waite through his official website, where he shares tour dates and personal reflections on songwriting, describing rock ‘n’ roll as his “spiritual power.” His Facebook page, with over 66,000 likes, is a hub for fan engagement, featuring tour updates and nostalgic posts about his hits. On X, Waite interacts with fans, sharing thoughts on his music and career. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, the fan site johnwaite.nl offers a detailed discography and biography. Fan communities like the John Waite Fans Facebook group provide a space for enthusiasts to discuss his music, share concert experiences, and celebrate tracks like "Head First (Live 1988 / Wildcard Remaster)" that keep the Zoo Crew’s airwaves rocking.

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the vibrant track "Head First (Live 1988 / Wildcard Remaster)" by John Waite from the album John Waite No Brakes Tour LD for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This live rendition captures the raw energy of Waite’s 1988 performances, a period when he was riding high on the success of his solo career. While specific trivia about this exact live version is scarce, the original "Head First" from Waite’s 1978 album with The Babys is a fan favorite, known for its gritty rock edge. In a 2013 interview with Songfacts, Waite shared that his songwriting often stems from spontaneous emotion, suggesting that tracks like "Head First" were born from a visceral, in-the-moment creative spark. The 1988 live version, remastered for Wildcard, amplifies this intensity, showcasing Waite’s commanding stage presence and his band’s tight musicianship, as noted in fan discussions on his official Facebook page.

Another tidbit comes from Waite’s reflections on his live performances. In a 2024 Charleston.com interview, he described his 40-minute opening sets as “firing off hits,” a fitting description for the high-octane delivery of "Head First" in 1988. Fans on Waite’s X account have praised the remastered live tracks for their clarity, bringing out nuances like the driving bassline and Waite’s emotive vocals. The song’s inclusion in the No Brakes Tour LD album ties it to the era of Waite’s mega-hit "Missing You," which, as he revealed in a 2024 AMFM Magazine interview, was written on the spot after a friend played some chord changes. This improvisational spirit likely influenced the live energy of "Head First," making it a standout for Zoo Freaks grooving to THE ZOO’s eclectic playlist.

John Waite, born on July 4, 1952, in Lancaster, England, kicked off his musical journey with a deep-rooted love for blues, soul, and country, as detailed on his official website. Growing up in a working-class family, Waite was drawn to music through American Westerns and artists like Marty Robbins, as he shared in a 2022 documentary, John Waite: The Hard Way. His first brush with commercial music came via a Tommy Steele ukulele, which, to his dismay, was revealed to be a Mickey Mouse-shaped instrument under a sticker—a story he recounted in the documentary. Waite’s formal education at Lancaster Art College fueled his creative side, but music became his true calling. By his teens, he was playing bass in local bands, including England and Chalk Farm, before landing his big break as the lead singer and bassist for The Babys in 1974.

The Babys brought Waite moderate success with hits like "Isn’t It Time" and "Everytime I Think of You," both peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, as noted in his Wikipedia bio. After the band disbanded in 1980, Waite launched his solo career with the 1982 album Ignition, featuring the hit "Change." His 1984 album No Brakes, propelled by "Missing You," skyrocketed him to international fame, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Waite’s career also included a stint with the supergroup Bad English, producing the No. 1 hit "When I See You Smile." His Instagram often highlights his ongoing tours, where he continues to perform with the same passion that launched his five-decade career.

Fans can connect with John Waite through his official website, where he shares tour dates and personal reflections on songwriting, describing rock ‘n’ roll as his “spiritual power.” His Facebook page, with over 66,000 likes, is a hub for fan engagement, featuring tour updates and nostalgic posts about his hits. On X, Waite interacts with fans, sharing thoughts on his music and career. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, the fan site johnwaite.nl offers a detailed discography and biography. Fan communities like the John Waite Fans Facebook group provide a space for enthusiasts to discuss his music, share concert experiences, and celebrate tracks like "Head First (Live 1988 / Wildcard Remaster)" that keep the Zoo Crew’s airwaves rocking.