Isn’t It Time

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to "Isn’t It Time" by John Waite, a track that’s got that sweet '70s rock vibe perfect for our hippie DJ crew at THE ZOO! This song, a hit from 1977, was actually performed by Waite’s band The Babys, not from the album Downtown as some might think—that’s a later solo work of his from 2007. The song comes from The Babys’ album Broken Heart, and it climbed to No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Waite’s knack for blending heartfelt lyrics with catchy pop-rock hooks. In a 2013 interview with Songwriting Magazine, Waite shared that the song’s success was part of the band’s rise, driven by their intense live performances that left fans “elated and exhausted.” Fun fact: the lush backing vocals and orchestral touches in "Isn’t It Time" were a bold choice, inspired by the band’s desire to stand out in the late '70s rock scene, as noted in a fan post on X praising the song’s “fantastic delivery.”

Another cool tidbit about "Isn’t It Time" comes from Waite’s reflections on The Babys’ era. In a 2021 SteelStacks interview, he recalled how the band’s early video for a different song helped them score a record deal, a pioneering move in the pre-MTV days. This innovative spirit carried into "Isn’t It Time," which became a staple of their live shows. Waite’s raw energy on stage was legendary—one wild night, an overzealous fan pulled him off the stage during an encore, injuring his knee, which marked a chaotic end to The Babys’ run, as he shared in his 2022 documentary The Hard Way. Fans on the John Waite Official Facebook page often rave about the song’s timeless appeal, with some calling it a “time capsule” of their youth, echoing sentiments from a 2024 Daily Iowan article about Waite’s enduring live performances.

Now, let’s rewind to how John Waite kicked off his musical journey. Born on July 4, 1952, in Lancaster, England, Waite grew up in a working-class family with a deep love for music. His bio on AllMusic notes that his early influences included American Western music and gunfighter ballads by Marty Robbins, which he heard on TV as a kid. By age eight, he was crafting melodies in his head while waiting for the bus, as he told Songwriting Magazine in 2013. His cousin Michael, a skilled banjo player, introduced him to Hank Williams, and his brother Joe picked up guitar, making music a family affair. Waite’s first instrument? A plastic ukulele with a Tommy Steele sticker that hilariously turned out to be Mickey Mouse-shaped, a story he shared with a laugh in the same interview. His path took a serious turn at Lancaster Art College, where he studied painting but felt music calling louder.

Waite’s big break came in 1974 when he joined The Babys as their lead singer and bassist, a role that blended his songwriting and performance skills. According to Wikipedia, the band formed in London and scored a record deal with Chrysalis after a video demo, a bold move for the time. Their hits like "Isn’t It Time" and "Every Time I Think of You" made Waite a rock staple before the band split in 1981. From there, he launched a solo career with the 1982 album Ignition, followed by the mega-hit "Missing You" in 1984, cementing his status as a rock icon. Waite’s gritty determination shone through even in tough times, like when he moved to New York City with no money, writing songs with Ivan Kral, as he recounted in a 2013 Songwriting Magazine chat.

Stay connected with John Waite through his Facebook, where he has over 66,000 fans, and his Instagram for tour updates and art posts—yep, he’s a painter too! On X, Waite shares music news and interacts with fans, like responding to birthday wishes posted by fans. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out the fan-driven John Waite Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group sharing concert pics and memories. Another gem is johnwaiteworldwide.com, the official site with tour dates, merch, and exclusive art. So, crank up "Isn’t It Time," Zoo Crew, and let’s keep the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive!